The UK is at risk of failing to meet legally binding targets to protect biodiversity and nature, a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has warned.
The UK has committed to protecting and conserving at least 30 per cent of its land and seas by 2030, an international target known as “30×30” agreed at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022.
However, a report published today (Tuesday 27 August 2024) says that unless the Government acts urgently to halt and reverse the UK’s unprecedented environmental crisis, the targets are at risk of being missed.
Agriculture
The report says the UK ranks in the bottom 10% of countries in the world for biodiversity, with only 53% of its biodiversity remaining and 41% of UK species experiencing significant population declines since 1970.
Meanwhile, with less than six years to go to reach the UN target, less than 3 percent of England’s land area and 8 percent of its seas are effectively protected, the paper adds.
The think tank said the new Labour government had an opportunity to embed nature recovery as part of bold policies to revive the nation, with ministers setting out a blueprint for tackling the issue.
The plan includes measures such as setting legally binding targets to crack down on wastewater polluters and giving the Environment Agency greater powers to enforce sanctions.
Other recommendations include delivering a just transition for farmers through extra funding for green farming in England, and legislating the right to roam and extending the right to responsible access to England’s countryside.
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IPPR researcher Joseph Evans said: “The UK’s natural landscape is a source of pride for many of us, but Britain’s nature is in a dire state – biodiversity is being lost, species numbers are declining and many people don’t have adequate access to green spaces.”
“The new Government has an opportunity to reverse the decline of nature and drive progressive change across the country. Nature restoration should be a cornerstone of the Government’s National Renewal Strategy.”
Dr. Sam Sinclair, Co-Founder Biodiversity “The costs of taking nature-friendly actions now are relatively low compared to the much higher costs and consequences of delaying it another decade.”
“But this report reveals a harsh reality: governments are lagging behind the business community in action, as companies increasingly recognise the commercial and environmental imperative of restoring land that produces everything from cotton to cocoa.”
“The Government must now play its part, developing careful plans to increase access to green spaces and create and improve natural habitats – without it the UK will not meet its climate and biodiversity targets.”
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A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “Britain’s nature is under threat, which is why we immediately announced a rapid review of our green plan to ensure it remains fit for purpose, meeting legally binding targets and halting species declines by 2030.”
“This Administration will also make nature more accessible to all by creating nine new national riverwalks and three new national forests.”
“We imposed tough special measures on water companies and took immediate steps to divert the flow of unacceptable pollution into our waterways, while introducing new agreements to help farmers strengthen food security and restore nature.”
This author
Rebecca Spear-Cole is a sustainability reporter in Pennsylvania. Brendan Montague is Ecologist.
