Ruth Chambers
@ruthchambers.bsky.social
🌍 Senior fellow, Green Alliance; Chair, Foodrise; Hon Prof, UCL; Adviser, River Action and the RSPB.
Reposted by Ruth Chambers
Wales is creating a new environmental watchdog after 7 years of waiting - but will it have the teeth it needs?
In our latest blog, @ruthchambers.bsky.social tells the story of a bill racing against time, political uncertainty and the fight to get the details right.
🔁 @iwa-wales.bsky.social
In our latest blog, @ruthchambers.bsky.social tells the story of a bill racing against time, political uncertainty and the fight to get the details right.
🔁 @iwa-wales.bsky.social
At a crossroads: why Wales must futureproof its new green governance
This article was first published on the Institute of Welsh Affairs website. In a world of political uncertainty, democratic checks and balances matter. As we approach the last four months of the si…
greenallianceblog.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Wales is creating a new environmental watchdog after 7 years of waiting - but will it have the teeth it needs?
In our latest blog, @ruthchambers.bsky.social tells the story of a bill racing against time, political uncertainty and the fight to get the details right.
🔁 @iwa-wales.bsky.social
In our latest blog, @ruthchambers.bsky.social tells the story of a bill racing against time, political uncertainty and the fight to get the details right.
🔁 @iwa-wales.bsky.social
✅ In a world of political uncertainty, democratic checks and balances matter. My thoughts for @iwa-wales.bsky.social on how to future proof green governance in Wales.
www.iwa.wales/agenda/2025/...
www.iwa.wales/agenda/2025/...
At a crossroads: why Wales must futureproof its new green governance - Institute of Welsh Affairs
The new OEGW can fill our environmental governance gap, but it must be given the legal duty and resources to ensure its independence and delivery.
www.iwa.wales
November 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
✅ In a world of political uncertainty, democratic checks and balances matter. My thoughts for @iwa-wales.bsky.social on how to future proof green governance in Wales.
www.iwa.wales/agenda/2025/...
www.iwa.wales/agenda/2025/...
Reposted by Ruth Chambers
In our latest blog, senior fellow @ruthchambers.bsky.social looks at the rapidly changing political landscape in Wales and what this means for environmental protection.
Read the blog here⤵️
Read the blog here⤵️
What does the Caerphilly by-election tell us about the state of Welsh politics?
Last week, a by-election in Caerphilly in South Wales was won by Plaid Cymru. With elections to Senedd Cymru – the Welsh Parliament – just seven months away, this result highlights the political un…
buff.ly
October 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
In our latest blog, senior fellow @ruthchambers.bsky.social looks at the rapidly changing political landscape in Wales and what this means for environmental protection.
Read the blog here⤵️
Read the blog here⤵️
🙏 Thank you minister @emmahardymp.bsky.social & chief scientific adviser @evoswami.bsky.social for an engaging discussion on action on chemicals pollution.
💚 It's an area where environmental principles – prevent, rectify at source, precaution, polluter pays – must be at the heart of policy making.
💚 It's an area where environmental principles – prevent, rectify at source, precaution, polluter pays – must be at the heart of policy making.
October 29, 2025 at 3:16 PM
🙏 Thank you minister @emmahardymp.bsky.social & chief scientific adviser @evoswami.bsky.social for an engaging discussion on action on chemicals pollution.
💚 It's an area where environmental principles – prevent, rectify at source, precaution, polluter pays – must be at the heart of policy making.
💚 It's an area where environmental principles – prevent, rectify at source, precaution, polluter pays – must be at the heart of policy making.
🌄 The political landscape in Wales is changing rapidly. As parties vie for prominence and power, coalition working seems inevitable, including on the environment.
In such uncertain times, legal certainty and the voice of civil society matters.
👀New blog ⬇️
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/10/28/w...
In such uncertain times, legal certainty and the voice of civil society matters.
👀New blog ⬇️
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/10/28/w...
What does the Caerphilly by-election tell us about the state of Welsh politics?
Last week, a by-election in Caerphilly in South Wales was won by Plaid Cymru. With elections to Senedd Cymru – the Welsh Parliament – just seven months away, this result highlights the political un…
greenallianceblog.org.uk
October 28, 2025 at 10:05 AM
🌄 The political landscape in Wales is changing rapidly. As parties vie for prominence and power, coalition working seems inevitable, including on the environment.
In such uncertain times, legal certainty and the voice of civil society matters.
👀New blog ⬇️
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/10/28/w...
In such uncertain times, legal certainty and the voice of civil society matters.
👀New blog ⬇️
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/10/28/w...
🚥 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | Wales stands at a crossroads in both its politics and its environmental ambitions.
@joe-wildlife.bsky.social and I discuss the state of politics and nature in Wales and how proposed new environmental laws should be strengthened in this #GreenAlliancePodcast
🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 buff.ly/wrjblXa
@joe-wildlife.bsky.social and I discuss the state of politics and nature in Wales and how proposed new environmental laws should be strengthened in this #GreenAlliancePodcast
🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 buff.ly/wrjblXa
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
October 14, 2025 at 8:10 AM
🚥 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | Wales stands at a crossroads in both its politics and its environmental ambitions.
@joe-wildlife.bsky.social and I discuss the state of politics and nature in Wales and how proposed new environmental laws should be strengthened in this #GreenAlliancePodcast
🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 buff.ly/wrjblXa
@joe-wildlife.bsky.social and I discuss the state of politics and nature in Wales and how proposed new environmental laws should be strengthened in this #GreenAlliancePodcast
🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 buff.ly/wrjblXa
⚡Is Labour about to put its historic link with National Parks at risk? I hope not but it seems this is not an academic question.
👀 All eyes will be on the government amendments to the planning and infrastructure bill, expected mid October.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/30/i...
👀 All eyes will be on the government amendments to the planning and infrastructure bill, expected mid October.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/30/i...
Is Labour about to put its historic link with National Parks at risk?
At last year’s Labour party conference the prime minister spoke about the beauty and wonder of the Lake District. Visitors to this year’s conference are greeted by six Labour history information bo…
greenallianceblog.org.uk
September 30, 2025 at 12:50 PM
⚡Is Labour about to put its historic link with National Parks at risk? I hope not but it seems this is not an academic question.
👀 All eyes will be on the government amendments to the planning and infrastructure bill, expected mid October.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/30/i...
👀 All eyes will be on the government amendments to the planning and infrastructure bill, expected mid October.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/30/i...
📚 There's a lot of critical environmental decisions piling up on ministers' desks.
🚀 None more so than the environmental improvement plan, which has stalled. Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds must get the new plan out the door and drive its implementation at pace.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
🚀 None more so than the environmental improvement plan, which has stalled. Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds must get the new plan out the door and drive its implementation at pace.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
September 26, 2025 at 9:59 AM
📚 There's a lot of critical environmental decisions piling up on ministers' desks.
🚀 None more so than the environmental improvement plan, which has stalled. Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds must get the new plan out the door and drive its implementation at pace.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
🚀 None more so than the environmental improvement plan, which has stalled. Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds must get the new plan out the door and drive its implementation at pace.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
My latest @green-alliance.org.uk blog looks at some of the opportunities and challenges facing new Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds.
📝 There's a lot on her 'to do' list so where should she start? Here are five suggestions.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/18/n...
📝 There's a lot on her 'to do' list so where should she start? Here are five suggestions.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/18/n...
New Defra secretary Emma Reynolds has a big ‘to do’ list but a chance to make some publicly popular moves
Emma Reynolds has become the tenth UK environment secretary in a decade, joining the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at a critical time for environmental protection. She …
greenallianceblog.org.uk
September 18, 2025 at 7:34 AM
My latest @green-alliance.org.uk blog looks at some of the opportunities and challenges facing new Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds.
📝 There's a lot on her 'to do' list so where should she start? Here are five suggestions.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/18/n...
📝 There's a lot on her 'to do' list so where should she start? Here are five suggestions.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/18/n...
🌋 ⚖️ 🌳 Who remembers when thousands of environmental laws nearly disappeared over a cliff?*
📑 In our latest briefing, we tell the story of retained EU laws and look to their future.
* Luckily this didn’t happen thanks to civil society and parliamentarians.
green-alliance.org.uk/briefing/the...
📑 In our latest briefing, we tell the story of retained EU laws and look to their future.
* Luckily this didn’t happen thanks to civil society and parliamentarians.
green-alliance.org.uk/briefing/the...
The fate of retained EU laws since Brexit » Green Alliance
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment
green-alliance.org.uk
August 20, 2025 at 3:46 PM
🌋 ⚖️ 🌳 Who remembers when thousands of environmental laws nearly disappeared over a cliff?*
📑 In our latest briefing, we tell the story of retained EU laws and look to their future.
* Luckily this didn’t happen thanks to civil society and parliamentarians.
green-alliance.org.uk/briefing/the...
📑 In our latest briefing, we tell the story of retained EU laws and look to their future.
* Luckily this didn’t happen thanks to civil society and parliamentarians.
green-alliance.org.uk/briefing/the...
Reposted by Ruth Chambers
In our latest blog, @ruthchambers.bsky.social highlights the worrying trend of governments curtailing our ability to protest about their policies or inaction.
The government must reset its approach, repeal draconian laws and bring us back into compliance with the Aarhus Convention.
The government must reset its approach, repeal draconian laws and bring us back into compliance with the Aarhus Convention.
The right to protest on the environment must be restored
Five years ago, I reflected on the role that civil disobedience and protests have played in the environmental movement and the worrying direction of travel prompted by the backlash to Extinction Rebellion. What has happened since September 2020?
buff.ly
August 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM
In our latest blog, @ruthchambers.bsky.social highlights the worrying trend of governments curtailing our ability to protest about their policies or inaction.
The government must reset its approach, repeal draconian laws and bring us back into compliance with the Aarhus Convention.
The government must reset its approach, repeal draconian laws and bring us back into compliance with the Aarhus Convention.
My latest @green-alliance.org.uk blog makes the case for the right to protest on the environment to be restored.
It’s not too late to reverse this worrying anti-democratic direction of travel but the government must act now.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/14/t...
It’s not too late to reverse this worrying anti-democratic direction of travel but the government must act now.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/14/t...
The right to protest on the environment must be restored
Five years ago, I reflected on the role that civil disobedience and protests have played in the environmental movement and the worrying direction of travel prompted by the backlash to Extinction Re…
greenallianceblog.org.uk
August 14, 2025 at 6:13 AM
My latest @green-alliance.org.uk blog makes the case for the right to protest on the environment to be restored.
It’s not too late to reverse this worrying anti-democratic direction of travel but the government must act now.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/14/t...
It’s not too late to reverse this worrying anti-democratic direction of travel but the government must act now.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/14/t...
🌎 Recent rollbacks in Brazil, Ecuador & the US show how fragile environmental governance systems can be.
🍃 In this new @green-alliance.org.uk blog I look at how the UK can strengthen environmental protections to help them withstand changing political winds.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/06/t...
🍃 In this new @green-alliance.org.uk blog I look at how the UK can strengthen environmental protections to help them withstand changing political winds.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/06/t...
The UK needs to strengthen, not rollback, its environmental protections
Across the world, governance systems that protect precious environments and people are being dismantled. This may feel a far cry from the cut and thrust of domestic politics, but there are already …
greenallianceblog.org.uk
August 6, 2025 at 1:12 PM
🌎 Recent rollbacks in Brazil, Ecuador & the US show how fragile environmental governance systems can be.
🍃 In this new @green-alliance.org.uk blog I look at how the UK can strengthen environmental protections to help them withstand changing political winds.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/06/t...
🍃 In this new @green-alliance.org.uk blog I look at how the UK can strengthen environmental protections to help them withstand changing political winds.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/06/t...
📆 Today marks one year since Defra launched a ‘rapid review’ of the Environmental Improvement Plan.
🪟 The Office for Environmental Protection has warned the window to get on track to meet environmental goals will soon slam shut.
👀 Safe to say there’s a lot riding on the new plan.
🪟 The Office for Environmental Protection has warned the window to get on track to meet environmental goals will soon slam shut.
👀 Safe to say there’s a lot riding on the new plan.
July 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
📆 Today marks one year since Defra launched a ‘rapid review’ of the Environmental Improvement Plan.
🪟 The Office for Environmental Protection has warned the window to get on track to meet environmental goals will soon slam shut.
👀 Safe to say there’s a lot riding on the new plan.
🪟 The Office for Environmental Protection has warned the window to get on track to meet environmental goals will soon slam shut.
👀 Safe to say there’s a lot riding on the new plan.
🙏 @justinmadders.bsky.social for reaffirming that environmental protections will be maintained when the govt uses its powers under the Retained EU Law Act.
📗 This welcome statement is in the govt's latest report to Parliament.
✉️ Read the minister's letter 👇
green-alliance.org.uk/wp-content/u...
📗 This welcome statement is in the govt's latest report to Parliament.
✉️ Read the minister's letter 👇
green-alliance.org.uk/wp-content/u...
July 23, 2025 at 9:53 AM
🙏 @justinmadders.bsky.social for reaffirming that environmental protections will be maintained when the govt uses its powers under the Retained EU Law Act.
📗 This welcome statement is in the govt's latest report to Parliament.
✉️ Read the minister's letter 👇
green-alliance.org.uk/wp-content/u...
📗 This welcome statement is in the govt's latest report to Parliament.
✉️ Read the minister's letter 👇
green-alliance.org.uk/wp-content/u...
🌟 🌟 Delighted to give evidence alongside these two superstars* this morning in @senedd.wales on a new legal environmental framework for Cymru.
*Alex Phillips from WWF Cymru and Annie Smith from @rspbcymru.bsky.social who co-chair the @waleslink.bsky.social biodiversity group.
*Alex Phillips from WWF Cymru and Annie Smith from @rspbcymru.bsky.social who co-chair the @waleslink.bsky.social biodiversity group.
July 17, 2025 at 2:59 PM
🌟 🌟 Delighted to give evidence alongside these two superstars* this morning in @senedd.wales on a new legal environmental framework for Cymru.
*Alex Phillips from WWF Cymru and Annie Smith from @rspbcymru.bsky.social who co-chair the @waleslink.bsky.social biodiversity group.
*Alex Phillips from WWF Cymru and Annie Smith from @rspbcymru.bsky.social who co-chair the @waleslink.bsky.social biodiversity group.
🧩 The Welsh environmental governance bill will complete the legislative jigsaw we’ve been working on across the UK since Brexit.
🎧 For more details check out this webinar with @futuregencymru.bsky.social where @rspbcymru.bsky.social WWF Cymru & I discuss the bill.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g78...
🎧 For more details check out this webinar with @futuregencymru.bsky.social where @rspbcymru.bsky.social WWF Cymru & I discuss the bill.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g78...
Webinar: The new Environmental Governance Bill: what does it mean for public bodies?
YouTube video by Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
www.youtube.com
July 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
🧩 The Welsh environmental governance bill will complete the legislative jigsaw we’ve been working on across the UK since Brexit.
🎧 For more details check out this webinar with @futuregencymru.bsky.social where @rspbcymru.bsky.social WWF Cymru & I discuss the bill.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g78...
🎧 For more details check out this webinar with @futuregencymru.bsky.social where @rspbcymru.bsky.social WWF Cymru & I discuss the bill.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g78...
A thundery afternoon at #Elmey nature reserve full of bees and butterflies feasting on teasel nectar, corn bunting (which seems to be doing well here), hares and a sprinting stoat.
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social is this a moss carder? 🐝 🔎
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social is this a moss carder? 🐝 🔎
July 7, 2025 at 7:13 AM
A thundery afternoon at #Elmey nature reserve full of bees and butterflies feasting on teasel nectar, corn bunting (which seems to be doing well here), hares and a sprinting stoat.
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social is this a moss carder? 🐝 🔎
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social is this a moss carder? 🐝 🔎
⚡ Big news for Northern Ireland’s environment as an expert review signals the need for major change ⚡
We welcome its calls for stronger environmental governance and enforcement, to better protect and restore the environment.
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/defaul...
We welcome its calls for stronger environmental governance and enforcement, to better protect and restore the environment.
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/defaul...
June 17, 2025 at 2:47 PM
⚡ Big news for Northern Ireland’s environment as an expert review signals the need for major change ⚡
We welcome its calls for stronger environmental governance and enforcement, to better protect and restore the environment.
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/defaul...
We welcome its calls for stronger environmental governance and enforcement, to better protect and restore the environment.
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Ruth Chambers
Wednesday's spending review revealed the government's plans for the trajectory of the economy, and was largely more forgiving for climate and nature than many expected. So, how did it perform against our asks? 🤔🚦
Read our full evaluation in this new briefing: green-alliance.org.uk/briefing/was...
Read our full evaluation in this new briefing: green-alliance.org.uk/briefing/was...
June 12, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Wednesday's spending review revealed the government's plans for the trajectory of the economy, and was largely more forgiving for climate and nature than many expected. So, how did it perform against our asks? 🤔🚦
Read our full evaluation in this new briefing: green-alliance.org.uk/briefing/was...
Read our full evaluation in this new briefing: green-alliance.org.uk/briefing/was...
🔍 It pays to read the small print when ministers exchange letters with select committees.
✉️ In his latest letter to @commonseac.parliament.uk, Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed sets out several important commitments.
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
✉️ In his latest letter to @commonseac.parliament.uk, Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed sets out several important commitments.
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
committees.parliament.uk
June 12, 2025 at 3:16 PM
🔍 It pays to read the small print when ministers exchange letters with select committees.
✉️ In his latest letter to @commonseac.parliament.uk, Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed sets out several important commitments.
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
✉️ In his latest letter to @commonseac.parliament.uk, Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed sets out several important commitments.
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
Reposted by Ruth Chambers
🧵 The latest stocktake from our Legislation and Governance Unit takes a snapshot of UK and EU financial sustainability reporting regulations since Brexit.
While both have introduced anti-greenwashing measures, companies operating across borders face slow reform and duplication.
1/5
While both have introduced anti-greenwashing measures, companies operating across borders face slow reform and duplication.
1/5
UK-EU divergence in financial sustainability reporting
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment
green-alliance.org.uk
June 2, 2025 at 8:01 AM
🧵 The latest stocktake from our Legislation and Governance Unit takes a snapshot of UK and EU financial sustainability reporting regulations since Brexit.
While both have introduced anti-greenwashing measures, companies operating across borders face slow reform and duplication.
1/5
While both have introduced anti-greenwashing measures, companies operating across borders face slow reform and duplication.
1/5
Reposted by Ruth Chambers
Today is a red letter day for environmental protection in Wales, as long awaited laws to set up a new watchdog and build the environment into policy making are published.
While welcome, the bill must be strengthened.
1/3
While welcome, the bill must be strengthened.
1/3
Introduction of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill | GOV.WALES
Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
www.gov.wales
June 2, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Today is a red letter day for environmental protection in Wales, as long awaited laws to set up a new watchdog and build the environment into policy making are published.
While welcome, the bill must be strengthened.
1/3
While welcome, the bill must be strengthened.
1/3
📢 There's much to say on Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill but other parts also spell big changes.
🙏 In this excellent blog, Prof Maria Lee explains why Part 1 deserves careful scrutiny, not least because of its democratic downsides.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/05/29/r...
🙏 In this excellent blog, Prof Maria Lee explains why Part 1 deserves careful scrutiny, not least because of its democratic downsides.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/05/29/r...
Removing consultation from major infrastructure planning is undemocratic
This post is by Maria Lee, professor of law at UCL. Much concerned and angry attention has, quite rightly, been paid to Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, for what the Office for Envir…
greenallianceblog.org.uk
May 29, 2025 at 3:23 PM
📢 There's much to say on Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill but other parts also spell big changes.
🙏 In this excellent blog, Prof Maria Lee explains why Part 1 deserves careful scrutiny, not least because of its democratic downsides.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/05/29/r...
🙏 In this excellent blog, Prof Maria Lee explains why Part 1 deserves careful scrutiny, not least because of its democratic downsides.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/05/29/r...
Reposted by Ruth Chambers
"This is where cross government working really does need to bite."
@ruthchambers.bsky.social discusses how to tackle competing departmental priorities with @endsreport.com's @jamesxparsons.bsky.social & @pippaneill.bsky.social on the #ECOchamber podcast.
Listen: www.endsreport.com/article/1918...
@ruthchambers.bsky.social discusses how to tackle competing departmental priorities with @endsreport.com's @jamesxparsons.bsky.social & @pippaneill.bsky.social on the #ECOchamber podcast.
Listen: www.endsreport.com/article/1918...
May 28, 2025 at 2:57 PM
"This is where cross government working really does need to bite."
@ruthchambers.bsky.social discusses how to tackle competing departmental priorities with @endsreport.com's @jamesxparsons.bsky.social & @pippaneill.bsky.social on the #ECOchamber podcast.
Listen: www.endsreport.com/article/1918...
@ruthchambers.bsky.social discusses how to tackle competing departmental priorities with @endsreport.com's @jamesxparsons.bsky.social & @pippaneill.bsky.social on the #ECOchamber podcast.
Listen: www.endsreport.com/article/1918...