OEP Warns Government: Act Now to Meet Environmental Goals
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) believes the current government can still meet its legal environmental commitments, but time is running out.
In their recent report titled “Progress in Improving the Natural Environment in England 2023/2024,” the OEP notes that progress has slowed. The government is falling behind on its legal environmental obligations, which include improving water and air quality and halting declines in nature.
This report covers the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. It highlights that while there are signs of improvement in some areas, overall progress is lagging compared to last year. The government is not on track to meet targets that have been agreed upon by Parliament to enhance the natural environment significantly.
Key deadlines are approaching fast. The OEP emphasizes that there is still a chance for the government to change course, but it requires urgent action. If current trends continue, critical targets—like those for land and sea—will likely be missed.
Dame Glenys Stacey, Chair of the OEP, expressed concern about the government’s pace. “This report is alarming. It reflects the progress made under the previous government, but the current government faces even greater environmental challenges,” she said.
She added, “However, the situation can improve. The government must act without delay. Each month that passes reduces the chance to fix environmental issues, and the effort required to do so increases.”
She praised the government’s decision to conduct a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). “The new EIP needs clarity and focus. It should outline clear responsibilities and timelines for action to address urgent environmental challenges,” Dame Glenys stated.
The OEP’s report makes eight essential recommendations to align with EIP goals and the government’s environmental priorities:
- Enhance nature-friendly farming by building better relationships with farmers and landowners.
- Protect wildlife by improving the legal safeguards around protected areas and investing in their designation.
- Advance marine conservation by implementing overdue regulations for Marine Protected Areas.
- Balance land and sea usage through clear Local Nature Recovery Strategies and detailed spatial plans.
- Create a circular economy by updating waste and resources strategies.
- Encourage investment by providing incentives and support for local authorities.
- Improve regulations with better resources and communication with businesses and the public.
- Show leadership by connecting environmental principles to statutory targets and increasing transparency in the EIP.
The assessment found that the government is on track to meet 9 out of 43 environmental targets, partially on track for 12, and largely off track for 20. While some air and water pollution targets are being met, areas such as nature conservation, freshwater, and waste management still require significant improvement.
Overall, the OEP concludes that in key areas, including the goal of thriving wildlife, the government is falling behind. Urgent action is necessary to reverse these trends and achieve meaningful improvements in the natural environment.
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