Written by William Kellett
Plans to boost biodiversity, protect peatlands and create new woodlands were set out today (May 18) by the Environment Secretary, George Eustice, in a speech outlining the government’s ambitions to restore nature and safeguard our environment for future generations.
Speaking from Delamere Forest, he announced new measures to tackle climate change, the biodiversity crisis and deliver the net zero commitment, including steps to take forward recommendations from the Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity.
He announced that amendments to the Environment Bill including a historic, new legally-binding species target for 2030, which will drive action to halt the decline of nature and wildlife.
Eustice said:
“We will be amending the Environment Bill to require an additional legally binding target for species for 2030, aiming to halt the decline of nature.
“This is a huge step forward, and a world leading measure in the year of COP15 and COP26 as we build back greener from the pandemic.
Further details of the government’s new peat action plan will be announced, setting out a framework to improve the management, protection and restoration of both our upland and lowland peatlands.
Also Read: Eustice plans to treble tree planting rates
As England’s largest carbon store on land, peatlands play a vital role in trapping carbon, helping to control flooding and encouraging plants and vegetation that act as homes for wildlife, but when damaged, for example when mined for compost, they can end up emitting their carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
A new Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme will support the restoration of 35,000ha of degraded peatland in England, backed by over £50 million between 2021 and 2025.
The Environment Secretary also confirmed that the government will ban sales of peat products by the end of this parliament, subject to public consultation this year.
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