The UK government’s definition of sustainable development talks about ‘stimulating economic growth and tackling the deficit, maximising wellbeing and protecting our environment, without negatively impacting on the ability of future generations to do the same’. This therefore covers many aspects of society and life, and the government has put together its sustainable development vision on the premise that the ‘three ‘pillars’ of the economy, society and the environment are interconnected’.
The five principles of sustainable development for the UK are as follows:
- Living within environmental limits.
- Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society.
- Achieving a sustainable economy.
- Using sound science responsibly.
- Promoting good governance.
Sustainable development clearly covers many activities, and the government’s website promotes five main headings:
- Green economy
- Action to tackle climate change
- Protecting and enhancing the natural environmental
- Fairness and improving wellbeing
- Building a big society
These key areas are relevant to all of us. Reducing energy consumption leads to lower levels of carbon emissions, a key factor in climate change, with simple tasks such as switching to energy saving bulbs or turning the heating down all helping. Saving water is also an important way of being careful with natural resources, and encouraging local councils to plan housing and business developments carefully can lead to more sustainable communities. The Sustainable Development in Government website also contains more information on what we can do as individuals, communities, businesses and in the public sector.
For more information on sustainable development, including more detail on the key areas mentioned above, visit the government website DEFRA on the subject.
Source: www.defra.gov.uk 2011
