The principal aim of the OECD Environmental Performance Review programme is to help member and selected partner countries improve their individual and collective performance in environmental management by:

Signs

Over the past decade, the United Kingdom has reduced several environmental pressures while growing its economy. Protected areas, especially marine areas, significantly expanded. However, air pollution, deteriorating natural assets and missed biodiversity targets are all concerns. Further efforts are needed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, prepare for climate change, reverse biodiversity loss and ensure a more resource-efficient circular economy.

The Assessment and Recommendations present the main findings of the OECD Environmental Performance Review of the United Kingdom. They identify 26 recommendations to help the country make further progress towards its environmental objectives and international commitments. The OECD Working Party on Environmental Performance discussed and approved the Assessment and Recommendations at its meeting on 15 February 2022.

This chapter provides a brief overview of key environmental trends in the United Kingdom and progress towards climate change and biodiversity targets. It assesses the environmental effectiveness and economic efficiency of the environmental policy mix, including regulatory and voluntary instruments, fiscal and economic instruments and public and private investment in environment-related infrastructure. It examines the interaction between the environment and other policy areas with a view to highlighting the opportunities and barriers to environmentally friendly and socially inclusive growth.

The United Kingdom has improved its material productivity. It has progressed with recovery and recycling, and the use of economic instruments to divert waste from landfilling. However, contaminated sites and illegal waste dumping remain important concerns. The United Kingdom and devolved governments have set long-term ambitions to improve resource efficiency and move towards a circular economy. Government and private actions provide a strong basis for progress. However, further co‑ordination and efforts will be needed to achieve long-term waste management and circular economy goals. This chapter gives an overview of trends in material use and waste generation and of related policies. It reviews policy objectives and institutional settings and then considers the effectiveness of the policy instruments used to encourage waste prevention, reuse and recycling, as well as to manage the transition towards the circular economy.