The UK is at risk of failing to meet its legally binding targets to protect biodiversity and nature, a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) warns.
The UK has committed to protecting and conserving at least 30% of its land and seas by 2030. This is an international target known as 30×30, and was agreed at the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022.
But a report published today (Tuesday 27 August 2024) says the government risks missing its targets unless it takes urgent action to halt and reverse the UK’s unprecedented environmental crisis.
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The UK ranks in the bottom 10% of countries worldwide for biodiversity, with just 53% of its biodiversity remaining and 41% of UK species have seen significant declines in population since 1970, it said.
Meanwhile, with less than six years to go to meet the UN target, less than 3% of Britain’s land and 8% of its seas are effectively protected, the paper added.
The think tank said there was an opportunity for the new Labour government to include natural recovery in its bold agenda for national renewal as it sets out a blueprint for how to tackle the problem for ministers.
The plan includes measures such as developing legally binding targets to address sources of wastewater pollution and strengthening EPA’s authority to enforce sanctions.
Other recommendations include providing a fair transition for farmers through additional funding for green farming in England, and legislation on the right to roam that expands responsible access to the English countryside.
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Joseph Evans, a research fellow at IPPR, said: “Britain’s natural landscapes are a source of pride for many, but they are in a terrible state. Biodiversity is declining, species are declining and many people simply do not have reasonable access to green space.
“The new government has the opportunity to reverse the decline of nature and drive progressive change across the country. Restoring nature must be a cornerstone of the government’s national renewal strategy.”
Co-founder Dr. Sam Sinclair Biodiversity “The cost of taking positive action on nature now is relatively low compared to the much higher costs and consequences of delaying it another decade.
“But the report exposes the harsh reality that governments are lagging behind business in taking action, even as companies increasingly become more conscious of the commercial and environmental imperative to restore the landscapes that produce everything from cotton to cocoa.
“We must now see the Government take its role in increasing access to green space and creating and improving natural habitats through careful planning, otherwise the UK will not meet its climate or biodiversity targets.”
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A Department for Environment and Farming spokesperson said: “With Britain’s nature at risk, we are wasting no time in announcing that we will conduct a rapid review of our Environment Improvement Plan to ensure it is fit and proper to meet our legally binding targets for 2030 and halt species declines.
“This government will also improve access to nature for all by creating nine new national river trails and three new national forests.
“We have taken strict special measures against water companies, taken immediate action to turn the tide on unacceptable pollution of our waterways, and introduced new deals for farmers to boost food security and help nature recover.”
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Rebecca Speare-Cole is the PA sustainability reporter. Brendan Montague is the editor. Ecologist.
