Recommendations & Conclusions
102 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ call for transformative change provides a yardstick against which action to address biodiversity loss should be measured. The global response to biodiversity loss has so far been inadequate. Piecemeal conservation efforts, and increases in the efficiency of production, cannot tackle the …
Government response. commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and contribute to the new framework of goals and targets which is being developed internationally, and we acknowledge there is more to do to address biodiversity loss. In June, the Government published …
2
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend that the UK Government play a leadership role in addressing global biodiversity loss by demonstrating what ‘transformative action’ to address biodiversity loss in an advanced industrialised economy looks like. This should entail the production of credible plans, which include measures to phase out economic incentives which threaten conservation …
Government response. it, we have amended the Environment Bill to require a new, historic legally binding target to be set to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 in England. The details of the 2030 species target will be set in …
3
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The UK has established a sophisticated public policy mechanism to tackle the effects of climate change by driving sustained long-term reductions in harmful emissions. This comprises legally binding interim and long-term targets authorised by Parliament, and an independent Climate Change Committee to advise Parliament and Ministers on the actions required …
Government response. We are committed to cross-departmental action on targets. During the target development process, we are engaging government departments on how their policies will play a part in achieving targets. The duty to achieve targets rests with central government, but public …
4
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
No such system yet exists to restore the UK’s greatly depleted natural environment. It is thus unsurprising that the UK failed to achieve at least 14 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the Government is not on track to achieve its goal to provide the next generation with a better …
Government response. The Government’s response to the EAC Inquiry on Invasive Species was published in May 2020. Our subsequent action includes initial work this year to scope and pilot the potential role of an inspectorate to step up our response to prevent …
5
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the Government’s announcement of a ‘State of Nature’ target on species abundance for 2030. This goes some way in providing a legal mechanism to achieve nature goals, but for this to translate into urgent, transformative action, the target must capture other aspects of biodiversity and include interim targets.
Government response. The Government recognises the importance of investing in green skills and job opportunities as part of a green recovery from coronavirus, and we know that having the right skills on the ground is crucial to delivering our environmental goals. We …
6
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend that the Government introduce, preferably via the Environment Bill currently before Parliament, a mechanism for statutory interim targets to ensure that its proposed species abundance target is met to halt the decline of nature by 2030. We further recommend that the scope of the proposed 2030 target be …
Government response. In formulating this recommendation, the EAC considered other indicators and metrics on biodiversity and wider natural capital beyond the information provided in the Environmental Accounts. We have therefore taken a consistent interpretation in our response. In England, through the Environment …
7
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend that the Government introduce mechanisms to ensure that each Government department and non-departmental public body is required, by their policies and actions, to contribute to reaching the targets set out above. The Office for Environmental Protection should be responsible for ensuring their enforcement.
Government response. Tackling the long-term decline of nature will be challenging but through our requirement to set a new species abundance target we are committing ourselves to that objective. A domestic 2030 species target will not only benefit our species but the …
8
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Invasive species contribute significantly to the decline in biodiversity levels in Great Britain. By its own admission, the Government has failed to prevent the arrival and continued spread of damaging invasive species. None of our predecessors’ recommendations on tackling invasive species—on funding, setting up an inspectorate, and creating a ‘nature …
Government response. The 25 Year Environment Plan Outcome Indicator Framework presents an authoritative way to measure changes to our environment in England. It draws together a comprehensive suite of measures which collectively describe environmental change as it relates to the ten goals …
9
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Invasive species continue to cost the economy £1.8 billion per year. It is significantly cheaper to prevent invasive species from establishing, rather than tackling them once they are established.
Government response. (9a) The UK is at the forefront of marine protection and, in England, 40% of our waters are protected in 178 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). We are now making sure this comprehensive network of MPAs is protected properly. Natural England …
10
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We strongly recommend that Ministers urgently review the recommendations of the Committee’s report on Invasive Species made in October 2019 and implement them without further delay. This includes increasing the proportion of biosecurity funding directed at countering invasive species to at least £3 million a year. (Paragraph 69) Measuring biodiversity
Government response. The Government recognises that healthy soil underpins a range of environmental, economic and societal benefits, including, food production, biodiversity, carbon storage and flood mitigation. Protecting and improving soil is essential for supporting these benefits and preventing the negative impacts caused …
11
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Public expenditure on measures to promote biodiversity has been cut in real terms over recent years. As a result, levels of monitoring have been scaled back, and the capacity for assessing the state of protected areas and vulnerable species nationally has been reduced. Government bodies do not have enough skilled …
Government response. There are a number of bodies responsible for monitoring biodiversity, and this includes an extensive range of species surveillance schemes and Earth Observation services operated as partnership programmes by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). We value the support and …
12
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend that Ministers make a material increase in levels of investment in training and skills for chartered ecology and associated disciplines. This ought to form an element of the Government’s promised investment in Green Jobs.
Government response. The Government accepts that monitoring costs and spend is important and have agreed, as part of the Spending Review 2020 settlement, a set of priority outcomes against which Defra group will report progress. This includes a cross-cutting environment goal. The …
13
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The relationship between environmental monitoring and remedial action is far too weak. This must change. Data on biodiversity levels must inform decision-making in Government far more substantially than at present.
Government response. See recommendation 11. Government spending plans have not been set beyond the end of 2021-22. Plans for the next business planning period will be agreed as part of this year’s Spending Review (SR21).
14
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend a formal mechanism be established to review and act on the information provided in the Environmental Accounts.
Government response. In his independent review on the Economics of Biodiversity, Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta found a conservative estimate of the cost of subsidies that damage nature—for example, in agriculture, water abstraction, fossil fuels and fisheries—of around 4 to 6 trillion US …
15
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government’s new species abundance target for 2030 provides a potential mechanism for the measurement of progress on addressing biodiversity loss, and a driver for consequent actions. We recommend that once the target is established, regular, formal reviews of progress against the target should be required to be made, to …
Government response. The Outcome Indicator Framework is designed to objectively describe environmental change in England. Where possible, a baseline near to 2018 (to align with the publication of the 25 Year Environment Plan) will be used as a reference point to assess …
16
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The efficient management of data relevant to assessing levels of biodiversity is made difficult due to the sheer variety of data systems used to monitor UK biodiversity.
Government response. Environment Bill once it comes into force and legally binding targets are established. In the interim, we will continue to monitor progress in achieving 25 Year Environment towards, which would include policies and programmes such as Local Nature Recovery Strategies …
17
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend that the Government implement a preferred approach to data management and monitoring, to strengthen a consistent evidence base on the UK’s natural capital. The Government should also make greater use of earth observation data as a cost-effective means of filling gaps in the data obtained from terrestrial monitoring.
Government response. Our 25 Year Environment Plan, the Environment Bill’s first statutory Environmental Improvement Plan, sets out steps the government will take to manage and protect our natural world for environmental improvement. It sets out clear commitments in the key areas of …
18
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
If Marine Protected Areas continue to be poorly managed and monitored, with little enforcement of their protected status, there is a risk that the Government will have established a network of ‘paper parks’. According to monitoring data, the condition of MPAs is much the same as our predecessors observed in …
Government response. We are clear that meeting the 30 by 30 target requires we extend our protected areas and ensure they are managed effectively to drive up their value for biodiversity. As we develop our roadmap to meeting the 30 by 30 …
19
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We reiterate the conclusions and recommendations of our predecessor Committee’s 2019 inquiry into Sustainable Seas. (Paragraph 97) • Ministers must urgently set out a timetable to put management plans and monitoring in place for all MPAs. • Different categories of destructive bottom trawling should be banned or restricted in all …
Government response. On 24th June, the Secretary of State laid a Written Ministerial Statement on the Government’s response to the Landscapes Review, setting out support for the independent Landscapes Review’s recommendations to improve nature recovery and public access in protected landscapes, ahead …
20
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Healthy soils are essential to biodiversity; and yet the data and indicators to measure soil health do not exist to the degree required to ensure effective monitoring. Without credible arrangements for monitoring and measuring soil health, the Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? 117 Government will not meet the …
Government response. (21a) The Government is committed to making sure that no one is left behind by the connectivity revolution and to delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as possible. Today, over 40% of premises can access gigabit-capable networks, up from just …
21
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We support the recommendations of the Natural Capital Committee that the development of soil indicators should be fast-tracked; that a shadow target for soil health should be established urgently; and that a legally-binding target for soil health ought to be established as soon as monitoring data allows. Healthy soils should …
Government response. The government recognises the importance of healthy soils for the delivery of a wide range of ecosystem services, including food production, carbon storage, water regulation and supporting biodiversity. We are committed to protecting and improving soil health and recognise that …
22
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
To deliver the Government’s environmental vision to improve the environment within a generation, arm’s length bodies and departments need to have the funding to do so. Budget cuts to biodiversity expenditure over the last decade have hindered this.
Government response. Planning policy is devolved in the UK and the question and answer below relates to policies in England. (22a) Establishing a Nature Recovery Network (NRN)—an expanded and better connected network of places that are richer in wildlife, more resilient to …
23
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend that the Government urgently review the funding allocated to bodies with responsibility for monitoring, protecting and increasing levels of biodiversity in England, consistent with its goals for nature recovery under the 25 Year Environment Plan. In the next Spending Review the Chancellor of the Exchequer must back the …
Government response. (23a) The challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss require a global response, to which all countries need to contribute. This means that there needs to be a mix of measures that address a wide range of issues and geographical …
24
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
As the Public Accounts Committee has recently observed, there is no single point of responsibility within government for monitoring overall expenditure on environmental goals, and the Government does not have a good understanding of the total costs required to deliver its environmental goals. It is difficult to determine how much …
Government response. We have commissioned the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to develop a global environmental footprint indicator to help us understand the UK’s global footprint. This work is commissioned as part of indicator K1 in the Outcome Indicators Framework (OIF) for the …
25
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We support the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office made in their work on Achieving government’s long-term environmental goals. The Government must provide a comprehensive, consistent, and time-bound record of funding for the 25 Year Environment Plan. In its response to this report, the Government …
Government response. Supporting people in their reproductive choices, including through the provision of voluntary family planning, may have a positive impact on the conservation of nature over the long term given the role this plays in empowering women and lowering fertility rates. …
26
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Between 2013–14 to 2019–20 Natural England’s baseline funding reduced by 49 per cent. The body considers that it can no longer deliver its statutory duties to a good standard as a direct consequence of these cuts. The cuts have fallen disproportionately on Natural England’s budget for monitoring and information provision.
Government response. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains one of our most important economic indicators. GDP has tended to be closely correlated with employment, incomes and tax receipts making it useful for the government and Bank of England when setting economic policy and …
27
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government increased Natural England’s baseline funding by £11.3 million in in 2020–21 and has committed to increasing this by a further £75 million. Whilst 118 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? the funding increase is welcome, it does little to provide the consistent multi-year investment required for Natural …
Government response. The UK is already demonstrating global leadership in driving forward natural capital approaches as a means to transition to a nature-positive economy and was pleased to use its recent role as G7 President to secure international agreements in this space. …
28
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
In the next multi-annual spending review, we recommend that Natural England receive a materially greater contribution in annual funding, in line with its 2020 Comprehensive Spending Review bid.
Government response. As set out in the government response to the PAC, at spending reviews, departments are required to assess the costs and benefits of their proposals—including climate and environmental impacts—following the framework set out in the Green Book. Treasury spending teams …
29
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the funding announcements and increased public expenditure on international biodiversity, however international conservation funding is still greatly outstripped by subsidies which cheapen the exploitation of the natural environment. The Government cannot spend more exploiting the natural environment than conserving it if climate change and biodiversity are to be …
Government response. The Green Book already mandates the consideration of climate and environmental impacts in spending. Policies are developed and assessed against how well they deliver on the Government’s policy aims such as levelling-up and Net Zero. To ensure spending packages are …
30
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend the Government commission a review of the operation of ‘perverse subsidies’ in the UK economy. This must entail the identification, assessment and tracking of public expenditure harmful to biodiversity, and the publication of data on the extent of such subsidies. Once such subsidies have been identified, Ministers must …
Government response. (30a) The Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TFND) framework is scheduled to be ready for launch and uptake by the end of 2023. The framework won’t just focus on disclosures, but rather, as a critical first step, empower and …
31
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government is not on track to achieve its objective of improving the environment within a generation, and its 25 Year Environment Plan does not provide sufficient direction to change this. Despite repeated calls in the last five years by this Committee, the National Audit Office, the Public Accounts Committee …
Government response. (31a) The Department for Education (DfE) is exploring the option of introducing a new GCSE in Natural History after receiving a proposal from exam board OCR. Initial discussions with OCR have taken place. DfE, and Ofqual, will determine whether the …
32
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government must urgently establish a baseline for the Outcome Indicator Framework. Defra’s planned Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment pilot, and any subsequent baseline exercise, must focus on measuring a clear set of representative natural capital assets across England. The Treasury should ensure the baseline assessment is properly funded at …
Government response. The Outcome Indicator Framework provides one method of reporting on the progress of the EIP. The Framework presents an authoritative way to measure changes to our environment. It draws together a comprehensive suite of measures which collectively describe environmental change …
33
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
At present there is no strategy to tie the reporting framework for the 25 Year Environment Plan to the ten 25 Year Environment Plan goals. Nor does the plan explain how it will be delivered by local government and arm’s length bodies or how key environmental policies, like the Environmental …
Government response. The Outcome Indicator Framework provides one method of reporting on the progress of the EIP. The Framework presents an authoritative way to measure changes to our environment. It draws together a comprehensive suite of measures which collectively describe environmental change …
34
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
In all future progress reports on the 25 Year Environment Plan, information provided should relate to the Plan’s ten goals. Priority actions must be assessed year on year, as must local delivery of the plan through arm’s length bodies. From 2022 onwards the Government should set out indicators for how …
Government response. The Outcome Indicator Framework provides one method of reporting on the progress of the EIP. The Framework presents an authoritative way to measure changes to our environment. It draws together a comprehensive suite of measures which collectively describe environmental change …
35
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The 25 Year Environment Plan is not yet supported by clear, ambitious, quantified statutory targets and milestones. The Environment Bill will provide a statutory underpinning for five of the goals in the Plan, but government has not set long-term objectives for the other five plan areas or how its goals …
Government response. As a core part of our commitment to leave the environment in a better state than we found it, we have amended the Environment Bill to require a new, historic legally binding target to be set to halt the decline …
36
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government must address how it will set long-term objectives for all ten of the Plan’s goals. As agreed to in 2018, the Government must publish how these goals and objectives relate to pre-existing national and international environmental targets. We reiterate our recommendation that the Office for Environmental Protection’s powers, …
Government response. We are committed to cross-departmental action on targets. During the target development process, we are engaging government departments on how their policies will play a part in achieving targets. The duty to achieve targets rests with central government, but public …
37
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the Government’s pledge to protect 30 per cent of the UK’s land and seas by 2030, but simply designating areas as protected is not enough. The UK’s protected areas are poorly managed. More focus must be given to preserving and enhancing the quality of protected areas. There are …
Government response. The government recognises the importance of well-managed protected areas for nature recovery, and acknowledges that there is scope to improve the effectiveness of their management. We have committed to protecting 30% of our land and seas by 2030, and we …
38
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government should not count its wins early: protected areas should only be reckoned to contribute to the 30 by 30 pledge if they are effectively managed and improved. We recommend the Treasury ensure that all bodies involved in the monitoring of 30 per cent of the UK’s land and …
Government response. The government recognises the importance of well-managed protected areas for nature recovery, and acknowledges that there is scope to improve the effectiveness of their management. We have committed to protecting 30% of our land and seas by 2030, and we …
39
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government should provide a full response to the Glover Review before the 2021 summer recess.
Government response. The government recognises the importance of well-managed protected areas for nature recovery, and acknowledges that there is scope to improve the effectiveness of their management. We have committed to protecting 30% of our land and seas by 2030, and we …
40
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the Government’s efforts to secure biodiversity gains in development: but the biodiversity net gain policy, in its current form, does not go far enough in contributing to the transformative change necessary to address biodiversity loss in the UK. A series of deficiencies with the policy have been identified …
Government response. The Environment Bill will ensure that new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG). This means developers will be required to ensure habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the …
41
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government has failed to define what it means by net environmental gain as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, as its ambition for future development. The 120 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? failure to move towards a system of net environmental gain risks undermining the …
Government response. The Environment Bill will ensure that new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG). This means developers will be required to ensure habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the …
42
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the extension of the biodiversity net gain policy to include Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. We received overwhelming evidence in support of this and note the potential the policy now has to contribute to nature’s recovery. We will be examining the implementation of the policy change as it progresses.
Government response. The Environment Bill will ensure that new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG). This means developers will be required to ensure habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the …
43
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Nature recovery does not happen overnight and must be maintained and built upon for generations. The proposed 30 year minimum to maintain biodiversity net gains will achieve little in terms of delivering long-lasting nature recovery.
Government response. The Environment Bill will ensure that new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG). This means developers will be required to ensure habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the …
44
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government’s Planning White Paper could have implications on the delivery of the biodiversity net gain policy. We believe planning reforms should not weaken or undermine biodiversity protection.
Government response. The Environment Bill will ensure that new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG). This means developers will be required to ensure habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the …
45
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
To allow the biodiversity net gain policy to fulfil its transformative potential within the UK’s built environment we recommend that: • The Government should explain how and when it will move to embedding environmental net gain in the planning system, with clear actions and milestones provided to achieve this goal. …
Government response. The Environment Bill will ensure that new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG). This means developers will be required to ensure habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the …
46
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Effective Environmental Land Management Schemes will only be possible if farmers and land managers are brought into the process of policy design. This must include reaching out beyond the ‘usual suspects’ of big farming unions and environmental groups.
47
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
To include harder-to-reach farmers and land managers, rural broadband connectivity must be addressed as a matter of urgency, as recommended by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in 2019. Defra should also make provision for tailored, farm-specific advice, farm visits, demonstration farms, and other knowledge-sharing activities that support the …
48
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the Government’s ambition to create a national Nature Recovery Network but believe far more detail is needed to translate this ambition into transformative action. The Nature Recovery Network (NRN) is contained in the 25 Year Environment Plan, but there are currently no duties or actionable plans in place …
49
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
To address these concerns we recommend that: a) Defra updates its Nature Recovery Network Policy Paper by the end of the year, explaining how LNRS will be co-ordinated into a national Nature Recovery Network and how local authorities should link LNRS to the NRN. b) Government should establish a Nature …
50
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the Government’s focus for COP26 on nature-based solutions (NbS) and the increased investment provided by the Nature for Climate fund. Nature- based solutions could substantially contribute to meeting the UK’s net zero goals 122 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? but must not be seen as a …
51
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Protecting existing ecosystems, be that ancient woodland, peatlands, or kelp forests provides the most cost-effective and significant contribution to NbS in the UK. Given the majority of the UK’s ecosystems lie outside of protected areas, more needs to be done to lock carbon and conserve biodiversity in these spaces.
52
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Protection and restoration of peatlands have an important role to play in NbS. The Government’s announced ban on rotational burning of peat in protected areas is welcome, as part of the transformational change necessary to meet biodiversity and net zero targets. We commend the consultation on banning the sale of …
53
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the Government’s Trees Action Plan, and the intention to focus on planting broadleaf native species. The Government must not try to meet its tree planting target solely through commercial timber plantations using non- native species. A balance of tree planting is required to allow increased domestic commercial timber …
54
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
To realise the benefits of nature-based solutions to climate change, we recommend that: a) The UK adopt a clear definition of NbS and consider using the IUCN definition alongside the IUCN Global Standard for NbS. b) The Government prioritise protection and maintenance of the ecosystems we already have over the …
55
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Tackling over-consumption of natural resources is essential to meet the Government’s net zero goals and to reverse biodiversity loss. The first step in doing this is recognising the need to reduce the UK’s overall consumption. We welcome indications that Ministers are starting to consider adopting a consumption-based measure of the …
56
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We recommend the Government start the process of setting an environmental footprint target by launching a consultation ahead of COP15 on how to model the overseas environmental impact of UK consumption. This could feed into Defra’s work on international indicators within the Outcome Indicator Framework.
Government response. We have commissioned the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to develop a global environmental footprint indicator to help us understand the UK’s global footprint. This work is commissioned as part of indicator K1 in the Outcome Indicators Framework (OIF) for the …
57
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Professor Dasgupta has emphasised that family planning and sexual and reproductive healthcare is a neglected feature of public policy. The unmet demand for family planning is huge and addressing human population numbers is also key to reducing our demands on the biosphere. The UK needs to remain a global leader …
Government response. Supporting people in their reproductive choices, including through the provision of voluntary family planning, may have a positive impact on the conservation of nature over the long term given the role this plays in empowering women and lowering fertility rates. …
58
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
In response to this report, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office should set out the extent to which the announced cuts to the UK’s aid budget will affect overseas development assistance for family planning and reproductive healthcare. We recommend that ODA for family planning and reproductive healthcare be protected: at …
Government response. Supporting people in their reproductive choices, including through the provision of voluntary family planning, may have a positive impact on the conservation of nature over the long term given the role this plays in empowering women and lowering fertility rates. …
59
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Economic models that do not value nature and ecosystems cannot address climate change and biodiversity loss. GDP is a well-established measure of economic activity, but as Professor Dasgupta has highlighted, by itself it is not an adequate way to assesses the UK’s economy. GDP does not account for the depreciation …
Government response. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains one of our most important economic indicators. GDP has tended to be closely correlated with employment, incomes and tax receipts making it useful for the government and Bank of England when setting economic policy and …
60
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government should detail how it intends to move beyond GDP as the primary measure of economic activity, towards a concept of inclusive wealth, which includes consideration of the UK’s produced, human, and natural capital.
Government response. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains one of our most important economic indicators. GDP has tended to be closely correlated with employment, incomes and tax receipts making it useful for the government and Bank of England when setting economic policy and …
61
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Further work is needed on the natural capital accounting and assessment methodology, but this should not stop the Government and businesses using natural capital accounting now. Accounting for natural capital in some way, is better than ignoring it completely because the system is not yet perfect. As a world leader …
Government response. The UK is already demonstrating global leadership in driving forward natural capital approaches as a means to transition to a nature-positive economy and was pleased to use its recent role as G7 President to secure international agreements in this space. …
62
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The UK should work with countries at COP15, COP26 and through the G7 to construct an internationally agreed way to integrate natural capital accounts into core national 124 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? accounts. This aligns with two of the Government’s COP26 presidency goals: finance and collaboration. The …
Government response. The UK is already demonstrating global leadership in driving forward natural capital approaches as a means to transition to a nature-positive economy and was pleased to use its recent role as G7 President to secure international agreements in this space. …
63
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Committee acknowledges that currently natural capital approaches cannot capture intrinsic values of nature, but they do serve as a first stepping-stone to valuing the natural environment in existing economic models.
64
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
At present, the impact of Government policies and projects on nature is not adequately factored into spending decisions. As a result, the Government is not on track to meet its nature recovery goals. On aggregate, HM Treasury and other departments spending decisions must support not undermine the realisation of the …
Government response. As set out in the government response to the PAC, at spending reviews, departments are required to assess the costs and benefits of their proposals—including climate and environmental impacts—following the framework set out in the Green Book. Treasury spending teams …
65
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
We support the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee that the Treasury’s next Comprehensive Spending Review should set out how the full value of environmental impacts has been taken into account, and the impact of spending decisions on meeting government’s long-term environmental goals. To achieve this, every department needs to …
Government response. As set out in the government response to the PAC, at spending reviews, departments are required to assess the costs and benefits of their proposals—including climate and environmental impacts—following the framework set out in the Green Book. Treasury spending teams …
66
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government has the opportunity to create a fiscal framework focused on delivering well-being, sustainability and economic stability. The current fiscal rules focus on managing the budget, public sector investment and debt. There is scope to extend this so balancing our demands on nature with nature’s capacity to meet these …
Government response. The Green Book already mandates the consideration of climate and environmental impacts in spending. Policies are developed and assessed against how well they deliver on the Government’s policy aims such as levelling-up and Net Zero. To ensure spending packages are …
67
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
The Government should include a Net Zero test of the 2021 Budget in its Net Zero Review. Net Zero tests should be refined for future fiscal events to assess the climate impacts of taxation, spending and resource decisions. The Government should develop nature tests to ensure spending packages are aligned …
Government response. The Green Book already mandates the consideration of climate and environmental impacts in spending. Policies are developed and assessed against how well they deliver on the Government’s policy aims such as levelling-up and Net Zero. To ensure spending packages are …
68
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Financial systems need to recognise the value of preserving biodiversity. The transformation the financial system has undergone to integrate climate-related financial risks should be used as a roadmap to do the same for biodiversity. The interconnected, complex, and non-linear nature of biodiversity risks makes it difficult to model. But the …
Government response. (30a) The Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TFND) framework is scheduled to be ready for launch and uptake by the end of 2023. The framework won’t just focus on disclosures, but rather, as a critical first step, empower and …
69
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
To provide the signals needed for the financial system to manage biodiversity risks, we recommend that: a) The Government commit to legislate for mandatory disclosure of nature-related financial risks once the TNFD framework is ready. b) The Government explore how a corporate natural capital accounting system could be set-up to …
Government response. (30a) The Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TFND) framework is scheduled to be ready for launch and uptake by the end of 2023. The framework won’t just focus on disclosures, but rather, as a critical first step, empower and …
70
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
For biodiversity to be protected, it has to be appreciated and valued. But our increasing detachment from nature stops many of us knowing and directly experiencing it. This starts at a young age; children are spending less and less time outdoors. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds and ethnic minorities have particularly …
Government response. (31a) The Department for Education (DfE) is exploring the option of introducing a new GCSE in Natural History after receiving a proposal from exam board OCR. Initial discussions with OCR have taken place. DfE, and Ofqual, will determine whether the …
71
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
To increase education on biodiversity we: a) Support the establishment of a Natural History GCSE; b) Recommend the Department for Education re-evaluate the opportunities for nature visits and teaching outside, as part of its support to schools recovering from the education impacts of covid-19; c) Recommend the Department for Education …
Government response. (31a) The Department for Education (DfE) is exploring the option of introducing a new GCSE in Natural History after receiving a proposal from exam board OCR. Initial discussions with OCR have taken place. DfE, and Ofqual, will determine whether the …
1
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Consumption patterns in the UK are unsustainable. Addressing these patterns is key to the UK’s contribution to the alleviation of global biodiversity loss. The first step is to recognise the need to reduce the UK’s overall consumption. We welcome that the Government has commissioned the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to …
Government response. When first published in 2019, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Outcome Indicator Framework included a commitment to develop an indicator describing overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities (Indicator K11). We piloted an approach …
2
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
In 2018 the Government announced it would devise an indicator on the overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities. It appears that little to no progress has been made in developing this indicator. This is disappointing and shows a lack of prioritisation in addressing one of the biggest …
Government response. changes. As set out previously in our response4 to the Public Accounts Committee’s recommendation on this matter, the government already carefully considers the environmental implications of relevant measures. 2 https://hub.jncc.gov.uk/assets/709e0304–0460–4f83–9dcd-3fb490f5e676 3 https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/ukbi-a4-global-biodiversity-impact 4 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/997065/ CCS207_CCS0621746140–001_Treasury_Minutes_WebAccessible.pdf We also publish environmental assessments …
3
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
We recommend that the Government urgently prioritise the development of the indicator on overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities, since a better understanding of the environmental impacts of imported products is crucial to meeting the Government’s objectives in this regard. The indicator ought to be prepared for …
Government response. The Net Zero Strategy was published on 19 October 2021, ahead of the start of COP26. The “Embedding Net Zero in Government” chapter sets out how we will monitor progress to ensure we stay on track for our emissions targets. …
4
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Ministers should consider how best to encourage behavioural change towards more sustainable and ethical patterns of consumption. Subsidies, environmental tax measures and tax reliefs are some of the financial and fiscal tools available to government. The Public Accounts Committee has criticised the Government’s grasp of the potential for tax measures …
Government response. to the free trade agreements which we are pursuing with various partners. Scoping and impact assessments for new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) post-Brexit include both quantitative and qualitative assessments of the impacts on several aspects of the environment, including greenhouse …
5
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
The Committee looks forward to seeing an ambitious approach from Government to embedding Net Zero in all policy decisions in its forthcoming Net Zero Strategy.
Government response. The Greening Government Commitments require compliance with Government Buying Standards. This means they apply to 20 core Ministerial and non-Ministerial departments, their executive agencies and executive non-departmental public bodies (but not advisory NDPBs), unless specifically exempted. We also encourage the …
6
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
In the Net Zero Strategy, the Government should commit to evaluating all taxation changes against how well they deliver on the Government’s environmental objectives. 48 The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity The Government’s approach to how taxation changes will be developed and assessed to achieve this should also be set …
Government response. Our forthcoming Government Food Strategy will set out our ambition and priorities for a food system that will deliver for people, nature and climate. In doing so it will support our farmers to continue to produce the high-quality, high-welfare produce …
7
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
The Net Zero Strategy should include an explicit commitment to Net Zero stress test all future fiscal events and a commitment to develop a nature stress test to be used for fiscal events. The Net Zero Strategy must be published before the start of COP26.
Government response. We are committed to making the UK the best place in the world for green and sustainable investment and were the first country in the world to commit to fully mandatory reporting by businesses across the economy on the financial …
8
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
For the Government to make good on its support for environmental sustainability to be at the heart of global production and trade, it needs to mainstream biodiversity considerations more consistently into its trade agreements and operations. Leaving the European Union has provided an opportunity to promote the highest environmental and …
Government response. To ensure that the post-2020 global biodiversity framework drives global action, it is essential that it is supported by an uplift in financing for nature. Mobilising resources from all sources (public and private), and at all levels (domestic and international) …
9
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
We recommend that sustainability impact assessments be conducted for all future trade agreements and that as part of the Government’s Nature Strategy the Government consider how to monitor and deliver environmental net gain in trade deals. In response to this report the Government should set out how it intends to …
Government response. In the Government’s response to the Dasgupta Review on The Economics of Biodiversity, the UK committed to ensure all new bilateral official development assistance does no harm to nature. It builds on the commitment we made two years ago to …
10
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
We welcome and agree with the Secretary of State’s analysis that addressing the sustainability of the UK’s global supply chains will be one of the most powerful ways in which the UK can reduce its adverse impact on levels of international biodiversity. The degradation of ecosystems brings supply chain, market …
Government response. We welcome and agree with the Secretary of State’s analysis that addressing the sustainability of the UK’s global supply chains will be one of the most powerful ways in which the UK can reduce its adverse impact on levels of …
11
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Sustainable government procurement presents a pathway to increasing the sustainability of supply chains. Yet Government performance against existing sustainable procurement policies has been unimpressive. The removal of the mandatory reporting obligation by Government departments against the Greening Government Commitments has led to a dearth of data and has hampered the …
Government response. loss, and vice versa. The UK is addressing these dual threats together and placed nature at the heart of our presidency of the UNFCCC COP26. Many of the outcomes from COP26 have positive implications for nature (please see the summary …
12
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
We welcome the news that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is considering restarting the routine reporting of levels of compliance with Government buying standards. We also note with approval the effect that Government commitments on the importation of sustainable palm oil has had on the supply chains …
Government response. We welcome the news that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is considering restarting the routine reporting of levels of compliance with Government buying standards. We also note with approval the effect that Government commitments on the importation …
13
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
To increase sustainability within UK global supply chains, we recommend that: a) in its response to this report, the Government should set out a clear and accessible definition of sustainability within the context of the Government Buying Standards; b) the Government reinstate the Greening Government Commitments for mandatory reporting on …
Government response. We are committed to improving the sustainability of public procurement. Our Greening Government Commitments Framework for 2021 to 20255 published in October 2021, notes the need for a review of our sustainable procurement commitment during the 2021–25 period and sets …
14
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
A natural capital approach to valuing agricultural products provides another way to increase the sustainability of supply chains.
Government response. A natural capital approach helps decision-makers understand the economic value of the benefits we receive from the natural world, so that its value is properly accounted for alongside other considerations. The government recognises the role of natural capital in valuing …
15
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Within the National Food Strategy the Government should consider how a natural capital approach could be adopted without placing a disproportionate financial burden on farmers or consumers.
Government response. A natural capital approach helps decision-makers understand the economic value of the benefits we receive from the natural world, so that its value is properly accounted for alongside other considerations. The government recognises the role of natural capital in valuing …
16
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
90% of respondents to the Government’s consultation on new laws for forest-risk commodities believed proposals should be extended so that it is illegal for UK businesses to use any key commodities related to deforestation in their supply chains. We agree with stakeholders that global deforestation and the UK’s contribution to …
Government response. 90% of respondents to the Government’s consultation on new laws for forest-risk commodities believed proposals should be extended so that it is illegal for UK businesses to use any key commodities related to deforestation in their supply chains. We agree …
17
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
To increase the sustainable use of forest-risk commodities we recommend that the Government make it illegal for UK businesses and the finance sector to use commodities linked to deforestation and, at the very least, include the finance sector within the scope of the provisions on forest-risk commodities in the Environment …
Government response. We are committed to making the UK the best place in the world for green and sustainable investment and were the first country in the world to commit to fully mandatory reporting by businesses across the economy on the financial …
18
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
The UK Overseas Territories are home to 94 per cent of British endemic species and 90 per cent of the biodiversity for which the UK Government has responsibility. The territories are also of global importance given the large proportion of the world’s albatross and penguin species found in these territories. …
Government response. The UK Overseas Territories are home to 94 per cent of British endemic species and 90 per cent of the biodiversity for which the UK Government has responsibility. The territories are also of global importance given the large proportion of …
19
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
To further improve the state of biodiversity in the Overseas Territories, we recommend that gaps in their protection be rectified. Namely, we recommend that: a) Ministers assure and set out the long-term funding plan for the Blue Belt Programme. In response to this report the Government should set out the …
Government response. We will continue to support the British Overseas Territories to enhance protection for their marine environments, as stated in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. We are looking at options to secure funding for the Blue …
20
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Consideration of natural capital must be a priority in the assessment of overseas development assistance projects. Nature sustains all of us and becomes even more critical in a developing country context. We welcome the Government’s announcement of a new International Biodiversity Fund and its commitment to nature-proof all overseas development …
Government response. Consideration of natural capital must be a priority in the assessment of overseas development assistance projects. Nature sustains all of us and becomes even more critical in a developing country context. We welcome the Government’s announcement of a new International …
21
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
We recommend that in response to this report the Government detail how it intends to nature-proof overseas development assistance, and how compliance with this commitment will be monitored. (Paragraph 89) The UNCBD COP15
Government response. In the Government’s response to the Dasgupta Review on The Economics of Biodiversity, the UK committed to ensure all new bilateral official development assistance does no harm to nature. It builds on the commitment we made two years ago to …
22
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15 summit presents an opportunity to create a transformative Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework that will ‘bend the curve’ of biodiversity loss. The UK has a crucial role to play in promoting a transformative, ambitious agenda that pairs with its ambitions for the UNFCCC …
Government response. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15 summit presents an opportunity to create a transformative Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework that will ‘bend the curve’ of biodiversity loss. The UK has a crucial role to play in promoting a transformative, …
23
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
We reiterate our welcome for the UK Government’s leadership in establishing the Global Ocean Alliance and signing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature. We also welcome the establishment of nature as a key theme for COP26.
Government response. We reiterate our welcome for the UK Government’s leadership in establishing the Global Ocean Alliance and signing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature. We also welcome the establishment of nature as a key theme for COP26.
24
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
The publication of the first draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework provides a promising starting point, but elements of the draft lack ambition. • The 2030 mission should be clearer and stronger, and should align with the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and G7 2030 Nature Compact to halt and …
Government response. We are seeking a commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework at CBD COP15. Such a commitment is highly ambitious and will require the implementation of transformative changes in the way we …
25
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
The Post-2020 Framework’s goals and targets will be meaningless if not properly implemented. The CBD ought to adopt a regular review mechanism, such as that adopted under the Paris Agreement of the UNFCCC, which encourages Parties to ‘ratchet’ the level of ambition of their National Targets so that, over time, …
Government response. We know that addressing climate change is not possible without also addressing biodiversity loss, and vice versa. The UK is addressing these dual threats together and placed nature at the heart of our presidency of the UNFCCC COP26. Many of …
26
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Mainstreaming biodiversity considerations across government departments will be crucial to meeting the Post-2020 Biodiversity Targets. The UK’s past performance on cross-departmental co-ordination on nature has been disappointing. We have nevertheless been encouraged to observe the willingness of Ministers to work across Government to address biodiversity loss and climate change. We …
Government response. The UK is committed to continuing to show international leadership on biodiversity, the environment and climate change. We have showcased this most recently as part of our G7 and COP26 presidencies. However, we are under no illusions that the task …
27
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
The policy statement on environmental principles, to be prepared under the Environment Bill, ought to be a powerful tool for mainstreaming environmental concerns, including biodiversity, across Government. So the Government’s response to the recommendation of our previous report—arguing that general taxation and spending should be exempt from the statement of …
Government response. We disagree with the Committee’s characterisation of our approach to the Environmental Principles Policy Statement. The policy statement will be a powerful tool for mainstreaming environmental concerns, including biodiversity, across government. It will guide Ministers and officials in the development …
28
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
The global biodiversity funding gap is huge. It cannot be tackled with contributions from the Global Environment Facility alone. A dedicated financial mechanism for biodiversity action, as has already been set out and agreed by Parties under the CBD, is essential. We welcome the UK’s commitment to spend £3 billion …
Government response. In recognition of this, in 2021 the Prime Minister committed to spending at least £3 billion of the UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) over the following five years on climate change solutions that protect and restore nature and biodiversity. Part …
29
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
As host of COP26, the UK has an instrumental role to play in pairing the UNCBD COP16 and UNFCCC COP26. We are encouraged by Ministers’ assurances that there is a close working relationship with their Chinese counterparts regarding efforts to join the two COPs together. Agreeing a working definition and …
Government response. We know that addressing climate change is not possible without also addressing biodiversity loss, and vice versa. The UK is addressing these dual threats together and placed nature at the heart of our presidency of the UNFCCC COP26. Many of …
30
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
In promoting a transformative Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, we recommend that the UK Government advocate: • A strengthening of the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework’s 2030 mission to align with the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and G7 2030 Nature Compact to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. • A more ambitious, SMARTer …
Government response. We are seeking a commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework at CBD COP15. Such a commitment is highly ambitious and will require the implementation of transformative changes in the way we …
31
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
To help pair the UNCBD and UNFCCC COPs, we recommend the UK explore opportunities to support China on leading international environmental negotiations. We also recommend that China and the UK collaborate on how to integrate nature- based solutions across both COPs; and we recommend that the UK encourage China to …
Government response. We know that addressing climate change is not possible without also addressing biodiversity loss, and vice versa. The UK is addressing these dual threats together and placed nature at the heart of our presidency of the UNFCCC COP26. Many of …