The UK is one of the planet’s most nature-depleted countries. So will the government make concerted efforts to protect 30% of land and water, which it agreed to at COP15 last week?
The ‘world-leading’ Environment Act, is where the UK allegedly sets ‘an example for the rest of the world’. But a new coal mine was agreed recently by Michael Gove, despite the UK leading the 2021 COP26 commitment to phase out coal.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has announced new legally binding environment targets to clean up air and rivers, and nurture wildlife. But there’s no overall target to improve water quality, and other targets have been weakened.
The Retained EU Law Bill
The REUL Bill, currently traversing parliament, is the worst development of all, says Andrew Impey, CEO of Essex Wildlife Trust. It means hundreds of environmental protection laws, which the UK was signatory to in the EU, will be repealed in 2023. What regulatory framework will replace them?
We know our readers care about the environment. Our articles on sewage, Sizewell C, air quality, pylons and rising sea levels are always well-read. So next year, East Anglia Bylines will examine the environmental implications of the REUL Bill as it progresses.
For now, watch Andrew Impey describe his current concerns.
