The great bulk of our energy supply produces greenhouse gases. Failure to curb these emissions could lead to dangerous levels of global warming that threaten lives and livelihoods, as well as the English landscape.

We at CPRE cannot ignore the impacts of energy generation on the landscape. We need to engage with the energy debate through:

• Planning. The scale and location and developments in the energy sector must be planned so as to cause minimum damage to the landscape and wildlife.
• Building design. We must insist on high standards of energy use in dwellings and industrial buildings, and support methods of installing energy in existing homes and offices.
• Transport. Reducing demand for emissions as well as new infrastructure. We should encourage greater provision of public transport, compact estate development and consumption of local foods to reduce transport needs. Taxation of aviation fuel would also reduce demand.
• Equipment. We need to support continued development of energy efficient tools and electronic equipment. TVs, stereos, videos and DVD players cause emission of 3.1 million tonnes of CO2 a year—just leaving them on standby when not in use.

Further Information

• Energy and the Landscape (CPRE Oxfordshire article)
• The Nuclear Debate. Should CPRE support nuclear power?
• Wind energy
• CPRE national policy on energy