The UK faces significant challenges in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Foresight and forecasting studies are critical in this process as they anticipate potential outcomes of decisions, aiding in preparedness, resilience, long-term thinking, and improved decision-making.
The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP 2023) includes environmental targets set in the future, requiring clear forward-looking visions and decision-making strategies. To strengthen our progress assessment approaches and to hold the government to account more effectively in achieving its long-term goals and targets, the OEP also must develop its understanding of the key trends, issues, policies and actions shaping the future environment.
To improve its prospective analysis capability, the OEP commissioned a review of environmental foresight and forecasting studies. The review analysed common inputs, processes, and outputs across the studies, explored variation and interdependencies across the EIP goals, and recommended priorities for further capability building.
Disclaimer
Ipsos were commissioned by the Office for Environmental Protection to undertake a review of environmental foresight and forecasting studies. The views provided in this report are those of Ipsos and do not represent the opinion or position of the OEP. Some of the analysis in this report was used to inform the OEP’s report Progress in improving the natural environment in England 2023/2024.