What is the Office for Environmental Protection's assessment of UK environmental targets?

The OEP found that seven out of ten environmental targets are unlikely to be met by 2030, with others only partly on track.

Why is the UK government failing on its biodiversity target?

Important species continue to decline, and the opportunity to effect change before the 2030 deadline has largely passed.

What are the risks identified by the OEP in England and Northern Ireland?

Residents face a greater risk from environmental hazards like floods and wildfires, with increased property vulnerability and wildfire incidents.

Home / Environment / England Fails Wildlife Targets: Watchdog Issues Damning Report

England Fails Wildlife Targets: Watchdog Issues Damning Report

13 Jan

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Summary

Seven out of ten environmental targets unlikely to be met by 2030.
Biodiversity target, stopping species decline, is almost certainly missed.
Environmental hazards like floods and wildfires pose increased risk.

England Fails Wildlife Targets: Watchdog Issues Damning Report

The government is set to miss its environmental targets, with a watchdog report indicating a high likelihood that seven out of ten goals established by the Environment Act 2021 will not be achieved by the 2030 deadline. The biodiversity target, aimed at halting the decline of native species, is particularly concerning, with the opportunity for significant change largely passed.

Furthermore, the report highlights an increased risk of environmental hazards such as floods and wildfires. The number of properties vulnerable to surface water flooding has risen, while the condition of flood management assets has declined. Concerns are also raised about new legislation potentially impacting protected nature sites.

Set up post-Brexit to ensure accountability, the Office for Environmental Protection found that only 24 out of 59 environmental trends are improving. While some progress has been made on clean air and climate action, experts emphasize that immediate, tangible action is required to avert further environmental degradation.