Citizen Engagement on the Environment

Description

The Government's 25 Year Environment Plan was published in January 2018.This sets out government action to help the natural world regain and retain good health. It aims to deliver cleaner air and water in our cities and rural landscapes, protect threatened species and provide richer wildlife habitats. It calls for an approach to agriculture, forestry, land use and fishing that puts the environment first. The Plan sets out goals to achieve: 1. Clean air. 2. Clean and plentiful water. 3. Thriving plants and wildlife. 4. A reduced risk of harm from environmental hazards such as flooding and drought. 5. Using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently. 6. Enhanced beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment. In addition, it aims to manage pressures on the environment by: 7. Mitigating and adapting to climate change. 8. Minimising waste. 9. Managing exposure to chemicals. 10. Enhancing biosecurity. Since the publication of the 25YEP, the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, has announced a range of policy commitments, such as the development of an Agriculture Bill, the publication of a Fisheries White paper, consultation on an Environmental Principles and Governance Bill, the presentation of an Ivory Bill to Parliament, a ban on microbeads, and the publication of a Clean Air Strategy. Building on the 25YEP, the Prime Minister also announced a new and wide-ranging Environment Bill on the 18th July 2018, making it the first Environment Bill in 20 years.