House of Commons - An environmental scorecard - Environmental Audit Committee

An environmental scorecard - Environmental Audit Committee Contents

Annex: Our scorecard assessment

In this Annex we present an analysis of each of the 10 environmental areas. It uses the results of a briefing report by the National Audit Office, as well as other sources.

We have assigned a 'traffic-light' score for each area as follows:

RED: Deterioration since 2010, or progress at a pace unlikely to put improvement on a satisfactory trajectory by the end of the 2015-2020 Parliament.

AMBER: Unsatisfactory progress.

Emissions and climate change	AMBER
Air pollution	RED
Biodiversity	RED
Forests	AMBER
Soils	AMBER
Flooding and coastal protection	RED
Resource efficiency and waste	AMBER
Freshwater environment	AMBER
Water availability	AMBER
Marine environment	AMBER

For each of the 10 areas we identify (i) the current situation and trends, as well as whether there are (ii) metrics and targets, and (iii) an understanding of the causal factors influencing the state of the environment and the policy levers available.

Emissions and climate change

Current situation and trends

Climate change emissions remain a significant global danger, as we described in our progress on Carbon Budgets report in 2013. We noted that "the world is currently on track to warm by 4°C".[152] In their recent report on Managing climate risks to well-being and the economy, the Adaptation Sub-Committee state that

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While emissions are still rising globally, however, they have been falling in the UK. The Climate Change Act 2008 requires Government to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050 against a 1990 baseline, and the Government's carbon budgets, designed to deliver that reduction, have so far been achieved. WWF told us that "Government reporting on carbon emissions and carbon budgets is exemplary"[154] and that "the Climate Change Act was an exemplar".[155] The Committee on Climate Change calculated that in the UK emissions rose by 3.5% in 2012,[156] but in 2013 fell by 2%.[157] In 2013, 5.2% of our energy was generated from renewables,[158] towards an EU target for 2020 of 15%. Although Sustainable Development Indicator statistics published in July 2014 by the ONS showed that on a consumption basis emissions have been falling since 2007,[159] the UK's consumption-based carbon footprint, as we reported last year, has increased over the past two decades so that the UK's is now one of the largest in the world.[160]

The Committee on Climate Change state that "countries have recognised that reductions should be rapid enough to keep global temperature within 2°C above pre-industrial levels", and "the UK's 2050 target is broadly consistent with a global effort to achieve this".[161] From 2008-2012 the UK reduced its emissions by 22.5% against a 1990 baseline set by the Kyoto protocol, against a target of 12.5%. EU targets for a post-Kyoto period has been agreed to run from 2013-2020 pending a wider international UNFCCC agreement in Paris in 2015.

As we reported in our Carbon budgets report, there had been a risk to our longer term emissions reduction from the prospect of a review of the Fourth carbon budget (for 2023-2027). The Government had kept open the prospect of easing the reduction required in that budget if larger and uncompetitive cuts were needed in the sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System because of weak EU ETS carbon prices.[162] We criticised the Government's review of the fourth carbon budget—announced in 2011 and undertaken in 2014—because of the prolonged uncertainty it brought for low-carbon investment.[163] Our report on Green Finance identified that there is still a significant gap in levels of low-carbon investment, with levels currently less than half the £20 billion a year required to meet decarbonisation targets".[164] However, the Government's announcement in July 2014 that as a result of that review the Fourth carbon budget would not be adjusted[165] brings greater confidence about the UK's future emissions reduction performance—provided, as the Committee on Climate Change has made clear, that the Government soon identifies the additional emissions reduction policies and programmes that will be needed to deliver against that budget.[166]

There remains a need, nevertheless, for further tightening of EU targets for emissions reduction, energy efficiency and renewable energy. We noted in our Green finance report that the EU's January 2014 Framework for Energy Policy 2030[167] proposed an overall goal for reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, in place of an existing target of 20% by 2020, but only an EU-wide (rather than nationally binding) target for renewable energy (provisionally set at 27% for 2013).[168] The Government told us at the time that "we need maximum flexibility between all options to reduce the UK's carbon emissions" and "each Member State is different, and will need to pursue different technologies, in different orders and in different ways".[169] Final decisions on the targets will be made later this year.[170] In our current inquiry, WWF called for the Government to press the EU for a strong greenhouse gas target as well as providing stronger leadership on climate change globally.[171]

WWF believed that a recent review of DfID's Climate and Environment Assessment had made the process opaque. They were concerned that it was a "regression from exploring climate and particularly environmental issues as opportunities in [international] development, to seeing environment as risk only".[172] As regards UK emissions, WWF were critical of the decision to delay until 2016 the inclusion of international aviation and shipping emissions in the carbon budgets[173] and the Government's reluctance to set a power sector decarbonisation target for 2030 in the Energy Act (a criticism we also made in our Energy subsidies report).[174] WWF also highlighted a "collapse in the rate of home energy efficiency installations" and a "failure to continue progress towards zero carbon homes in 2016".[175] In our November 2013 report on the Housing Standards Review we criticised the Government's decision to discontinue the Code for Sustainable Homes and to "significantly dilute" the 'Zero carbon Homes' standard in 2016,[176] which will have consequences for our emissions performance.

Progress was limited in 2013 on solid wall insulation, low-carbon heat and energy efficiency improvement in non-residential and commercial buildings. Overall, the first carbon budget (for 2008-2012) was met.

Metrics, targets and milestones?

The Climate Change Act target (to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050 from the 1990 baseline) is supplemented by a series of five-year 'carbon budgets', with emissions set to be halved by the fourth (2023-2027) carbon budget.[177] The Committee on Climate Change is required under the Act to report progress annually on the budgets and to advise Government on the level of future budgets.

The UK has met the first carbon budget (2008-2012), and Government has put in place policies to meet commitments to 2022 and has published scenarios for meeting the fourth carbon budget".[178] In July 2014, after a review of the fourth budget, the Government accepted the Committee on Climate Change's earlier recommendation for this budget. The CCC will advise the Government on the level of the Fifth budget in 2015.

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

Government can exercise some control over some emissions, particularly in the energy sector: subsidies (Feed-in tariffs and Contracts for difference) for renewable and nuclear energy; financially supporting Carbon Capture and Storage pilots; and applying minimum carbon pricing (against an ineffectively low EU Emission Trading System price) for fossil fuel energy generation. It can only influence the situation in some sectors, such as agriculture.

On the other hand, the Government does not accept the findings of our Energy subsidies report that it subsidises fossil fuels.[179]

A 'Carbon Plan' is intended to monitor Government departments' actions, but it has not been routinely updated.[180]

The Government has set up a Green Investment Bank to support low carbon infrastructure projects, with £3.8 billion of Government capital.

The Government will provide £900 million to support the development and use of ultra-low emission vehicles between 2010 and 2020.

Buildings' energy efficiency standards are reviewed and revised though Building Regulations. It has decided however to discontinue the 'Code for Sustainable Homes' and to allow offsite 'allowable solutions' for new houses to meet a 'Zero carbon Homes' standard in 2016.[181]

39 Growth Deals with Local Enterprise Partnerships, worth £6 billion, include £39 million to be invested in energy, low carbon and renewables facilities.

Air pollution

Current situation and trends

Emissions of a number of airborne pollutants increased in 2013,[182] after being steady between 2010 and 2012 and in a longer term decline before that.[183] The UK failed to meet targets for nitrogen dioxide pollution in 34 of the 43 zones specified in the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive in 2012, resulting in the European Commission launching infraction proceedings against the UK in February 2014 in regard to 16 zones that would not be compliant by 2015.[184] In July 2014, Defra reassessed the time likely to be needed to meet nitrogen dioxide limits, stating that Greater London and two other areas would not meet the required levels until after 2030.[185] Current EU targets do not reflect WHO guidelines, which are more stringent.

In our 2011 report on Air Quality we stated:

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We said that more credible action needed to be taken, and that progress could also be made through support for local authorities, joined up policy, health reforms, low emission zones and increasing public awareness. We argued for a significant shift in transport policy towards low emission vehicles.

Metrics, targets and milestones?

UK targets reflect EU Directive targets. Emissions of airborne pollutants are monitored regularly.

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

The Government financially supports the development and deployment of ultra-low emission vehicles, cycling initiatives, the Green Bus Fund and clean bus technology.[187] But past support for diesel vehicle engines (eg through differential Vehicle Excise Duty rates) to help tackle carbon emissions for climate change imperatives has contributed to particulate/NOx air pollution.

Some levers have not been vigorously pursued: Low Emissions Zones, public awareness campaigns and increased engagement with local authorities and across departments were all recommended by our 2011 report on Air quality.[188]

Biodiversity

Current situation and trends

The Government's Biodiversity 2020 Indicators set targets for biodiversity to be achieved by 2020. Defra's first assessment of progress against the Indicators in 2013 showed improvement against 13 measures, deterioration against 13 measures and little or no change in 11 (12 measures were in development or had insufficient data)[189] (see Appendix 2). The latest Sustainable Development Indicators—a different set of metrics—show a deterioration in the counts for three out of four types of bird populations, used as a litmus test for the SDI's 'UK wildlife' indicator.[190]

Our April 2014 report on Invasive Species described the threat such species pose to native biodiversity, but also that where species migrate here from elsewhere in Europe as a result of climate change this might indicate a shift in the natural distribution range of particular species, requiring a "a need to increasingly focus on conservation" rather than necessarily tackling them.[191] The RSPB and others recently reiterated that point.[192] We recommended further work to develop Action Plans for species on the national and EU lists of species of concern that have become established in Great Britain, and that clear outcome requirements for native habitats and species are identified to ensure budgets for controlling them are not spent ineffectively. To tackle species that become invasive, we also recommended Rapid Response Plans, and that invasive species legislation be tightened for England and Wales[193] (which the Government subsequently accepted).[194]

The RSPB and Wildlife Trusts told us that one in 10 species monitored globally is on the brink of extinction.[195] Wildlife and Countryside Link saw implementation of Biodiversity 2020 as a particular area of concern.[196] The CLA also considered it an area which had seen most deterioration since 2010,[197] although they viewed the Biodiversity Indicators as "hugely ambitious".[198] Policy Exchange told us that the natural environment is undervalued, which has had a detrimental effect on biodiversity.[199]

The Convention on Biological Diversity, revised at the 2010 Nagoya Biodiversity Summit, set several targets, including that "by 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritised, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment"[200] and that "by 2020, the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained".[201]

In our recent report on the National Pollinator Strategy, we noted a widespread concern that the way Defra was implementing the 'greening' element of the EU Common Agricultural Programme for 2014-2020 was a "wasted opportunity" because of its lack of pollinator-specific measures. Recent reports highlight a significant deterioration of wildflower meadows despite the CAP programmes, and cite a forthcoming report from Natural England identifying a loss of permanent grassland.[202]

Metrics, targets and milestones?

The Biodiversity Indicators set targets for biodiversity to be achieved by 2020. These cover a diverse range of areas including habitat protection, animal populations, public use and enjoyment of the natural environment, climate change impacts and adaptation, and the impact of hazardous materials. The indicators are monitored and reported on annually.

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

Land use, including agriculture, is a key determinant of biodiversity outcomes. CAP supports particular agricultural activities, and includes 'greening' measures. Government will spend £3 billion on working with land managers to "enhance biodiversity and improve the quality of English water bodies".[203]

The Government has proposed a system of biodiversity offsetting, which it is currently under further consideration.[204]

48 Local Nature Partnerships have been established, which bring together environmental groups as well as planners and developers,[205] and 12 Nature Improvement Areas have been developed.[206] These were intended to being the 'landscape scale' perspective envisaged in the Natural Environment White Paper.[207]

Biodiversity is increasingly being affected by non-native invasive species, driven by international trade and climate change. The Government has indicated that it will implement 'Species Control Orders' in England and Wales (through the current Infrastructure Bill) to help tackle invasive species, replicating the system in Scotland, as recommended by the Law Commission.[208]

Forests

Current situation and trends

As at March 2014, 55% of England's woodlands were managed under the 'UK Forestry Standard', which sets good practice guidelines for sustainable forest management, an increase from 52% in 2011. The Government's ambition of two-thirds of all woodland meeting the Standard by 2018 and then rising to 80% would, as the NAO reported, require acceleration. Wildlife and Countryside Link wanted the Government to "develop a public forest estate management organisation which will maximise the wildlife and public value of our public forests and woods".[209] The CLA were concerned by the proliferation of diseases in trees.[210] In response to the outbreak of chalara, the Government has published the Tree Health Management Plan to set out the work being done to manage tree pests and pathogens.[211] The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee reported recently on Tree health and plant biosecurity, recommending that funding is increased for research and development and that current legislative protections are increased.[212]

Around 2,500 hectares of new woodland has been created in England annually since 2008 through Forestry Commission funding, with woodland cover reaching 10% in 2013.[213] The Woodland Trust nevertheless identified a "massive fall in tree planting rates in England over the past two decades".[214] While the Government calculated that current planting rates would need to be increased to 5,000 hectares a year,[215] the Woodland Trust

In terms of international deforestation, WWF called for zero net deforestation by 2020, achievable they told us if the "timber market in the UK and Europe trades only in sustainably produced products".[216] They raised particular concern about the illegal timber trade, believing that there is inadequate monitoring and reporting of the Timber Procurement Policy. In July 2014 a European Commission assessment of adherence to its timber regulations identified the UK as one of only 13 compliant member states.[217] WWF called on the Government to produce an international forestry strategy and review the EU Timber Regulation.[218]

Metrics, targets and milestones?

The target is for woodland cover of 12% by 2060 (see above). The Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement 2013 contains 36 commitments which Government is pursuing along with private and voluntary sector partners.

There are also targets for forest management under the UK Forestry Standard (see above).

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

Financial support for planting is provided through grants administered by the Forestry Commission. Defra has committed to providing funding for 2,000 hectares to be planted in the 2015-2016 planting season. An increase in the rate of planting will be need to achieve the potential for 12% woodland cover sought for 2060.

Soils

Current situation and trends

In 2011, Defra proposed that by 2030 England's soils would be managed sustainably, including stopping the horticultural use of peat. It committed to an additional new programme of soil research between 2011 and 2015 with a budget of £3.2 million. In the 10 years to 2013 there have been improvements to the health of upland peatlands in England, the NAO reported, although the overall level of degradation is still high. In 2013 the Committee on Climate Change reported that 12% of SSSIs in upland areas in England with deep peat deposits were in a favourable condition, a fall from 16% in 2003. There was however an increase in the proportion of SSSI sites undergoing restoration. There were limited plans for restoration of other peat sites.[219] The Woodland Trust calculate that around 2.2 million tonnes of top soil are eroded annually in the UK.[220]

The EU Soil Framework Directive was "pending for eight years as a result of a blocking minority which includes the UK".[221] The UK was opposed to the implementation of the proposed Directive on the grounds that the proposal would duplicate existing requirements under the Common Agricultural Policy and would be costly to farmers.[222] The Directive was withdrawn by the European Commission in May 2014. The Woodland Trust called upon Government to

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The challenge is not just to protect soils in rural landscapes. There has been concern from Environmental Protection UK, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and others about the withdrawal of central Government grants after 2013-14 for local authorities' work on contaminated land remediation.[224] The CIEH told us that "without the prospect of necessary remediation being funded, it would be a reckless local authority which determined a site as 'contaminated' without having identified an appropriate person able to pay".[225] Dr Karen Johnson of Durham University saw remediation and redevelopment of brownfield land as a public health issue. She told us that:

It is important to recognise that the implications of poor soil quality are not only environmental. For example, our current research exploring the regeneration of brownfield land shows that it has wider negative impacts on the general health of communities that live in proximity to it.

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Such an approach would not only increase the sequestration of carbon in soils but make them more resilient to flooding risks by more readily holding water.[227]

Metrics, targets and milestones?

In 2011 Defra set an ambition that by 2030 England's soils would be managed sustainably, including stopping the horticultural use of peat.[228]

The condition of SSSIs is monitored, with the Committee on Climate Change reporting figures on the carbon impacts.

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

The designation of SSSIs provides some protection for soils through controls on permitted land uses. There is limited evidence of plans for restoration for upland peat areas not designated as an SSSI.[229]

On agricultural land, the CAP system influences agricultural activities, including non-cropping green programmes, which influence soil conditions. The UK was part of a blocking minority which stopped the implementation of the proposed EU Soil Framework Directive, on the grounds that the proposal would duplicate existing requirements under the Common Agricultural Policy and would be costly to farmers.

A 2011-2015 programme of soil research is underway, with a budget of £3.2 million.

Defra intends a cessation of the horticultural use of peat by 2030.

Flooding and coastal protection

Current situation and trends

At December 2013, 2.4 million properties were at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea, and three million were at risk from surface water (including some properties at risk from both). Progress continues on improving protection from flooding in homes, although Defra has not set a target for the number of homes to be protected.[230]

There was widespread and persistent flooding in the winter of 2013-2014.[231] In 2013 Wildlife and Countryside Link assessed the Government's development of natural flood alleviation measures as "consistently poor".[232] Building on floodplains should be reduced substantially, they concluded, and sustainable drainage systems needed to be developed.[233] The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has made several recommendations for managing flood risk, including affordable household flood insurance, increased dredging and maintenance of watercourses and increased funding.[234]

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust recommended the use of such systems to help alleviate flooding by "absorb[ing] surface run-off on-site through features like green roofs, shales and permeable paving".[235] The Woodland Trust believed that strategic wood planting could also play an integral role in reducing floods.[236]

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee has reported extensively on these issues. In its 2013 report on Managing flood risk, the Committee recommended investment in flood defences and that "maximum use is made of natural methods to prevent and manage flooding".[237] It recommended the installation of "sustainable drainage measures which will improve the management of water run-off from roads".[238] In its report on Winter floods 2013-14 it recommended that funding be increased to combat flood risk:

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Metrics, targets and milestones?

Environment Agency calculates and monitors number of properties and area of farmland at flood risk. A detailed combined risk assessment is expected from the Environment Agency by 2017. The Environment Agency reports that it has maintained 98% of flood and coastal risk management assets at or above the required condition.[240]

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

Climate change appears to be driving an increase in extreme weather, including sudden heavy rainfall, and rising sea-levels which will put pressure on coastal defences. Exposure to flooding risks is influenced by the extent of building in risk areas (eg on flood plains), the embedding of defensive measures in existing and new building (eg sustainable drainage) and the building and maintenance of flood defence infrastructure.

Defra stated that the Environment Agency and local defences protected properties in approximately 1.3 million instances, and that 54 new flood defence protection projects will begin in 2014, protecting more than 42,000 households by the end of the year.[241] The Government is seeking to "improve the efficiency of its flood protection works and leverage in more [private sector] contributions".[242]

Resource efficiency and waste

Current situation and trends

As we concluded in our recent report on the Circular economy, "the current way our economy consumes resources is not sustainable".[243] The Government told us that "in the current challenging economic times it is essential that we make the best use of materials and resources".[244] In England, household recycling rates have plateaued in recent years, and are currently at 43%. The National Audit Office has identified a risk that the UK may not meet the current 50% target for 2020. We concluded that the Government's approach lacks leadership, and that it must do more to ensure that the right conditions are in place so that many more businesses shift from a 'linear' approach to a 'circular' one.[245] Our report made several recommendations, including embedding the circular economy in industrial strategy, differential VAT rates linked to the environmental impact of products and the introduction of Government advice on a standard approach to recycling for local authorities.[246]

Metrics, targets and milestones?

Whilst there are several metrics relating to waste volumes and percentages of re-use, our recent inquiry heard from BIS that there was "quite a lot of work still to do to develop the metrics and a better understanding".[247]

The EU Waste Framework Directive requires member states to recover a minimum of 70% of construction and demolition waste by 2020. Defra considers that the UK is on track to meet or exceed this target, but lacks the evidence to reliably demonstrate this.

The Directive includes a target to recycle or prepare for re-use 50% of household waste by 2020. In England, household recycling rates have plateaued in recent years, and are currently at 43%. The National Audit Office has identified a risk that the UK may not meet the current 50% target. We concluded that the Government's approach lacks leadership, and that it must do more to ensure that the right conditions are in place so that many more businesses shift from a linear approach to a circular one

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

A circular economy could reduce arising waste, through design, re-use and re-manufacture. Such an economy will depend on private sector innovation, but also Government playing a facilitating role. The Government has produced a waste strategy and set a 'waste hierarchy'. It sets planning guidance for local authorities on waste management. It also sets rates for Landfill Tax.

Our recent report on the Circular economy recommended differential VAT rates based on life-cycle analysis of the environmental impact or recycled content of products, tax allowances for businesses that repair goods or promote re-use, removing trade barriers for remanufactured goods, and embedding the circular economy into Industrial Strategies.[248]

The freshwater environment

Current situation and trends

The EU Water Framework Directive requires all water bodies to be of 'good ecological status' by 2027, and to this end the Government has set an ambition of 32% of surface water bodies being in good ecological status by 2015. For the longer term, the 2011 Natural Environment White Paper set a goal of all water bodies in England being in 'excellent' condition by 2050.

The NAO reported that there had been little change in the ecological status of England's surface water bodies since 2010, with the Environment Agency assessing 25% to be of good ecological status. The Environment Agency concluded that the Government's 32% target would not be met, but believed that current measures would deliver significant improvements.[249] The WWF nevertheless identified "a decline in the number of our freshwater systems which are in good ecological status and no progress on this since 2010".[250] The RSPB wanted urgent action to tackle diffuse pollution from agriculture.[251]

Metrics, targets and milestones?

Government is aiming for 32% of surface water bodies being of good ecological status by 2015 as an milestone towards EU targets for 2027 (see above). The Government will publish river basin management plans by the end of 2015 setting out the extent and nature of improvements it is seeking to the water environment to 2021 and beyond.[252]

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

The UK's progress is affected by a history of intensive land use and diffusive pollution remains a problem. CAP policies, including their greening measures, influence land use and the extent of fertiliser/chemical application, which in turn can affect the health of water bodies.

The Government stated that it will spend more than £3 billion on working with land managers to "enhance biodiversity and improve the quality of English water bodies".[253]

Water availability

Current situation and trends

Nine of 24 water areas in England and Wales are classified as experiencing serious water stress. In 2012-13, the 22 water companies of England and Wales reported in aggregate the lowest level of water leakage since records began in the early 1990s. On the other hand, freshwater abstraction increased by 20% in 2012, which Defra attributed to an increased use for hydropower. Demand is expected to continue to increase.[254]

Metrics, targets and milestones?

Areas under 'water stress' are assessed by the Environment Agency,[255] and OFWAT measure leakage rates. OFWAT's targets for leakage were met by all but one of the 22 water companies for 2012-2013.[256]

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

The use of water in agriculture, industries such as hydropower and in carbon capture and storage technology increases demand on water supplies. Fracking may also affect water availability.

The Government's 2011 Water for Life[257] stated that legislation would be simplified as part of the 'Red Tape Challenge', and put catchment pilots into place. It "set out the Government's vision for a sustainable, resilient and customer focused water sector".[258]

The Water Act 2014 reforms the water market to make it more open; gives OFWAT a new over-arching duty to take greater account of long-term water resilience; removes the statutory right of water companies in England and Wales to compensation when an abstraction licence is revoked or varied; and aligns water companies' reporting cycles.[259]

The marine environment

Current situation and trends

In 2011 the UK introduced a requirement for marine plans, intended to provide strategic direction for local decisions on the use of marine resources and management of marine activities. England's first marine plans were adopted in spring 2014 and plans for all 11 English areas are required to be completed by 2022.[260] As we described in our report on Marine protected areas, the Government has implemented 27 Marine Conservation Zones.[261] We criticised the lack of ambition in the Government's aim to increase the number of these in 2015 and 2016, which we concluded "suggests a lack of Government commitment to this initiative".[262] The Government's Response to our Report did not dispel that suggestion.[263]

The EU has reformed the Common Fisheries Policy through regulations seeking to ensure legally binding fishing limits are set at sustainable levels by 2015 where possible, and by 2020 at the latest. The Government is in the process of implementing these reforms.[264]

The EU's 2008 Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires member states to achieve 'good environmental status' in Europe's seas by 2020. To help ensure this is delivered, the Natural Environment Research Council wanted to see urgent work to improve protection against invasive species and action to tackle underwater sound.[265] Defra is currently evaluating the feedback received in a 2014 consultation on how best to monitor the marine environment around the UK.

The latest assessment of the UK's marine environment status (covering 2005-2010) shows an improvement in diversity and abundance of 'demersal' fish (living on or near the bottom of the sea), overall water bird populations facing few or no problems in most regions, and more estuaries being cleaner. Seabirds and harbour seal numbers had started to decline in some regions with no clear cause. The proportion of fish stocks fished sustainably has improved over the long term. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) estimated in 2011 that 47% of shared fish stocks around the UK were fished sustainably (up from 33% in 2008). ICES data for the North East Atlantic (including all fisheries around the UK) shows that in 2013 59% of stocks were being fished inside safe biological limits, up from 32% in 2008.[266]

Metrics, targets and milestones?

Progress is measured by the percentage of seas assessed as in 'good environmental status', as well as biodiversity and sustainable fishing levels and fish stocks (outlined in the EU Common Fisheries Policy). Marine plans and Marine Conservation Zones are also being implemented (see below).

Causal factors and appropriate policy levers identified?

In 2011 the UK adopted a new approach to managing the seas, introducing a requirement for marine plans, intended to provide strategic direction for local decisions on the use of marine resources and management of marine activities. England's first marine plans were adopted in spring 2014 and plans for all 11 English areas should be completed by 2022.[267]

Marine Protected Areas are designated under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.[268] These include 27 Marine Conservation Zones designated. Our report on Marine protected areas concluded that the MCZ programme had suggested a lack of ambition and identified gaps in the level and types of biodiversity covered.[269]

The Government has reviewed the approach to UK commercial fishery management. The EU has reformed the Common Fisheries Policy through regulations seeking to ensure legally binding fishing limits are set at sustainable levels by 2015 where possible and by 2020 at the latest. The Government is in the process of implementing these reforms.[270]

Environmental Audit Committee, Fifth Report of Session 2013-14, Progress on carbon budgets, HC 60, page 3

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153 Adaptation Sub-Committee, Managing climate risks to well-being and the economy (July 2014), page 15 Back

154 WWF-UK (ESC0011), page 6 Back

155 WWF-UK (ESC0011), page 7 Back

156 Environmental Audit Committee, Fifth Report of Session 2013-14, Progress on carbon budgets, HC 60, page 3 Back

157 Committee on Climate Change, Meeting carbon budgets (July 2014), page 55 Back

158 Office for National Statistics, UK energy in brief 2014 (July 2014), page 31 Back

159 ONS, Sustainable development indicators (July 2014), figure 9.1 Back

160 Environmental Audit Committee, Fifth Report of Session 2013-14, Progress on carbon budgets, HC 60, page 4 Back

161 CCC website Back

162 Environmental Audit Committee, Fifth Report of Session 2013-14, Progress on carbon budgets, HC 60, para 25 Back