As I am writing this blog, the temperature outside is currently 31°C. We are currently in the middle of what feels like the 100th heatwave this year and climate change is being taken more seriously than ever before. If we cast our minds back to the mid 2000’s, the term ‘heatwave’ would be something we would associate with the Sahara Desert. idea of ‘Climate Change’ was considered a myth.

But here we are… it is 2022 and the term heatwave is now used to describe almost every summer in the UK and we can say for certain that Climate Change is not a myth and is a real threat to our planet.

On 30th June 2022, I had the privilege of representing Greens Solicitors at a roundtable event hosted by Birmingham Law Society and Landmark Information at Squire Patton Boggs’ Birmingham office. The topic of discussion was Climate Change and the Law Society’s anticipated Practice Direction directing conveyancers to include Climate Change checks as part of the usual checks when advising their clients in respect of a conveyancing transaction.

It was very clear to me that climate change is at the forefront of everyone’s mind within the legal practice. Several of world’s leading corporate firms who were sat alongside Greens at the event confirmed their pledge to become carbon negative within the next 20-40 years (i.e., they aim to remove more carbon than they emit!). When I spoke with these firms and asked how they planned to do this their answer was quite simple; “helping the environment is more than just recycling or using less paper. It is about changing attitudes and practices within your workplace and with those you work with.”

With this in mind, conversation turned to the Chancery Lane Project which is a free initiative created to allow Solicitors to have access to hundreds of ‘climate change’ precedent clauses to include in everyday contracts. Who would have thought that drafting contracts could help the environment?

Whilst I gave my view and opinion about the proposed changes, it got me thinking… Property sales/purchases play a vital role within Matrimonial Finance cases with some cases often dealing with the sale of multiple properties. If we began making climate positive decisions when dealing with matrimonial assets, then we too could join the fight against climate change. Not only could we make a change, we could protect you, our client, and foresee any climate change associated risks that may arise in the future.

Here at Greens, we understand how difficult Divorce and Finance proceedings can become. That is why we have a team of experts on hand to guide you through the process. We provide expert representation to our clients and strive to achieve the best possible results. Should you wish to instruct Solicitors that care both about the environment as well as their clients then contact Greens, the green Solicitors!

For more information please contact Amrik Singh on 0121 233 2042 or by email at amrik.singh@greenssolicitors.org We look forward to hearing from you!