Friday 4 March 2016

Six Ways The EU Has Improved The UK Environment


West Kirby beach. Photo: Andy Miah, Flickr
Cleaner because of EU water quality regulations.

















The referendum is coming, views will get polarized – but the environmental sector seems broadly united on this front, on the basis that being a member of the EU is better for the environment, giving us cleaner air, cleaner water and beaches, more recycling, and better wildlife protection – as well as better planning!

The EU and the Environment

Earlier in the month the Independent newspaper published details of a letter sent to Environment Secretary Liz Truss by academics and conservationists. They argued that EU regulations have been vital to improving Britain’s water, air and natural environment.

These are six ways the EU has improved Britain's environment over the decades:

1. Clean Beaches
EU regulations on water quality have helped in cleaning up Britain's beaches. Nearly 600 coastal bathing areas are monitored for potentially dangerous bacteria - with minimum standards set out for safe bathing - which have to be displayed. This pressure has resulted in the significant increase in water quality.

2. Fish Stocks
EU wide fishing restrictions have had a dramatic effect in preventing overfishing. Last year cod and haddock showed a dramatic recovery.

3. Air Quality
Steep reductions in sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions helped ensure that the most serious urban smog and acid rain episodes no longer occur at the rate and intensities we have seen in the past.

4. Energy Consumption
The EU ban on incandescent lightbulbs now saves average UK households £83 a year, while the eco-design directive has lowered energy consumption in many white goods.

5. Species Protection
The EU's Birds Directive has significantly contributed to the protection of species most at risk of extinction. There is clear evidence that most threatened species are progressing better as EU conservation efforts prove more successful than those carried out on a national level.

6. Climate Change
The UK was instrumental in persuading the EU to adopt "at least 40 per cent" carbon reduction commitment for 2030 against opposition from some Eastern European states that rely heavily on coal.


Also Friends Of The Earth, WWF UK, RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts commissioned a report examining the role of the EU in influencing the UK’s environment and potential outcomes if we were to leave. It is a couple of years old now but still relevant.

Whatever else your views on Europe may be, it seems clear that staying in is the greener, cleaner choice.


Linda Higginbottom

This represents my personal view and other opinions exist.

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