The enhanced Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), published on Monday, December 1, is focused on addressing the nature and climate crisis over the next five years.
The aim is to improve public health, stimulate nature and wildlife and support growth relying on a healthy environment.
Adur and Worthing communities will see improved air quality from measures to combat fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), which poses health risks and may trigger conditions like asthma and heart problems.
The new interim target proposes a 30 per cent reduction in population exposure to this pollution by 2030 from 2018 levels.
The plan also commits to creating or restoring 250,000 hectares of wildlife habitats by 2030, more than an area the size of Greater London.
This brings the total to 110,000 hectares more than previous commitments.
Efforts to reduce the presence of harmful invasive species by half, compared to 25 years ago, will also be intensified.
Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, said: “Our environment faces real challenges, with pollution in our waterways, air quality that’s too low in many areas, and treasured species in decline. This plan marks a step change in our approach.
“We’re turning words into meaningful action so that future generations can inherit a country with a thriving natural environment while we grow our economy.”
Tom Rutland, Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham, added: “This Labour government has already made significant progress in protecting nature for constituents in Adur and Worthing.
“This plan is a clear, detailed pathway to restore our natural environment for future generations while growing the economy.”
The implementation of the EIP will be backed by this week’s announcement of new headline commitments and funding, which includes £500 million for landscape recovery projects.
This initiative encourages farmers and land managers to collaborate on restoring nature at a large scale.
£85 million will be spent on the improvement and restoration of peatlands, helping reduce community flooding and enhance water quality.
An additional £3 million will be allocated to public forest estates, for accessible facilities including bike trails and all-terrain mobility equipment.
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