The UK government has produced its five-year strategy to improve the environmental quality of air, water and land, through the publishing of the Environment Improvement Plan 2023.
Following the vision that was set out by the 25 Year Environment Plan in 2018, the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 is providing a comprehensive delivery plan for the ways that the government will go about stopping and reversing the decline in nature in the UK. This also includes new powers and duties from the Environment Act, Agriculture Act and Fisheries Acct.
Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister, said:
“Protecting our natural environment if fundamental to the health, economy and prosperity of our country.
“This plan provides the blueprint for how we will deliver out commitment to leave our environment in a better state than we found it, making sure we drive forwards progress with renewed ambition and achieve our target of not just halting, but reversing the decline of nature.”
The plan, unveiled today by the Environment Secretary, will cover how government plans to do the following:
- Create and restore at least 500,000 hectares of new wildlife habitats, starting with 70 new wildlife projects including 25 new or expanded National Nature Reserves and 19 further Nature Recovery Projects.
- Deliver a clean and plentiful supply of water for people and nature into the future, by tackling leaks, publishing a roadmap to boost household water efficiency, and enabling greater sources of supply.
- Challenge councils to improve air quality more quickly and tackle key hotspots.
- Transform the management of 70% of our countryside by incentivising farmer to adopt nature-friendly practices.
- Boost green growth and create new jobs – from foresters and farmers to roles in green finance and research and development.
Environment Secretary, Therese Coffey, said:
“Our Environmental Improvement Plan sets out how we will continue to improve our environment here in the UK and around the world. Nature is vital for our survival, crucial to our food security, clean air, and clean water as well as health and well-being benefits.
“We have already started the journey and we have seen improvements. We are transforming financial support for farmers and landowners to prioritise improving the environment, we are stepping up on tree planting, we have cleaner air, we have put a spotlight on water quality and rivers and are forcing industry to clean up its act.
“Whether you live in a city or town, in the countryside or on the coast, join us in our national endeavour to improve the environment.”
With the environment becoming one of the main focuses of local authorities around the country, as well as central government, it is important that key knowledge and insight is shared around. Thankfully, Public Sector Executive are hosting the Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event in association with electric vehicle charge point operator Liberty Charge. This event will allow guests to gain the vital knowledge that they need as the UK public sector looks to reduce carbon emissions and head towards net zero.
The speaker line-up will be announced soon, so make sure you register here to be a part of the conversation.
