What we are doing to tackle climate change

The Environment Agency plays a central role in tackling climate change. Our work covers both reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, commonly known as mitigation, and managing the impacts of climate change, or adaptation.

Limiting climate change

We help to run some of the main trading schemes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and we regulate important low-carbon technologies such as hydropower, nuclear power and carbon capture and storage.

Adapting to climate change

We also have major roles in managing the impacts of climate change through our responsibilities for flood and coastal risk management, for the water and wetland environment, and as an advisor in the land-use planning system.


Leading by example


Government has given the Environment Agency a new role to provide advice and support to businesses, public sector and other organisations in England to help them adapt to a changing climate. For more information see our Climate Ready pages.

Find out more by following the links below: