DTI considers plan for green approach to economic growth

Breaking the link between economic growth and environmental damage is the key theme of a discussion document launched today by Defra Minister Lord Whitty and DTI Minister Stephen Timms.

'Changing Patterns: UK Government Framework for Sustainable Consumption and Production' is the starting point for the UK government's long-term programme to deliver commitments made at last year's World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Key proposals include: breaking the link between economic growth and environmental pollution; making better use of resources; focussing on areas where environmental damage is greatest; and enabling consumers to receive more information on products and services.

Defra Business and the Environment Minister Lord Whitty said: "This the first step in a long journey to encourage a progressive economy which continues to provide us with high living standards, but at the same time helps reduce pollution, waste mountains and other environmental degradation.

"This is a very broad, ambitious and challenging agenda which affects us all at the local, national and global level."

DTI Energy Minister Stephen Timms said: "It is estimated that UK manufacturing business could save £3 billion each year through more efficient waste management. On top of this are the costs of pollution and long-term environmental damage, which are ultimately paid by business, the consumer and the taxpayer. This does not make good business sense."

Also launched today was a consultation on a range of environmental indicators which will help to assess the progress of the goal of breaking the link between economic growth and environmental damage.

In some areas, such as water quality and air quality in towns and cities, the link has been broken. Since 1990, the number of rivers where water quality was classed as 'poor' or 'bad' fell 10% and emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide decreased by 39% and 70% respectively; during the same period, the UK's Gross Domestic Product rose by 28%.

However, there are others which need to be tackled, such as pollution from traffic, household waste and water use, the government said. For example, as household consumption has increased during the past 12 years, so has water use, energy consumption and the amount of waste which is not recycled.

(gmcg)