The UK has played a pioneering role in responding to climate change and in working to improve our environment. But we can and should keep up the momentum to do more.

Building on our hosting of COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, 90 per cent of the world’s economy is now following the UK’s lead by committing to net zero. For example, over 130 countries, home to more than 90 per cent of the world’s forests, have signed up to halt and reverse deforestation.  

This Government is committed to leaving the environment in a better state than we found it. From barn owls to butterflies, hedgehogs to red squirrels, nature has been in free fall for decades, and pressures are increasing due to climate change and population growth.  

Five years ago, the Government launched the 25 Year Environment Plan outlining the vision to help the natural world regain and retain good health for the next quarter of a century. The Government pledged to rejuvenate the plan every five years; a commitment enshrined in law through the Environment Act 2021. This week saw publication of the first five yearly revision.

The plan has highlighted many achievements to date including creating and restoring wildlife habitats the size of Dorset, launching a new farming scheme encouraging environmental benefit, and driving environmental action globally. We have invested more than £750 million in tree-planting and peatland restoration through our Nature for Climate Fund. We have seen the establishment of 35,000 square miles of marine protected areas. We launched a new post-EU farming scheme to support farmers, reduce emissions and promote sustainable food production. We were also central to agreeing a new global deal for nature at the UN Nature Summit.  

But much more needs to be done to improve nature. This new Environmental Improvement Plan sets an overall objective of reversing species decline by 2030. It has a range of specific targets and goals on how to deliver across Government. This includes measures such as the Species Survival Fund for domestic species at risk. Creating and restoring at least 500,000 hectares of wildlife habitat, with 70 new projects for more nature reserves, and a new pledge to make sure everyone has access to nature living no more than 15 minutes’ walk to a green space or water. 

The plan has four priorities areas air quality, water, biodiversity, and resource efficiency & waste reduction. The targets for these will drive long-term environmental improvements to protect and enhance our natural world and boost the next generation of innovation with new green jobs. 
 
As Chairman of the Environment Audit Committee, alongside my members, I welcome this updated framework and will be holding Government Ministers and their agencies to account in dealing with this ambitious agenda.