Cool slide showing the rise of clean energy in the UK has been attributed to the European Renewable Energy Directive. Serves as a reminder about how bad the UK's environment used to be before Europe. Share on your site here: https://www.expertsure.com/uk/home/brexit-affect-environment-graphics/

1. THE ENVIRONMENT?
BREXITHow Would
Affect

2. In the 1970s and 80s the UK earned
the unattractive reputation for being
the ‘Dirty Man of Europe’.
At that time, the UK
had a voluntaristic
approach to
environmental
regulation.
Overall, the
UK had a very poor
pollution control.
The UK had the
highest sulphur
dioxide emissions in
the EU.
Seas were akin to
open sewers, with
waste pumped just
offshore.
SO2
SO2

3. Air quality
Impact on health
& lowering mortality rate
Beach quality
Impact on
tourism and economics
Wildlife zones
(Natura 2000)
Fishing
Impact on
ecosystems and economics
EU ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES
CO2
Renewable Energy Sources Carbon Emissions

4. SHARE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (EU PLAN FOR BRITAIN)
In 2014, the EU also decided on a
further package of green targets
covering the period to 2030.
The UK resisted efforts to continue with binding
targets for renewable energy sources.
2009
2010
2020
2030
3%
7%
201425%
30%
Including sub-targets
for transport of 10%
& heating energy of 12%
100%

5. REDUCTION OF CO2
EMISSIONS
EU plans to reduce carbon emissions
by 40% across Europe in 2030

6. RECYCLING
Recycling rates in England have increased from just over 10% in
2000 to about 44% today.
In Wales they are already in excess of 50%
.
In Wales and Scotland, Brexit would be unlikely to make a big difference
because the countries have already set themselves even more challenging
targets. In England, leaving the EU could give ministers leeway to set more
lenient targets.
>50%
Wales
44%
Scotland,
England

7. GREEN SUBSIDIES
Owners of wind turbines, solar panels and
biomass power plants are paid subsidies
for the electricity they generate creating
jobs and clean energy.
€€€€
The rise of clean energy in the UK has been attributed to
the European Renewable Energy Directive.

8. Sources:
https://www.foe.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/eu-referendum-environment-81600.pdf
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/13/what-would-brexit-mean-for-britains-green-targets/
EU membership had a revolutionary effect
upon UK environmental policy, causing a
major shift in policy style and goals.
The EU policies have driven up standards as well as acting to prevent the weakening of
environmental policies by less progressive states like the UK.