Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Advancing Nature at COP16
The UK’s delegation at COP16 highlighted targets, including the protection of 30% of land and ocean by 2030. The government also announced funding to tackle biodiversity loss in oceans and emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach to nature recovery.
Negotiators at COP16 also reached an agreement on Digital Sequence Information (DSI). This framework ensures genetic data remains accessible for research while promoting the conservation of natural biodiversity.
Driving Nature at the Climate COP
At COP29 the UK also continued its dialogue on environmental issues, announcing funding to address ocean resilience and biodiversity loss while reaffirming its commitment to driving nature recovery.
New Appointments to the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee
Three experts have joined the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee, which provides independent advice on preparing for and adapting to climate impacts.
These are: Professor Hayley Fowler, Professor Chris Evans and Dr Marina Romanello.
Strengthening UK Tree Planting Initiatives
A new Tree Planting Taskforce has been launched to coordinate large-scale tree planting across the UK. This initiative aims to boost reforestation efforts, improve collaboration among stakeholders, and ensure the long-term health of the nation’s woodlands.
Housing Initiatives
Government funding will help unlock 28,000 stalled housing projects while ensuring environmental protections through nutrient neutrality measures.
Simpler Recycling
Plans are underway to make recycling in England more uniform and efficient, with updates on waste collection processes.
Department of Energy Security and Net Zero
Climate Leadership at COP29
In the lead-up to COP29, the UK government engaged with global business leaders, climate organisations, and representatives from current, past, and future COP host nations, including the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, to advance international collaboration on climate commitments.
At the summit in Azerbaijan, the UK unveiled a new target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035 as part of its ambition to become a "clean energy superpower," enhancing energy security, economic growth, and job creation.
Additionally, the UK announced a funding initiative to support developing nations in transitioning to renewable energy, fostering global decarbonisation, and solidifying its leadership in clean technology innovation while driving green economic progress.
To support forest-rich nations in combating climate change, the UK has pledged £239 million to halt and reverse deforestation. This funding underscores the importance of preserving tropical forests, which are critical for maintaining biodiversity and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Winter Support for Vulnerable Households
The government has announced that households eligible for certain benefits, including Pension Credit, can access extra financial support to manage energy costs during the colder months.
Warmer, Energy-Efficient Homes for the Future
Under the Warm Homes Plan, up to 300,000 households are set to receive energy-saving upgrades next year. The program includes grants for installing heat pumps, assistance for renters and low-income families, and investments in British manufacturing.
Select Committees
Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Select Committee
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is inviting stakeholders to share their views via a newly launched online survey, focusing on the issues the committee should prioritise in 2025.
Environmental Audit Committee
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is addressing critical sustainability challenges through various inquiries. Its latest effort examines the environmental implications of the UK’s plan to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, probing whether proposed planning reforms align with nature and climate goals.
Additionally, the EAC is scrutinising how the UK’s ambitious 81% emissions reduction target by 2035 can be achieved, particularly in the absence of behavior change initiatives like reduced meat consumption and decreased air travel.
Finally, the EAC is exploring how private investment can help meet the government's 30x30 goal to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, a target that currently sees only 7% of land safeguarded.
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee is prioritising retrofitting UK homes for a net-zero future, recognising that housing contributes 17% of the nation’s emissions. An upcoming session will focus on the policies needed to advance low-carbon heating and improve energy efficiency, particularly as most UK homes rely on natural gas. The session will also address recent changes to government heating policies and their potential impact on decarbonising the housing sector.
All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs)
Environment APPG
The Environment APPG are hosting an introductory online session and Q&A on 5th December for associate members. This event provided an opportunity to meet two newly appointed Vice Chairs, Adrian Ramsay MP and Rebecca Smith MP. Additionally, the group launched its Climate and Nature Leadership Programme with a focus on effective climate communication. A workshop, led by Climate Outreach, offered MPs evidence-based strategies for engaging voters on environmental issues.
Climate APPG
Ahead of COP29, the Climate APPG hosted a webinar on November 18th to brief UK parliamentarians on the summit’s critical themes.
