On 15 October 2026, Severe drought status was declared for parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex after the driest April to September in over a century depleted local reservoir levels - with further dry weather expected for the rest of October.
The Environment Agency is the main body in England responsible for making sure waste is regulated effectively. As the population grows and the climate changes, managing waste well is more important than ever for a sustainable future. Our rules help …
Around 1.12 million hectares of agricultural land in England is currently in areas at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea – around 13% of all agricultural land.
None of us can manage the pressures of a changing climate alone, and we all stand to benefit from sharing what we've learned.
Behind England’s flood defences are thousands of engineers, inspectors and specialists working in all weathers, around the clock.
By Dr Rob Bradburne, Environment Agency Chief Scientist How does climate change affect drought? This summer has been a reminder that climate change is no longer something we talk about in terms of future generations. For many people, this summer …
In 2022, after 46 years of generation, Hinkley Point B (HPB) switched off its last operational reactor and began defueling. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) declared the site free of nuclear fuel in January 2026. Alister, our Hinkley Point …
Every year, the Environment Agency processes over 13,000 permit applications. These decisions cover an enormous range of activity. From a small waste transfer site to permits regulating how the nation handles nuclear waste, every single one matters because they protect …
Water is essential for drinking, farming, industry, wildlife and recreation. Sustainable water abstraction is essential to ensure that river flows and groundwater levels support ecology and natural resilience. We work side by side with abstractors, combining their knowledge of the land with ours, to …
Elizabeth Maerz, Environment Officer for Cumbria Every day, our officers investigate pollution reports across the country's rivers and lakes. Surprisingly often, the cause is something quite ordinary: a household drainage system connected the wrong way round. Windermere, England's largest lake, …
Last week, representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) 181 Member States gathered in Vienna for the Agency's 70th General Conference. As governments, regulators and industry leaders discussed the future of nuclear energy, one theme came up time and again in my conversations: how can regulation support innovation, investment and growth while maintaining public …
