UK Target 7: The UK will reduce pollution risks and the negative impact of pollution from all sources by 2030, to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, considering cumulative effects, including: (a) by reducing excess nutrients lost to the environment by at least half, including through more efficient nutrient cycling and use; (b) by reducing the overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals by at least half, including through integrated pest management, based on science, taking into account food security and livelihoods; and (c) by preventing, reducing, and working towards eliminating plastic pollution. 

Commitments:

UK

• Through the UK Marine Strategy, the UK is committed to the following targets relating to eutrophication: nutrient concentrations are below the levels which could lead to harmful eutrophication effects; chlorophyll concentrations are below levels which could lead to harmful eutrophication effects; dissolved oxygen content in coastal waters is above levels which could lead to harmful eutrophication effects.
• Through the UK Marine Strategy, the UK is committed to the following targets relating to contaminants: concentrations of contaminants measured in water, sediment or marine biota comply with appropriate threshold values; biological or ecological effects on sea life due to contaminants are below thresholds agreed by the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR). 
• Through the UK Marine Strategy, the UK is committed to the following targets relating to acute pollution events: occurrence and extent of significant acute pollution events are minimised; the adverse effects of significant acute pollution events on the health of species and on the condition of habitat (such as their species composition and habitats relative abundance) are minimised and, where possible, eliminated.
• Through the UK Marine Strategy, the UK is committed to the following targets relating to marine litter: a decrease in the total amount of the most common categories of litter found on surveyed beaches; a decrease in the number of items of litter on the seabed; a downward trend in the number of Northern Fulmars with more than 0.1 g of plastic particles in their stomach; develop an appropriate indicator to measure micro-litter in the marine environment. 
• Through the UK Marine Strategy, the UK is committed to the following targets relating to underwater noise: levels of anthropogenic impulsive sound sources do not exceed levels that adversely affect populations of marine animals; levels of anthropogenic continuous low-frequency sound do not exceed levels that adversely affect populations of marine animals. 
• Under the G20, the UK has committed to promoting the socio-economic benefits of establishing policies to prevent marine litter, to promoting sustainable waste management, and to raising awareness, promoting education and research, and has also committed to the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision, which aims to reduce additional pollution by marine plastic litter to zero by 2050 through a comprehensive life-cycle approach.
• We will deliver the UK domestic pesticides reduction target, as set out in the 2025 UK Pesticides National Action Plan, to reduce each of the 20 metrics of the Pesticides Load Indicator by at least 10% by 2030 in the arable sector compared to 2018.
• We will take action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through a new PFAS plan.
• We will seek to eliminate the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by 2025 in line with our commitments under the Stockholm Convention.

GB

• We will reform UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) to enable protections that address chemical pollution to be applied more quickly, efficiently and in a way that is more aligned with our closest trading partners, especially the EU, by December 2028.

England

• We will end the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) that are known to carry substantial risks to pollinator populations.
• We will substantially increase the destruction of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) found in waste by 2030.
• We will review the delivery of the contaminated land regulatory regime by assessing the use of existing powers and local authority performance through a new State of Contaminated Land Report by 2026.
• We will implement targets and obligations agreed through multilateral environmental agreements and other forums.
• We will halve the length of rivers polluted by harmful metals from abandoned metal mines by 2038, against a baseline of 1,491 km, with an interim target to construct eight mine water treatment schemes and 20 diffuse interventions to control inputs of target substances to rivers, and complete 55 catchment studies by December 2030.
• We will reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution from agriculture into the water environment by at least 40% by 31 Dec 2038, compared to a 2018 baseline with interim targets of: by at least 12% by December 2030, compared to 2018 levels; and by at least 18% in catchments containing protected sites in unfavourable condition due to nutrient pollution by December 2030.
• We will reduce phosphorus loadings from treated wastewater by 80% by 2038 against a 2020 baseline, with an interim target of by 55% by December 2030 against a 2020 baseline.
• We will deliver air quality targets for PM2.5 concentration and exposure, with an annual mean concentration target of 10 micrograms per cubic metre to be achieved by December 2030; and a population exposure reduction target of 30% compared to 2018 to be achieved by December 2030.
• We will deliver 2030 emissions targets to reduce anthropogenic emissions for the following pollutants against a 2005 baseline level:
  • ammonia (NH3): 16% reduction
  • nitrogen dioxide (NO2): 73% reduction
  • sulphur dioxide (SO2): 88% reduction
  • Particulate Matter (PM2.5): 46% reduction
  • non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs): 39% reduction
• We will significantly reduce and where possible prevent all kinds of marine plastic pollution – in particular, material that came originally from land.

Scotland

• The extent of restored catchments and improvements in ecological status of rivers, lochs and wetlands will have increased, with waterbodies in good condition.
• We will reduce the amount of waste generated in Scotland, as we accelerate our move to a circular economy: driven by our Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030, ensuring that materials that cannot be avoided, reused or recycled are managed in a way that minimises environmental and climate impacts, and encourages management of materials further up the waste hierarchy.
• We will deliver the National Litter and Fly tipping Strategy (published 2023), which sets out how national and local government, business, third sector, communities and individuals can work together to support behaviour change, improve infrastructure and strengthen enforcement, in order to protect our environment, better value our resources as a society and prevent the escape of materials from the economy.
• We will ensure that the Scottish Nitrogen Balance Sheet, to be established by March 2022, reflects the contributions to air pollution from all sectors of the economy. Also, we will ensure that the new evidence base from the Balance Sheet is used to inform future policy making around air quality and its alignment with other strategic frameworks. Once established, the Balance Sheet will be reviewed on a regular basis.
• The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will continue with a focussed approach in diffuse pollution priority catchments to drive compliance with environmental legislation to help achieve water quality objectives and improve bathing water quality. This work also promotes a circular economy by minimising nutrient and soil loss and saving farmers money.
• We will support investigation into the method of assessing risk of significant harmful ecological effects from atmospheric nitrogen (nitrogen deposition and elevated concentrations of ammonia and NOx), comparing critical loads/levels with dose-response or other options.

Wales

• We will update our Natural Resources Policy which sets out Welsh Government policies to deliver the sustainable management of natural resources. This will include actions to reduce the pressures such as pollution impacting biodiversity and ecosystems.
• We will work with the farming community to implement the Water Resources Regulations 2021 to target activities known to cause pollution.
• We will continue to implement the Clean Air Plan for Wales (2020) which aims to reduce the impacts of air pollution on human health, biodiversity, the natural environment and our economy.
• We will strive to achieve the highest rates of recycling in the world. This includes working with local government, businesses, social enterprises and communities to take the next steps in becoming a truly advanced recycling nation. 
• The Beyond Recycling strategy sets out our approach to making a circular economy in Wales a reality.
• We will continue to implement our legislation to eradicate single use plastics in Wales through the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023.

Northern Ireland

• We will reduce agricultural ammonia emissions to reduce their impact on fragile ecosystems in line with targets in the Ammonia Strategy from 2026.
• We will introduce a Deposit Return Scheme by 2027 to help reduce waste and eliminate single-use plastic pollution.
• By 2028, we will reduce the amount of phosphorus applied in chemical fertilisers to achieve a 50% reduction from 2023 levels.
• We will continue to implement the River Basin Management Plans Programme of Measures so that by 2027 phosphorus and protein content of concentrate animal feeds is reduced, use of chemical fertilisers is reduced and minimised and correct use of pesticides is achieved.
• We will continue to develop and implement the Sustainable Agriculture Programme to promote sustainability and to target and minimise farming activities known to cause pollution.

UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies 

The British Virgin Islands

• By 2036, we will upgrade the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems through the prohibition of waste in these areas.
• By 2036, we will ensure that the dumpsite is better managed to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion and release of toxic fumes, resulting in air pollution.
• We will manage the cumulative impacts of the charter yacht sector on the marine environment.
• We will develop a policy aimed at better managing the impacts of cruise tourism on other, more valuable, sub-sectors of the maritime tourism product and the wider marine environment.

The Falkland Islands

• We will create a Waste Management Plan for the Falkland Islands, and, in partnership with British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI), create a waste management facility and a new landfill designed and built to high specifications by 2025 to minimise environmental impact.
• We will develop a policy framework and identify and implement appropriate tools (e.g. legislation) to control and prevent pollution, including creating a protocol for dealing with terrestrial fuel spills, and investigating extension of appropriate international instruments to reduce marine pollution.
• We will decommission and replace the current power station in order to reduce polluting emissions.
• We will establish a list of hazardous substances and products typically disposed of in the Falkland Islands, including e-waste, batteries and agricultural chemicals, and identify options for appropriate disposal or recycling e.g. export supply chains.
• We will work with industry and business to source more sustainable, lower waste product options, and encourage them to explore viable options for tackling waste streams from existing economic activities.

Gibraltar

• We will aim to reduce, with a view to eradicating, all single-use plastics, litter and microplastic pollution and to create a culture where it is completely unacceptable to drop litter.
• We will achieve Good Environmental Status across all environmental descriptors of the marine monitoring programme.
• We will align with EU air quality objectives for NO2, PM10 and PM 2.5.

Guernsey

• We will support farmers to reduce the risk of pollution from pesticides through the introduction of Integrated Pest Management Plans which seek to reduce the use of pesticides to minimal required levels, and to reduce the risk of nutrient pollution through the introduction of Nutrient Management Plans. 

The Isle of Man

• By 2025, Government will monitor, understand and substantially reduce environmental pollution pressure on biodiversity.
• We will continue and improve the identification and monitoring of pollution on high-risk land, and in freshwater and marine habitats, minimising risks by effective legislation, facilities, incentives and sanctions.
• By 2025, we will bring pollution, including diffuse pollution, to levels which support healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

• By the end of 2028, all remaining oil that it is possible to safely remove will be removed from the disused whaling stations and removed from South Georgia.
• We will continue to support global efforts to remove plastic debris from our beaches by working with International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to encourage ‘beach cleans’ to form a part of the visitor landing experience, as debris poses an immediate threat to wildlife.
• The Government will cease to use avoidable single-use plastic by 2027.

UK

• The UK Joint Fisheries Statement sets out the policies for achieving, or contributing to the achievement of, the eight fisheries objectives in the Fisheries Act 2020: sustainability, precautionary, ecosystem, scientific evidence, bycatch, equal access, national benefit and climate change objectives.
• The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) launched the second Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter in June 2022, setting out the action that OSPAR Contracting Parties will take to prevent and reduce marine litter from sources on land and at sea. The UK is working with other Contracting Parties to lead, support and implement the actions in the plan, which address the most abundant and harmful forms of marine litter. Some actions have resulted in recommendations, and the UK will be required to report on their implementation of these recommendations. 
• The UK Government is working with all other contracting parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) to implement a Regional Action Plan to reduce anthropogenic underwater noise to levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment. The action plan will be implemented from 2025–2035, and includes actions to address overall levels of noise pollution as well as specific sources to reduce underwater noise pollution.
• The UK Pesticides National Action Plan, published in March 2025, promotes the sustainable use of pesticides to minimise impacts on the environment and human health, while supporting food security and managing pests and pesticide resistance effectively.
• We will take regulatory decisions made by other trusted jurisdictions as the starting point for UK regulatory decisions to enable new protections to be applied more quickly and more efficiently, and to align regulation more closely with our closest trading partners unless there are compelling reasons to diverge. We will protect people and the environment while reducing business complexity and trade barriers and provide industry with the certainty they need to grow and invest.
• We will implement updates to the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), through legislation to be made in accordance with the deadlines set by the convention in late 2025.
• We will ensure 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in the UK will be zero emission by 2030 and 100% of new sales zero emission by 2035, supporting reductions in air pollution and CO² emissions from road transport by 2030. This will be achieved through measures such as the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate and vehicle incentives, including the Electric Car Grant, supporting the rollout of equitable access to widespread public charging infrastructure, and supporting private charge points in areas facing additional challenges.
• We will take steps to decarbonise the UK HGV fleet, including consulting on potential regulation options to support phase out of the sales of new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040. 
• We will support the transition to zero emission HGVs through a mix of policy measures and guidance, including publishing the data gathered as part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator.

GB

• We will restrict the manufacture, import and export of additional mercury added products in line with the requirements of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, through the domestic legislation (The Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025) that came into force at the end of 2025.

England  

• The Environmental Land Management schemes include the adoption of actions taken to reduce pollution levels in, and thus improve, waterbodies.
• Guidance for assessing the significance of noise disturbance against Conservation Objectives of Harbour Porpoise Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
• We will work with stakeholders to encourage uptake of Integrated Pest Management by developing and promoting tools and knowledge over the course of the UK Pesticides National Action Plan (NAP) timeline (the NAP sets out a multi-year programme of actions).
• We will work with the devolved governments to identify and assess potential changes to legislation that would stop the use of emergency authorisations for products containing neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) by the end of 2027.
• Farmers are being incentivised to reduce pesticide use through initiatives like the Sustainable Farming Incentive and the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS), which encourage integrated pest management (IPM) approaches and reduce pesticide runoff. The Catchment Sensitive Farming elements of the CSS have been extended to the whole of England and funding increased to £15 million per year. Since 2024, farmers have also been paid to use precision application techniques to minimise herbicide use. New UK guidance was published in 2024 to support increased use of IPM by farmers. In June 2025, Integrated Weed Management guidance was made accessible to all amenity managers in the UK.
• We will deliver a series of compliance campaigns related to the sampling and testing of waste for POPs to identify which waste streams are affected on an ongoing basis. This includes providing industry with practical guidance as necessary relating to the identification, classification and disposal of waste containing POPs.
• We will take enforcement action where we find that equipment is in use beyond the legal deadline.
• We will survey all English local authorities to assess the condition of contaminated land in their respective area and report on these findings by Spring 2027.
• We will publish a Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Plan in 2026. In this plan, we will set out a range of regulatory and non-regulatory interventions, measures and initiatives with specific actions and delivery milestones. These will raise understanding and awareness of PFAS in the environment, identify and address releases of harmful PFAS and protect people and the environment from harm relating to PFAS exposure. The plan will set out a coordinated response, extending across government and industry.
• We will construct and maintain new mine water treatment schemes and diffuse interventions.
• We will require water companies to upgrade 440 wastewater treatment works by 2030 to meet stricter phosphorus permit limits.
• We will double the funding for Environment Agency advice-led farm inspections over the three years to 2029 to ensure farmers are compliant with water quality regulation.
• We will provide grants to improve slurry management, with impact shown by progress towards the interim target.
• We will support the transition to a zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet, including by working with the Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel to develop a clear pipeline of future orders by November 2025. We will use powers in the Bus Services Act 2025 to lay regulations by the end of 2026 to end the use of new non-ZEBs on local routes in England from a date no earlier than 2030, and support investment with devolved funding settlements.
• We will support the International Civil Aviation Organization’s review of the existing aircraft engine emissions standard for NOx, recommending any updates in 2028.
• We will work with stakeholders to reduce ammonia emissions in line with the 2030 emission reduction target from farming through streamlined regulation and develop detailed proposals on the extension of environmental permitting for dairy and intensive beef farms for consultation.
• We will consult on new measures that cut emissions from domestic combustion while minimising the impact on those that need to burn and respecting traditional celebratory festivals such as Bonfire Night and Diwali.
• We will publish new statutory local transport plan guidance for local transport authorities in due course, which will set out the government’s ambitions for local transport plans. This will include expectations on improving air quality in the local transport context.
• We will publish an updated ‘Well-Managed Highways Infrastructure’ Code of Practice. This will reflect best practices, technological advancements, policy and legislative changes relevant to a range of topics, including environment and air quality. Publication is planned incrementally to enable the earliest access.

Scotland

• The Global Commitment 2021 signatory report provides an overview and analysis of the commitments made by various organisations who signed onto the Global Commitment initiative in 2021, which set targets for 2025 to create a circular economy for plastic and tackle plastic pollution.
• The Update to the Climate Change Plan 2018–2032 Securing A Green Recovery on a Path to Net Zero provides targets to reduce food waste and plastic waste and to achieve a circular economy.
• We will reduce the impact of air pollution on biodiversity by continuing to implement the actions in our Cleaner Air for Scotland 2: Towards a Better Place for Everyone.
• The River Basin Management Plan for Scotland 2021–2027 includes actions to address rural diffuse pollution and improve wastewater infrastructure with the aim to contribute to an overall improvement in water quality from 87% in 2020 to 98% in the long term.
• The National Islands Plan includes actions related to the deposit return scheme and circular economy.
• The Food waste reduction: action plan sets out measures to reduce Scotland’s food waste by 33% by 2025 through transitioning to a circular, resource-efficient economy.
• The next steps in delivering our vision for Scotland as a leader in sustainable and regenerative farming include objectives to reduce the use of agrochemical inputs and increase the use of non-chemical related actions.
• Rules for farmers and land managers to prevent water pollution specifies steps that farmers and land managers must take to prevent manure, fertiliser and soil getting into watercourses.
• We recently consulted on our Circular Economy and Waste Route Map and are passing a Circular Economy Bill, both of which will help us address the harms of plastic and other wastes entering the environment. They include commitments and enablers such as banning certain single-use items, introducing a deposit return scheme and requiring kerbside collection and recycling of plastic film and flexible packaging by 2027.   
• We will implement the many planned new actions in our refreshed Marine Litter Strategy to prevent litter entering our marine environment and support its removal. 
• The Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 introduced a new framework of support for farmers and crofters that empowers them to realise their essential role in biodiversity restoration and sustainable food production.

Wales

• The Welsh Ministers’ Natural Resources Policy sets out how Welsh Government policies deliver environmental objectives, including sustainable use of natural resources and reduced pollution levels, to improve the condition of ecosystems and their services.
• The Clean Air Plan for Wales and the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 include measures that contribute to improvements in the quality of the air environment in Wales and reduce the impacts of air pollution on human health, biodiversity, the natural environment and our economy.
• The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 aim to improve water quality and protect nature from agricultural pollution.
• Beyond Recycling sets out how the Welsh Government plans to make the circular economy in Wales a reality.
• The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023 is an Act to tackle plastic pollution and deliver our commitment to abolish commonly littered single-use plastic products.

Northern Ireland

• The Environmental Improvement Plan for Northern Ireland forms the basis for a coherent and effective set of interventions that can collectively deliver real improvements in the quality of the environment. This includes details of how Northern Ireland plans to reduce pollution.
• The DAERA Waste Prevention Programme was published in 2020. This programme included new and ongoing actions aimed at improving waste prevention and increasing education and awareness.
• The Food Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 provide for separate collection, transport and treatment of food waste. The Regulations contain a range of measures, most notably requiring district councils to provide for separate collection of food waste for households and placing a duty on food businesses producing in excess of 5 kg of food waste per week to present food waste for separate collection.

UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies 

The British Virgin Islands

• Vision 2036: Building a Sustainable Virgin Islands sets out the overall vision to have a well-balanced, people-centred Virgin Islands built on spirituality, social justice and equality; nurtured by trust, cultural knowledge and participatory governance; and strengthened by economic, environmental and social sustainability. One of the national outcomes of this policy is environmental sustainability.
• The Virgin Islands Strategic Blue Economy Roadmap 2020–2025 was developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It sets out an integrated approach to ocean-based sustainable development which brings together economy, environment and society, consistent with the Sustainable Development Agenda (2030), Aichi Target 11 and the Paris Agreement (the Roadmap was developed before the Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed and is therefore consistent with the Aichi Targets agreed under the CBD for 2011–2020). This includes details on how the island plans to tackle pollution control.

The Falkland Islands

• The Falkland Islands Environment Strategy 2021–2040 sets out the Falkland Islands’ objectives for the next 20 years, so that we can work towards a shared vision for the future of our environment.

Gibraltar

• The 25 Year Environment Plan sets out Gibraltar’s long-term strategy for protecting and enhancing its environment over the next quarter century. It provides a structured framework to guide policy, planning and environmental management.
• The Gibraltar Marine Reserve Management plan includes measures to address pollution.
• The Marine monitoring programme and programme of measures for British Gibraltar Territorial Waters set out our strategy for achieving Good Environmental Status across all indicators.
• The Environmental Governance Act sets out long term targets for biodiversity and air quality. 

Guernsey

• A new agricultural policy was agreed in 2025 that will support the production of Nutrient Management Plans, Soil Management Plans and Integrated Pest Management Plans for all dairy farms in Guernsey by the end of 2026.

The Isle of Man 

• Managing our Natural Wealth, The Isle of Man's First Biodiversity Strategy 2015–2025 sets out a vision for the future health of our biodiversity, and maps out the framework for action to conserve and enhance our natural richness for the health, enjoyment and economic well-being of all the people of Isle of Man. This includes details on how the island plans to reduce pollution.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands 

• Protect Sustain Inspire (PSI) – A values-driven approach to the stewardship of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands 2021–2025 sets out the Islands’ seven priority areas for the period 2021 to 2025 and includes an overview of the range of activities and delivery commitments that will take priority. Delivering PSI – The Government’s Implementation Programme provides detail on the implementation programme for the PSI commitments beyond 2025.