The recent update to the Government’s environmental plan is poised to introduce stricter regulations for wood burners in a bid to reduce smoke emissions. A consultation is set to be launched to explore options for mitigating the environmental impact of public wood burning, encompassing activities like the use of stoves and bonfires.
Proposed revisions may necessitate manufacturers of “solid fuel” stoves to phase out or modify older models to comply with the enhanced standards. Notably, existing older stoves that have already been sold will not be subject to a ban under the new proposals.
In regions where smoke control regulations are enforced, pollution thresholds could be reinforced. These are areas where limitations are imposed on the types of fuels permissible for domestic burning in fireplaces or stoves.
The consultation aims to minimize the repercussions on those reliant on wood burning and to uphold traditional celebratory events such as Bonfire Night and Diwali. These initiatives are part of the Government’s strategy to address air pollution in the updated Environment Improvement Plan (EIP), which supplants the prior administration’s plan with a series of fresh environmental objectives.
The Government has established a more stringent target to reduce PM2.5 concentrations – a fine particulate pollutant associated with asthma, lung ailments, and heart conditions – by 30% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Data indicates that a significant portion of PM2.5 emissions in 2023 stemmed from domestic combustion. The EIP aims to align the UK’s PM2.5 standards with those of the EU, a departure from the previous plan issued by the Tories in 2023.
Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, who tragically lost her nine-year-old daughter to an asthma attack linked to air pollution in 2013, lauded the new PM2.5 target as a positive development. She has been advocating for “Ella’s Law,” which seeks to ensure clean air across England by January 1, 2030, in line with World Health Organization air pollution guidelines.
Acknowledging the progress, Kissi-Debrah stated, “It’s a step in the right direction, although not yet Ella’s Law. I am pleased because any improvement in air quality that prevents child hospitalizations and deaths is a positive step.”
Andrew McCracken, director of external affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, commended the advancement toward cleaner air and emphasized the urgent need for action to mitigate the impact of PM2.5 pollution. He stressed the importance of promptly commencing the public consultation on wood burning to address the substantial contribution of domestic wood burners to PM2.5 pollution.
The Government’s updated plan also outlines new objectives for addressing hazardous chemicals, combating invasive species, and revitalizing ecosystems. The strategy includes initiatives to restore or create habitats across 250,000 hectares by 2030, surpassing the previous target of 140,000 hectares by January 2028.
Moreover, plans include a strategy to tackle PFAs, enhance invasive species management, and promote methane-reducing cow feed among farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, efforts will focus on enhancing public access to green spaces, with proposals to strengthen legal rights to access these areas.
The Environment Department (Defra) announced a collaborative approach involving individuals, communities, farmers, businesses, and local authorities to implement the EIP, with £500 million redirected toward landscape recovery projects. These projects will involve long-term partnerships with farmers and landowners to restore wildlife habitats, backed by investments in peatland restoration and improved public forest access.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the significant challenges facing the environment and underscored the plan’s commitment to restoring nature. The ambitious targets are coupled with tangible measures to reduce harmful air pollutants, restore habitats, and safeguard the environment for future generations.
The plan is a statutory requirement under the Environment Act, reflecting a broader commitment to enhancing the environment for future cohorts. Ministers will publish delivery plans for Environment Act targets, detailing the responsible entities and measurement criteria for tracking progress toward overarching goals.
