Elements of our strategy

The choices made over the next five years will have an enormous effect on the environment for the rest of the twenty-first century. Get it right and the future will be more manageable; miss this opportunity, and the risks are high.

This strategy sets out our plans for 2010 to 2015 – years that give us all the opportunity to become the generation that really took on climate change and won.

Five key areas

Our strategy aims to create a better place by securing positive outcomes for people and wildlife, in five key areas. We will:

Act to reduce climate change and its consequences
We have to address not just how we manage the consequences of climate change but also how we play our part in reducing emissions.
Protect and improve water, land and air
Great strides have been taken in improving water, land and air quality but there’s still much to do.
Work with people and communities to create better places
A good quality environment enhances people's lives. We work with people and communities to help protect them and to create better places.
Work with businesses and other organisations to use resources wisely
It's vital that businesses change the way they think about the resources they use and the waste they produce. We work with the businesses and other organisations we regulate to help them use resources wisely.
Be the best we can
We are determined to perform our very best. We will achieve more for people and the environment by managing our own resources carefully, providing excellent services and focusing on environmental outcomes not processes.

Recent history shows it’s possible to find solutions to difficult environmental challenges. Water and air quality are improving, species like otters that were in decline are now thriving, thousands of homes and businesses have improved flood protection and new habitats have been created for wildlife.

Elements of our strategy

Five key areas

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