Blair launches sustainable development strategy
Tony Blair has said that Britain will seek to lead by example on sustainable development as he published the UK’s sustainable development strategy.
The most eye-catching part of the strategy is the previously trailed move to ensure that overseas Government visits off-set the carbon impact of flying.
Where there is no alternative to flying, the Government is promising to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Speaking this morning, Mr Blair said: “By joining up thinking and action across all levels of government, and by setting long term objectives, the Government is dedicated to securing the future for all. I want to use this new strategy as a catalyst for action.”
Other key measures include a new national task force on sustainable public procurement, the development by 2010 of comprehensive web-based maps to give complete information about environmental quality across England and a consultation on increased powers for the Environment Agency.
The task force will be chaired by Sir Neville Simms, chairman of International Power plc, and will look at both the direct impact of public sector procurement and also how the £125 billion annual public sector spend can be used to help innovation and create a market for sustainable products.
Today’s launch was warmly welcomed by environmental campaign group WWF, who said that it signalled a move towards an economic model in which growth was not at the expense of the environment.
Director of campaigns Andrew Lee, said: “The UK Sustainable Development Framework is a blueprint for a ‘One Planet Economy.’ For the first time the Government has set out clearly the extent to which we are living beyond our means and what needs to be done about it.
“This strategy should mark a step change in moving the UK towards One Planet Living. This will create huge opportunity for innovative UK businesses to move into new global markets.”
The WWF is calling on the Chancellor to use his March 16 Budget to shift the taxation burden onto environmentally harmful activities.
