Environmental policy criticised by Sustainable Development Commission
“Shows promise: But must try harder” is the message for the Government on environmental policy put forward in a new report today by the Sustainable Development Commission.
In particular, the Commission is urging ministers to pay more attention to the environmental and health problems attendant on economic growth – such as obesity and traffic congestion.
Sustainable Development Commission chair Jonathon Porritt this morning warned that while progress is being made, this is still on the margins. He called for a radical shift in policy, to put environmental and “quality of life” issues at the heart of the political agenda.
“The Government seeks to promote sustainability mainly through numerous small initiatives and shifts of policy, none of which is too demanding by itself, but which may cumulatively lead us to a more sustainable society in the long run”, the report states, continuing: “We recognise the political expediency of this model of social engineering. But we think that the situation of the world is too grave for modest incrementalism to be sufficient.”
Mr Porritt warned that the environmental question is more pressing than ever. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” programme, he declared: “The problem of climate change is now as important to the world as international terrorism.”
The Commission argues that the Government must be more prepared to use economic and fiscal incentives to promote environmental objectives, such as increasing taxes on air fares.
“What I see is a continuing uncertainty about how to deal with this politically and an unwillingness to take some of the risks that must now be taken”, Mr Porritt warned.
Nonetheless, the report records good progress on air and water quality, but is scathing in its criticism of waste policy, transport and the integration of public health and sustainable development.
