Response to Dasgupta Review good first step but further action needed

Responding to the publication of the Government’s response to the Dasgupta Review, Signe Norberg, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at the Aldersgate Group, said: “It is positive to see the Government taking on board the findings from the Dasgupta Review and in particular the fact that economic and financial policy decision making has a crucial role to play in supporting the restoration of a healthy natural environment and ensuring the long-term resilience of the economy. The response also confirms that biodiversity net gain will apply to nationally significant infrastructure projects in England, which is an important development that helps bolster this important provision in the Environment Bill.”

Signe Norberg added: “However, today’s response does not amount to the necessary step change called for by Professor Sir Dasgupta. It is vital that the response goes further and clearly lays out a cross-departmental plan with a range of commitments that support the mainstreaming of nature into economic decision making. In addition to contributing to the Better Regulation Framework and supporting the development of nature-related financial disclosures, it is important that the whole of Government takes on the challenge posed by the Review and introduces new measures in the near and long term to support nature’s recovery. An ambitious Environment Bill, with binding interim targets and environmental improvement plans focused on delivering these targets, can play a key role in driving investment to restore the natural environment to the healthy status that our economy and society need.”