The UK is at risk of missing its legally binding target to protect 30% of its land and sea by 2030 unless the new Labour-led government takes immediate and decisive action to address the escalating environmental crisis, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank has warned in its latest report.
The Environment Act 2021 requires the UK Government to stop the decline in species populations. In 2020, the previous Conservative government pledged to protect 30% of the country’s land and sea for nature by 2030. This commitment aligns with the global “30by30” target, adopted as part of the Global Biodiversity Framework at the UN Biodiversity Summit COP15 in December 2022.
However, with only six years remaining to achieve this target, IPPR’s Driving Natural Renewal report highlights that less than 3% of England’s land and just 8% of its seas are currently under effective protection.
The report released on August 27 reinforces findings from other organisations, including the Natural History Museum, which indicates that the UK is among the most nature-depleted countries in the world, ranking in the bottom 10 percent globally for remaining biodiversity. The UK’s natural biodiversity is alarmingly low, with only 53% intact, far below the global average of 75%. This decline is particularly concerning given that nearly 41% of UK species have experienced significant population drops since 1970.
Nature restoration will also be vital for the UK to hit its net zero targets, says the IPPR, with the report emphasising recommendations from the Climate Change Committee that “around 9 percent of agricultural land will be needed for actions to reduce emissions and sequester carbon by 2035, rising to 21 percent needed by 2050.”
By “placing nature at the heart of its agenda,” the government can drive “progressive social and economic change,” argues the report. It could enhance food security, for example, by increasing sustainable food production practices or creating new jobs in nature restoration.
The health and stability of ecosystems are dependent on biodiversity. It helps natural systems remain resilient, allowing them to adapt to challenges like climate change and disease. Pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil formation are all essential for sustaining life, including our own. Every species plays a unique role in these processes.
Economically, biodiversity is a priceless asset. It provides us with food, medicine, and raw materials that support industries and livelihoods around the world. Genetic diversity in wild species is key to breeding crops and livestock that can withstand environmental changes, ensuring our food security. Moreover, many economies rely on ecotourism, which thrives in places where natural beauty and diversity are preserved.
Joseph Evans, author of the IPPR report, stated: “The state of nature in the UK is critical: biodiversity is in decline, species are diminishing, and access to green spaces remains inadequate for many people. The new government has a crucial opportunity to halt this decline and implement progressive changes across the country. Restoring nature should be a central element of the government’s national renewal strategy.”
The IPPR’s warning that the UK may fall short of its 30by30 target is reinforced by the comprehensive State of Nature report released last year. This study revealed that:
– One in six (16%) of the 10,000 species assessed are at risk of disappearing from the UK.
– The risk is notably higher for certain groups: birds (43%), amphibians and reptiles (31%), fungi and lichen (28%), and terrestrial mammals (26%).
– Pollinators, such as bees, hoverflies, and moths, have seen an average decline of 18%, while species responsible for pest control, like the 2-spot ladybird, have decreased by 34%.
– Since 1970, the abundance of all UK species studied has fallen by an average of 19%.
– The overall population of Scotland’s globally significant seabirds dropped by nearly 50% between 1986 and 2019, prior to the recent impacts of bird flu.
– Among habitats crucial for wildlife, only 14% were found to be in good ecological condition, with just 7% of woodlands and 25% of peatlands meeting this standard.
Last month, Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced that the new government would conduct a swift review of its environmental targets before year’s end. He remarked, “Nature is in crisis. Britain is among the most nature-depleted countries globally. Our animal species are facing extinction, and our landscapes are deteriorating. Our rivers, lakes, and seas are contaminated with sewage and pollution, and air quality issues persist in our towns and cities. Nature is the foundation of our economy, food systems, health, and society. We are at a critical juncture where nature needs our protection. Therefore, we are embarking on a new direction. By collaborating with civil society, businesses, and local governments, we will create an ambitious plan to reverse this decline and safeguard nature.”
The upcoming review will assess whether the goals set out in the Environment Act and the strategies detailed in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) are sufficient to tackle the UK’s environmental challenges, based on current scientific evidence.
The report makes seven recommendations on how the government can restore and protect nature, such as introducing a “fair financial package for farmers” to incentivise nature restoration. “Nature charities are calling for a budget of £3.1bn per year for England,” it says, but recommends that the government does its research to identify the right level of funding to achieve this objective.
Other proposals include increased funding and strengthened powers for the Environment Agency to sanction polluters, such as water companies, and introducing a “national spatial strategy” to ensure land is used “most effectively, and that areas are designated for nature protection.”
To meet the UK’s legally binding environmental targets, the IPPR suggests that the new government should develop a comprehensive delivery plan. This plan should focus on increasing investment in a fairer, more sustainable farming sector and establishing a planning system that supports targeted nature restoration through a national spatial strategy.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has indicated that achieving the UK’s climate goals will require dedicating 9% of agricultural land to emissions reduction and carbon sequestration by 2035, with this figure rising to 21% by 2050.
Additionally, the IPPR is calling for stronger pollution and nature degradation targets, expanded rights for responsible access to the English countryside, and incentives for public and community land ownership to aid nature’s recovery.
Dr Sam Sinclair, co-founder of Biodiversify—a consultancy that focuses on crafting landscape-scale nature plans and helping businesses adopt nature-positive strategies—stated: “Businesses are increasingly recognising the need to restore landscapes that produce everything from cotton to cocoa. It’s time for the government to step up with careful planning to enhance access to green spaces and improve natural habitats. Without this action, the UK will struggle to meet its climate and biodiversity targets.”
(Photo credit: AI GPCHAT)
Elham Asaad Buaras
