Environment Agency launches water quality and climate change strategy

The Environment Agency has announced a new five-year plan designed to improve water quality in rivers around the UK and tackle climate change.

Its strategy includes reducing serious pollution incidents by five per cent each year and offering an additional 200,000 homes and businesses protection from flooding.

Reducing the agency's own carbon footprint is also an important part of its latest plans, with the organisation intending to lower its emissions by more than 30 per cent.

At its annual conference, the government watchdog published research which demonstrates the improvements already achieved in terms of the country's environment.

Cutting sulphur emissions by 76 per cent since 1998 and decreasing the amount of waste produced by Environment Agency-regulated companies by 14 per cent in four years are cited as examples of positive developments.

However, the organisation warned that there is still much to be done in the coming years.

Dr Paul Leinster, chief executive at the agency, said: "Climate change is already affecting the UK and the challenges we face as a result are only going to get tougher."

Energy and climate secretary Ed Miliband set out plans to improve the balance of renewable and clean energy sources across Britain in parliament on November 9th.

Proposed initiatives include the development of new nuclear sites and clean coal power stations.

Posted by Lauren Steadman