New report shows the UK is the least effective G7 member at protecting nature

New report shows the UK is the least effective G7 member at protecting nature - RSPB

A league table showing how much of the natural world is left in each of the G7 countries has the UK languishing at the bottom, and twelfth worst of 240 countries and territories
Using the Biodiversity Intactness Indicator the new report reveals that nature in the UK is in a perilous state, retaining only half of its plants and animals
The RSPB is calling on the Prime Minister to use his commitments to the international community as a catalyst for delivering urgent action at home, by working with the governments of the UK to halt and reverse wildlife declines and restore and expand spaces for nature

A new report from the RSPB, using data compiled by the Natural History Museum, has been published ahead of the UK-hosted G7 Summit in Cornwall next month and shows the perilous state of nature in the UK. The UK is listed as the worst in the G7 for the amount of wildlife and wild spaces lost due to human activity, resulting in the UK being ranked twelfth worst of 240 countries and territories.

The new league table is the latest in a growing body of scientific reports that highlights the urgent need for action from the governments of the UK in order to halt and reverse declines in wildlife and protect and restore the environment. Using the Biodiversity Intactness Indicator (BII), an internationally approved scientific measurement of the impact of human activity on plants, animals and landscapes, scientists are able to judge the damage to nature in different countries.

The UK has a score of just 50%, which means it has retained only half of its plants and animals, compared with 65% for France, 67%, for Germany and 89% for Canada, which is among the best countries or territories worldwide for retaining its natural biodiversity.

The new report is available here.