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As part of the updated Environment Bill, the government will underpin key environmental commitments with legally binding targets, including for air quality, water, waste and biodiversity.
Environment Secretary George Eustice commented: “The targets we set under our landmark Environment Bill will be the driving force behind our bold action to protect and enhance our natural world - guaranteeing real and lasting progress on some of the biggest environmental issues facing us today.”
The targets tie into the government’s post-COVID green recovery and their pledge to “build back better” and “greener”. Legislation to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the UK’s presidency of COP26 in November 2021 will also keep the UK at the forefront of international work on these issues, the government claims.
Once proposed targets are developed, businesses, communities and civil society will have an opportunity to share their views in response to a public consultation that is expected in early 2022.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that they will introduce at least one long-term target in four priority areas to drive significant and lasting environmental improvements: cleaner air, cleaner water, less waste and more biodiversity.
Further priority areas and targets will be introduced at a later date, “informed by the latest scientific evidence”.
The new environmental watchdog, the Office for Environmental Protection, will also report annually on the progress that has been made in improving the natural environment in accordance with these targets.
Picture: A photograph showing some plastic bottles
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 19 August 2020
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