Government scores C+ for environmental efforts as key areas flirt with failure

In relation to biodiversity, significant progress began in 2021 and was sustained in 2022, particularly in the conclusion of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, reform of the NPWS, development of local nature projects, peatland rewetting investments, and progress on invasive species management. Picture: Liam Reynolds

Some headway on energy has been made in the Programme for Government, but targets around climate, agriculture, and water quality are in danger of failing, an independent assessment of progress by scientists has found.

A report card by leading climate academics on the Government’s progress gives an overall grade of C+ or moderate progress in nine key areas, some two-thirds into its term in office.