Protect and improve water, land and air

A healthy and diverse natural environment is fundamental to the needs of society and the economy.

Water, land and air quality have been steadily improving for many years, but more is needed. Point-source pollution from industry has been reduced, but ‘diffuse’ pollution from sources such as agriculture, industry, households and road transport is growing in significance.

More needs to be done to tackle pollution and we will work with partners and individuals to do so. By working together future problems can be prevented, the quality of the natural environment will improve and peoples’ health will be protected.

• See our aims and outcomes for this theme (PDF, 48KB)

Supporting strategies

This element of our strategy is supported by a number of supporting strategies that show in more detail how we will work in specific areas to achieve the aims set out in our strategy: 

• Agriculture and land management supporting strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  Changes to the climate, increasing global population and concerns over water, energy and food security will intensify the competing demands on land in the future.
  Find out more about our work in agriculture

• Biodiversity supporting strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  There is still much to do to secure the variety and numbers of species and habitats in England and Wales.
  Find out more about our work with wildlife and conservation

• Climate change and energy sub-strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  Climate change caused by humans is one of the greatest threats to people and the environment.
  Find out more about our work on climate change

• Regulated business sub-strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  Businesses create wealth and provide society with goods and services. They can also have an impact on the environment.
  Find out more about our work on regulation

• Water sub-strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  Water is precious. People want enough to meet their needs and to support wildlife and recreation.
  
  Find out more about our work on water