Natural England

26 June 2008

Conservationists, industry and government must work together to find the right places for renewables, said Natural England today (26 June 2008) welcoming the Government’s Renewable Energy Strategy.

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England said: “Climate change is the most significant long term threat facing the natural environment. This strategy provides a welcome stepping stone on the path to a low carbon future. The conservation sector must now work with industry and government to find space for renewables and to develop a longer term blueprint for a low carbon economy by 2050.”

England has some of the best resources for wind, wave and tidal energy in Europe. But these resources are often found where our landscapes are at their most valued and where nature thrives.

Sir Martin continued: “We don’t know what the relative impacts of this energy revolution will be so we cannot afford to simply take a least cost route to delivering it. We urgently need a strategic assessment of the options for achieving the renewable energy target. Only the government can ensure that this assessment happens in time and to the high standards that are required.”

Sir Martin concluded: “To turn this strategy into reality, the conservation sector may in some cases have to accept short term pain for long term gain. Difficult decisions need to be taken if we are going to get serious about tackling climate change.”