The UK’s 25-year Environment Plan: the potential for long-term economic, social and well-being benefits

It was a long-awaited publication last Thursday of the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. The level of change and uncertainty in politics over the last year or more has no doubt played a big part in the delay to publish this Policy paper, and this is perhaps where we should start when looking at the implications of what has, and perhaps hasn’t, been committed to. The focus on Thursday around the issue of plastics and waste in our oceans clearly demonstrates the short-termism of political decision making – had the Blue Planet not done such an exemplary job of highlighting this issue would the launch commentary have been different?

The aspirations of a 25-year plan, a timeframe which far outstrips most individual political terms, should be commended as an opportunity to put environmental decision-making beyond the short-term needs of politicians to be re-elected. What we need now is the security that the action plan to deliver these commitments will be established, honoured irrespective of political changes (through an Environment Act) and that there is clear accountability which can only come from this, and subsequent Governments, being brought to account by an independent body. Reference is made to the success of the 5p carrier bag charge in reducing use by 85% - we need decisions like this, based on evidence, supported by our Statutory Environmental Bodies and with clear outcomes, to be driven through clear and consistent policy change.

We need this set out and in place now. It is encouraging reference is made to an environmental watchdog but concerning if consultation equals delays – we must raise our voices to ensure this, and delivery on all other commitments, do not drag on into the future and become delayed through political change. We need to be bringing our politicians to account now and every day on the decisions they make which affect our environment.  

There are things missing from the plan, and we need more detail on the specifics of targets over the next 25 years. But if everything that is set out is delivered - clean air, clean water, healthy soils, sustainable land management and true connection between all people and the environment – we will see tangible long-term economic, social and well-being benefits for us and future generations.

The potential positive outcomes are welcomed by Arcadis. We will continue to support our clients to deliver their part in this. We continue to actively engage with Professional Bodies, such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), British Society of Soil Science (BSSS), Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) as they provide a strong collective voice. And we will continue to drive the message of the clear benefits in taking an holistic view across environmental, economic and social boundaries to ensure we play our part in Improving Quality of Life