Environmental Sustainability
#3Key Findings
The UK falls into the top ranks internationally (rank 3) in the area of environmental sustainability.
The 2008 Climate Change Act set binding targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Recent government policy decisions have pushed back some interim targets. However, the country’s overall record in moving toward the net-zero goal is very good.
Environmental health is a competence of the devolved administrations, with support from UK-wide agencies. Criticisms of insufficient enforcement are widespread, especially in the area of sewage discharges by water companies.
The 2021 Environment Act imposes a duty on all public authorities to tailor policies to conserve and enhance biodiversity. The country has long been a strong advocate for global environmental sustainability, and provides considerable funding for the global transition to renewables and clean energy.
The 2008 Climate Change Act set binding targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Recent government policy decisions have pushed back some interim targets. However, the country’s overall record in moving toward the net-zero goal is very good.
Environmental health is a competence of the devolved administrations, with support from UK-wide agencies. Criticisms of insufficient enforcement are widespread, especially in the area of sewage discharges by water companies.
The 2021 Environment Act imposes a duty on all public authorities to tailor policies to conserve and enhance biodiversity. The country has long been a strong advocate for global environmental sustainability, and provides considerable funding for the global transition to renewables and clean energy.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
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9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The 2008 Climate Change Act set binding targets for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Recent government decisions, such as delaying targets for electric vehicles and heat pumps, have been rationalized as efforts to mitigate the impact on households while maintaining the overall strategy. Despite these rationalizations, green interests have criticized the changes. The first national expert nevertheless disagrees with the score attributed in the calibration process, as the UK record in moving towards net zero up to the assessment period of this report was very good.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is responsible for advising the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets and reporting to Parliament on progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The CCC comments on all aspects of the net zero strategy and monitors progress in cutting emissions and adapting to climate change. The committee has already begun analytical work on the methodology it will propose for the seventh cycle of carbon budgets, covering the period from 2038 to 2043. These quinquennial budgets were mandated by the 2008 Act.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is responsible for advising the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets and reporting to Parliament on progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The CCC comments on all aspects of the net zero strategy and monitors progress in cutting emissions and adapting to climate change. The committee has already begun analytical work on the methodology it will propose for the seventh cycle of carbon budgets, covering the period from 2038 to 2043. These quinquennial budgets were mandated by the 2008 Act.
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
Environmental health is a competene of the devolved administrations, with support from UK-wide agencies. For example, the Animal and Plant Health Agency focuses on “identifying and controlling endemic and exotic diseases and pests in animals, plants, and bees, and the surveillance of new and emerging pests and diseases.” Additionally, there is a marine protection agency contributing to these efforts.
In England, the Environment Agency, established in 1996, is the primary body responsible for environmental health. Its duties include reducing industrial emissions, creating cleaner rivers and bathing waters, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Environment Agency’s EA2025 plan, produced in 2020, outlines three main priorities: “a nation resilient to climate change; healthy air, land and water; and green growth and a sustainable future.” In Scotland, similar responsibilities are handled by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; in Wales, by Natural Resources Wales; and in Northern Ireland, by the Environment Protection Agency. These agencies are all executive bodies. In England, additional environmental actions are often spearheaded by mayors, such as the ultra-low emission zone extended to all of London in August 2023. Local authorities also take initiatives, including the adoption of low-traffic neighborhoods, though these sometimes face local opposition.
Despite the clear mandates of these agencies and their principled approaches (as detailed in the citation for England), there are frequent criticisms of insufficient enforcement, particularly regarding sewage discharges by water companies. These issues are partly due to legacy infrastructure not designed to separate rainwater from sewage, as well as inadequate investment by utilities. In the last two years, the number of sewage discharge incidents has increased, leading to public outcry. A BBC report noted a daily average of 825 sewage releases in 2022, with water companies in England discharging sewage for a total of 1.75 million hours.
The Environment Agency and OFWAT, the regulator of water companies, have been accused of neglecting their regulatory duties. The 2021 Environment Act led to the creation of a new Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) at the end of 2021, which published stricter enforcement policies in June 2022. In response to public complaints, the OEP “identified possible failures to comply with environmental law by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency, and OFWAT in relation to the regulation of combined sewer overflows” in September 2023, although these agencies dispute the findings.
While the OEP is still in its early stages, it is expected to enhance the quality of environmental health protection. However, some of its initial findings highlight implementation challenges in achieving the ambitious objectives and targets central to government policy.
Citations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-principles-policy-statement/environmental-principles-policy-statement
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66778409
https://www.theoep.org.uk/report/our-strategy-and-enforcement-policy
In England, the Environment Agency, established in 1996, is the primary body responsible for environmental health. Its duties include reducing industrial emissions, creating cleaner rivers and bathing waters, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Environment Agency’s EA2025 plan, produced in 2020, outlines three main priorities: “a nation resilient to climate change; healthy air, land and water; and green growth and a sustainable future.” In Scotland, similar responsibilities are handled by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; in Wales, by Natural Resources Wales; and in Northern Ireland, by the Environment Protection Agency. These agencies are all executive bodies. In England, additional environmental actions are often spearheaded by mayors, such as the ultra-low emission zone extended to all of London in August 2023. Local authorities also take initiatives, including the adoption of low-traffic neighborhoods, though these sometimes face local opposition.
Despite the clear mandates of these agencies and their principled approaches (as detailed in the citation for England), there are frequent criticisms of insufficient enforcement, particularly regarding sewage discharges by water companies. These issues are partly due to legacy infrastructure not designed to separate rainwater from sewage, as well as inadequate investment by utilities. In the last two years, the number of sewage discharge incidents has increased, leading to public outcry. A BBC report noted a daily average of 825 sewage releases in 2022, with water companies in England discharging sewage for a total of 1.75 million hours.
The Environment Agency and OFWAT, the regulator of water companies, have been accused of neglecting their regulatory duties. The 2021 Environment Act led to the creation of a new Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) at the end of 2021, which published stricter enforcement policies in June 2022. In response to public complaints, the OEP “identified possible failures to comply with environmental law by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency, and OFWAT in relation to the regulation of combined sewer overflows” in September 2023, although these agencies dispute the findings.
While the OEP is still in its early stages, it is expected to enhance the quality of environmental health protection. However, some of its initial findings highlight implementation challenges in achieving the ambitious objectives and targets central to government policy.
Citations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-principles-policy-statement/environmental-principles-policy-statement
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66778409
https://www.theoep.org.uk/report/our-strategy-and-enforcement-policy
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How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
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9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
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6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
A biodiversity action plan was published in 1993 in response to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity agreed upon in Rio de Janeiro. This plan focused on domestic actions but also included a section on the UK’s overseas responsibilities. Biodiversity management has since become a devolved competence, with central government responsible for England. Natural England, created by an act of Parliament in 2006 and employing 2,000 staff, is a non-departmental executive agency with the remit “to help conserve, enhance, and manage the natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.” A 25-year environment plan was produced in 2018, followed by the 2021 Environment Act, which imposes a duty on all public authorities to tailor policies to conserve and enhance biodiversity. The 2021 Act was strongly praised by Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, who stated, “In years to come, we might well look back on November 2021 as a turning point in our relationship with nature.”
Equivalent bodies exist for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, with coordination and work on UK-wide challenges assured by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The JNCC serves as the statutory adviser to the government and devolved administrations on UK and international nature conservation. Its work aims to maintain and enrich biological diversity, conserve geological features, and sustain natural systems. In May 2023, the JNCC launched a strategy document titled “Together for Nature - 2023 – 2030,” outlining plans for a science-based approach to biodiversity and “to integrate the value of nature into decision-making by mainstreaming nature recovery into social and economic policy areas.”
Following the 25-year environment plan, a list of targets was published in February 2023 under the heading “thriving plants and wildlife.” These targets include reversing the loss of marine biodiversity and, where practicable, restoring it; protecting more sites; fostering the sustainability of key species; and ensuring seafloor habitats are productive and extensive enough to support healthy, sustainable ecosystems. On land, targets include boosting protected sites, recovering threatened, iconic, or economically important species of animals, plants, and fungi, and preventing human-induced extinction or loss of known threatened species where possible. Additionally, there are goals to increase woodland and create or restore 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside the protected site network. Central government and devolved administrations provide guidance on biodiversity duties and required actions.
An example of local action translating these goals into practice is the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, a prosperous area of West London. Despite its dense population, the borough aims to protect biodiversity and support the movement of species as part of a Nature Recovery Network. It plans to enhance the management of sites important for nature conservation and make “biodiversity net gain” an integral part of its planning process.
Citations:
https://data.jncc.gov.uk/data/ccb9f624-7121-4c32-aefa-e0579d7eaaa1/together-for-nature.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan/25-year-environment-plan-our-targets-at-a-glance
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/environment/ecology-biodiversity-and-nature-conservation/biodiversity-kensington-and-chelsea
Equivalent bodies exist for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, with coordination and work on UK-wide challenges assured by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The JNCC serves as the statutory adviser to the government and devolved administrations on UK and international nature conservation. Its work aims to maintain and enrich biological diversity, conserve geological features, and sustain natural systems. In May 2023, the JNCC launched a strategy document titled “Together for Nature - 2023 – 2030,” outlining plans for a science-based approach to biodiversity and “to integrate the value of nature into decision-making by mainstreaming nature recovery into social and economic policy areas.”
Following the 25-year environment plan, a list of targets was published in February 2023 under the heading “thriving plants and wildlife.” These targets include reversing the loss of marine biodiversity and, where practicable, restoring it; protecting more sites; fostering the sustainability of key species; and ensuring seafloor habitats are productive and extensive enough to support healthy, sustainable ecosystems. On land, targets include boosting protected sites, recovering threatened, iconic, or economically important species of animals, plants, and fungi, and preventing human-induced extinction or loss of known threatened species where possible. Additionally, there are goals to increase woodland and create or restore 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside the protected site network. Central government and devolved administrations provide guidance on biodiversity duties and required actions.
An example of local action translating these goals into practice is the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, a prosperous area of West London. Despite its dense population, the borough aims to protect biodiversity and support the movement of species as part of a Nature Recovery Network. It plans to enhance the management of sites important for nature conservation and make “biodiversity net gain” an integral part of its planning process.
Citations:
https://data.jncc.gov.uk/data/ccb9f624-7121-4c32-aefa-e0579d7eaaa1/together-for-nature.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan/25-year-environment-plan-our-targets-at-a-glance
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/environment/ecology-biodiversity-and-nature-conservation/biodiversity-kensington-and-chelsea
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To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
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Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
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Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
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3
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3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
Since the 1990s, the United Kingdom has been a leading advocate for global environmental sustainability. The UK ratified the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, reaffirming its commitment at the Marrakech COP22 summit in November 2016. Successive governments have consistently pursued goals related to environmental protection and reducing carbon emissions.
In November 2021, the UK hosted the COP26 climate negotiations in Glasgow, positioning itself as a leading voice on the global stage. The UK highlighted its ambitious actions aimed at achieving “net zero” emissions ahead of many other nations. However, the difficult negotiations with the 196 participating nations led to mixed results, with agreements in some areas but insufficient progress to meet the goals set in the Paris Climate Accord. Moreover, decisions in 2023 to delay some interim net zero targets due to concerns about consumer cost burdens may have undermined the UK’s moral stance.
The international aid budget includes funding for “clean energy” projects, and the UK supported the implementation of the “loss and damage fund” agreed upon at COP 28 in Dubai, pledging £60 million. Other aid commitments include £316 million for innovative projects worldwide to accelerate the global transition to renewables and £40 million for 64 clean energy projects across Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, focusing on local solutions for critical technologies like energy storage, smart grids, and next-generation solar.
The UK has also recently published a National Data Strategy with an objective to support data foundations and improve the quality and availability of data internationally.
In November 2023, the UK hosted the Global Food Security Summit in partnership with the United Arab Emirates and Somalia. It also published a white paper titled “International Development in a Contested World: Ending Extreme Poverty and Tackling Climate Change,” signaling a new approach. This ambitious strategy highlights how UK efforts will contribute to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a significant focus on global environmental protection. The strategy states that “the goal of UK international development is to end extreme poverty and tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.”
While broadly welcoming the new approach, Professor Melissa Leach, Director of the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, urged the government to stick to its long-term commitments and restore the UK’s funding of 0.7% of GDP by proposing a timeline and criteria for doing so. She also praises “the emphasis on harnessing the diversity of science, technology and innovation and on new ways of mobilizing development finance.”
Citations:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6560874b0c7ec8000d95bdcf/international-development-in-a-contested-world-ending-extreme-poverty-and-tackling-climate-change.pdf
In November 2021, the UK hosted the COP26 climate negotiations in Glasgow, positioning itself as a leading voice on the global stage. The UK highlighted its ambitious actions aimed at achieving “net zero” emissions ahead of many other nations. However, the difficult negotiations with the 196 participating nations led to mixed results, with agreements in some areas but insufficient progress to meet the goals set in the Paris Climate Accord. Moreover, decisions in 2023 to delay some interim net zero targets due to concerns about consumer cost burdens may have undermined the UK’s moral stance.
The international aid budget includes funding for “clean energy” projects, and the UK supported the implementation of the “loss and damage fund” agreed upon at COP 28 in Dubai, pledging £60 million. Other aid commitments include £316 million for innovative projects worldwide to accelerate the global transition to renewables and £40 million for 64 clean energy projects across Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, focusing on local solutions for critical technologies like energy storage, smart grids, and next-generation solar.
The UK has also recently published a National Data Strategy with an objective to support data foundations and improve the quality and availability of data internationally.
In November 2023, the UK hosted the Global Food Security Summit in partnership with the United Arab Emirates and Somalia. It also published a white paper titled “International Development in a Contested World: Ending Extreme Poverty and Tackling Climate Change,” signaling a new approach. This ambitious strategy highlights how UK efforts will contribute to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a significant focus on global environmental protection. The strategy states that “the goal of UK international development is to end extreme poverty and tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.”
While broadly welcoming the new approach, Professor Melissa Leach, Director of the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, urged the government to stick to its long-term commitments and restore the UK’s funding of 0.7% of GDP by proposing a timeline and criteria for doing so. She also praises “the emphasis on harnessing the diversity of science, technology and innovation and on new ways of mobilizing development finance.”
Citations:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6560874b0c7ec8000d95bdcf/international-development-in-a-contested-world-ending-extreme-poverty-and-tackling-climate-change.pdf