Brexit Could Be a Terrible Idea for the Environment

The EU's record on environmental issues is possibly one of its greatest achievements. It has developed world-leading legislation on a range of issues, which have helped tackle water and air pollution, protected endangered species, and imposed tough safeguards on the use of genetically modified crops and potentially dangerous chemicals.

Reports have concluded that UK's departure from the European Union could increase pollution, decrease recycling and foster eco-unfriendly competition.

Two key areas:  Recycling and Air pollution. 

In these areas, Brexit could lead to policy changes that might reduce the pressure on companies and local governments to decrease pollution and increase recycling.

Despite estimates that anywhere between 30,000 to 60,000 people die every year because of the air they breathe, the UK Supreme Court recently had to order the Government to draw a plan to tackle the problem in order to meet EU standards.

The EU?s Renewable Energy Directive, set a target of 20 per cent of energy from renewables by 2020. This was assigned to each country in the EU but now that Britain is leaving the pressure will be put on the other countries.

Sources:

http://www.alternet.org/environment/brexit-could-be-terrible-environment