The UK faces the prospect of missing its legally binding target to protect biodiversity unless urgent measures are taken, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The country has committed to the international goal of conserving at least 30% of its land and sea by 2030, a pledge known as the “30×30” target, agreed at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022.
However, with the UK’s biodiversity in steep decline, the government must act swiftly to avoid missing this critical deadline, the report warns. Currently, only 53% of the UK’s biodiversity remains, placing the country among the bottom 10% globally in terms of nature conservation. Furthermore, 41% of UK species have experienced significant population declines since 1970, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Time Running Out For Biodiversity Goals
With fewer than six years remaining to meet the UN biodiversity targets, the report highlights that just 3% of England’s land and 8% of its seas are effectively protected. This shortfall signals a pressing need for more decisive action to reverse environmental degradation and protect the UK’s natural heritage.
The IPPR report outlines a series of recommendations for the government, urging it to take immediate steps to address the ongoing environmental crisis. These measures include introducing legally binding targets for tackling pollution and empowering the Environment Agency to enforce sanctions against offenders.
A Call For Bold Action From Government
The report presents an opportunity for the new Labour government to take the lead in addressing the UK’s biodiversity crisis, suggesting that nature recovery should be a cornerstone of a wider strategy for national renewal. Joseph Evans, a researcher at the IPPR, emphasised the importance of the country’s natural landscapes, noting that “Britain’s natural landscapes are a source of pride for many of us, but the UK’s nature is in a dire state: biodiversity is failing, species are declining, and many people simply don’t have reasonable access to green spaces.”
He called on the government to embed nature recovery into its national agenda, stating that “restoring nature must be a key priority.” Among the recommendations are proposals to expand access to the English countryside by legislating for a right to roam and delivering additional funding for environmentally friendly farming practices.
Government Response
In response to the report, a spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “Britain’s nature is in crisis, which is why we have wasted no time in announcing a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan to make sure it is fit for purpose.”
The government has also introduced several initiatives aimed at improving access to nature and tackling pollution. These include creating nine new National River Walks and three new National Forests, as well as imposing tougher measures on water companies to curb pollution in the country’s waterways.
In addition, a new deal for farmers is being rolled out to balance food security with the restoration of nature, reinforcing the government’s commitment to halting species decline by 2030.
While these measures are a step in the right direction, the report makes it clear that much more needs to be done if the UK is to meet its biodiversity commitments and protect its natural landscapes for future generations.
