Rishi Sunak's Conservative government is „well off track“ on environmental targets, with a number of policies announced but not implemented, the Office for the Environment Protection (OEP) said.
Progress on around half of the UK government's goals – such as ensuring there is enough clean air and water, minimizing waste and adapting to climate change – has stalled or is moving in the wrong direction, watchdog groups say. This was stated in the second annual report.
The government stated that it wanted to leave the environment in better condition for future generations, and that it had established OEP as an institution to monitor progress after the UK leaves the European Union.
Monitored target
OEP Chair Glenys Stacey said overall remediation efforts had had mixed results, but „the negative impact on the environment remains a concern.“
The number of non-native invasive species, such as gray squirrels and rhododendrons, is increasing and having an increasingly negative impact on local wildlife.
Although pipe leaks are decreasing, water pollution incidents are not decreasing, while the amount of waste containing hazardous substances is increasing.
OEP said governments are also „laggard“ in managing exposure to chemicals and pesticides.
Around half of the 51 trends monitored by watchdogs are not improving, and of the 10 targets in the government's environmental improvement plan, seven are largely off track and two are partially on track. 1 is not rated.
prosper
OEP said it was concerned that monitoring of the marine environment and soils was lacking, making it difficult to track progress in these areas.
„Changing trajectory requires determination, detailed planning, clarity and transparency, continuous evaluation, and a willingness to make difficult decisions where necessary,“ Glennis said.
„It means doing enough, fast enough, to get on track and stay on track. And really, it's not a matter of choice.
„We must protect and improve the environment for all of us to grow. You know, we understand that it is so fundamental to our health and prosperity. I am.”
OEP stressed that the government's „holy grail“ of thriving plants and wildlife remains achievable if efforts are accelerated and scaled up.
ambition
The magazine says that not only is green farming easy to achieve, it is also the „most profitable form of agriculture“ with a „vast evidence base“ showing that the right tools and policies work.
Professor Robbie McDonald, OEP's chief scientist, said: „The key is now to implement it effectively and to ensure that farmers and landowners have full buy-in.“
Britain's nature has been steadily declining for decades due to industrialization, the use of chemicals in agriculture, habitat destruction, pollution and persecution.
The government has promised to reverse this decline in its 25-year environment plan, but Labor has accused the Conservatives of worsening flooding, water pollution and the condition of national parks during their time in government.
pace
Environmental group Wildlife and Countryside Link says the government needs to step up its efforts or its ambitions will remain a „daydream“, adding that there is more ambition for nature-friendly farming. He suggested the possibility of providing comprehensive and generous support.
Mr Glennis said: “With the depletion of our natural environment and the unprecedented pace of climate change, it seems to many that we are at a crossroads.
“And it will not be easy for us as a nation to choose the right path, the right trajectory, to travel together, to travel together at the pace that is needed right now, but we just have to do it.” yeah.“
„We will carefully consider the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency and take appropriate action,“ Environment Minister Rebecca Pau said.
this author
Danny Halpin is Pennsylvania's environmental correspondent.