A private member's bill launched in the House of Lords today aims to grant legal rights to nature, changing its status from property to a legal subject with inherent rights. The initiative, backed by Chris Packham and Baroness Natalie Bennett, seeks to impose a duty of care on government and business towards the natural world.
The bill would establish a legal duty of care and create national and bioregional councils to implement sustainable practices across the economy. Mumta Ito, founder of Nature's Rights, described it as a 'seismic shift' in law and policy, encoding a new consciousness that protects nature as the basis of life.
Supporters argue the bill is a practical response to the biodiversity and climate emergency. Chris Packham stated it embeds nature into decision-making to prevent harm, rather than cleaning up after it. The initiative reflects a global trend, with rights of nature recognised in countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, and New Zealand, and explored by the UN.
In the UK, regional movements have already gained traction. The Welsh parliament has the Well-being of Future Generations Act, and several English councils have supported river rights. The Scottish parliament has been petitioned for legal personhood for rivers like the Clyde.
Despite strong political headwinds, Green party nature spokesperson Jonathan Elmer sees the bill as a long-term strategy. 'This is the very start of this process,' he said, adding that if unsuccessful, they will try again. The bill is described as a 'stalking horse' for broader change.
