Wildlife targets will be missed in England and Northern Ireland, watchdog says

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Helena Horton Environment reporterJanuary 13, 2026 at 01:01 AM

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A report by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) reveals that England and Northern Ireland are unlikely to meet most of their 2030 environmental targets set in the Environment Act 2021. The OEP found that seven out of ten targets, including halting the decline of British species, are off track. The remaining three, focused on clean air, reducing environmental hazards, and improving nature's beauty, are only partially on track. The report also highlights increasing risks from environmental hazards like floods and wildfires. The OEP, established post-Brexit to hold the government accountable, expressed concern over legislation, such as the planning and infrastructure bill, that could negatively impact protected nature sites. The OEP emphasizes that protecting nature enables economic growth, rather than hindering it.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Conservative government 30% European Union ×240% Rachel Reeves 50% Glenys Stacey 50% UK ×250% Robbie McDonald 60% Environment Act 2021 ×270% Northern Ireland ×280% England ×280% Office for Environmental Protection ×690%

Keywords

wildlife targets 90% environmental protection 80% environment act 2021 70% biodiversity decline 70% office for environmental protection 70% environmental hazards 60% protected nature sites 50% flooding 50% economic growth 50% wildfires 40%