The UK Government is currently making good progress on fewer than one-third of the environmental targets it set for 2021-2023 to improve nature for future generations. An independent analysis of national environmental policy found that progress is rated as “good” against just 27% of the 43 targets assessed. These targets span a wide range of environmental priorities, including tree planting, water quality, air pollution and public access to green spaces. Many of the commitments are due to be met by 2030.
Although the Government updated its overarching environmental improvement strategy in late 2025, there was insufficient time for the revised targets to be fully assessed in the most recent review.
The findings indicate that, while some improvement has been made compared with previous reporting periods, the pace of change still falls short of what is required to meet long-term environmental goals. Without decisive action, the likelihood of meeting existing targets remains uncertain.
Concerning trends
Of the 43 targets reviewed, 13 were established under primary environmental legislation. Progress towards only four of these was judged to be good over the past year.
While a greater proportion of targets now show good progress and fewer show limited progress compared with last year, the overall assessment concludes that the UK is not on track to halt the decline of nature.
Particular concerns were raised around slow progress in reducing residual waste from households and businesses, as well as insufficient protection for the UK’s most sensitive and biodiverse marine habitats.
Some areas have shown improvement, notably in clean air and climate change mitigation. This has been driven in part by the continued uptake of electric vehicles and the phase-out of coal-fired power generation. Reductions in human exposure to certain chemicals and pesticides were also recorded.
However, access to and engagement with nature are declining, with early-life engagement identified as a critical area requiring urgent attention.
Limited progress was also observed in preparing the UK for the physical impacts of climate change and extreme weather. The number of properties at risk from surface water flooding has increased, alongside a deterioration in the condition of flood and coastal risk management assets. Wildfire incidents have continued to rise year on year.
Recent assessments have also highlighted that more than one-quarter of climate adaptation outcomes are considered insufficient — the highest proportion recorded to date. All outcomes linked to health and well-being fall into this category.
Opportunities for change
Key recommendations to policymakers remain unchanged from the previous year. These include:
- Developing and publishing a comprehensive circular economy strategy
- Establishing clear mechanisms to balance competing demands on land and sea
- Ensuring that nature-friendly farming incentives are effective and well coordinated
- Maximising the environmental value of protected sites
- Accelerating action to protect and restore the marine environment
The Government is expected to publish a circular economy strategy, a land use framework and a national food strategy later this year, following delays from 2025.
Reforms to farming support schemes are also anticipated from 2026, following consultation with the agricultural sector, with the aim of better aligning incentives with environmental outcomes.