Final revision

Question 1

Provide a full description of the ‘Producer Responsibility Principle’, and provide the name of one UK environmental regulation that adopts this principle (3 marks)

Answer 1

• Life-cycle extension of polluter pays principle
• Everything that happens to the product even after selling it
• Central principle in Waste Management Policy making
• The waste (England and Wales) regulations 2008

Question 2

State the four 2050 Goals laid out in the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. (2 marks)

Answer 2

• Halt loss and restore nature
• Use lands and seas sustainably
• Share benefits and services
• Mobilise necessary services

Question 3

State the full names of two types of site designation included in the Natura 2000 Site Network, and for each of the two designations state which legislation it is introduced under in the United Kingdom (2 marks).

Answer 3

• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) - Habitat regulations 2019
• Special Protection Areas (SPAs) - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1951

Question 4

Provide the definition for ‘Waste’ as stated in the EU Waste Framework Directive 2008. (1 mark)

Answer 4

Any substance or object the holder discards, intends or is required to discard

Question 5

Provide a clear definition of ‘Controlled Waters’ for the purposes of regulatory enforcement in England. (1 mark)

Answer 5

Any bodies of water that are subject to regulatory controls or management measures

Question 6

Briefly describe the key outcomes of the ClientEarth v. The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs & Her Majesty’s Government case from the Supreme Court hearing in 2015. (2 marks)

Answer 6

• The UK Supreme Court ruled that the government was failing to meet its obligations under the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive, particularly concerning nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution levels.
• The Court ordered the UK government to produce new, compliant Air Quality Plans (AQPs) by the end of 2015 — to bring pollution levels within legal limits “as soon as possible.”
• The existing plans were ruled inadequate.
• This was a landmark case, as it was the first time the UK Supreme Court ordered the government to act on environmental grounds

Question 7

Outline the statutory status and key purposes of the Climate Change Committee. (2 marks)

Answer 7

• Indenpendant statutory body established under the climate change act 2008
• Purpose is to advise the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets and to report to parliament on the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change