Nature is a complex, interconnected system. Population growth, increased living standards, technological developments, globalised consumption patterns, and climate change all put pressure on our delicate natural environment.
As much as 30% of the services we receive from the aquatic and terrestrial habitats in the UK have been recently assessed as declining, often as a consequence of long-term reduction in habitat extent or condition.
The previous global target to reduce the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010 was not met. In England, species and habitats are still declining.