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Friends of The Earth Query The New 'Green' Manifesto

Posted: 08/03/2005

Government commitment to sustainable development will ultimately be judged by actions not words, say Friends of the Earth. The environmental campaigners have broadly welcomed the Government's new sustainable development strategy, announced recently. But the group said that the real test will be seen in specific future decisions and policies, such as this month's budget, and whether government targets, especially those for reductions in carbon dioxide, are met.

Friends of the Earth's director Tony juniper said:" Although this sustainability strategy has some important new policies, it is quite another matter whether it will make a serious contribution toward saving the world. In the end the Government will be judged on its actions. Recent years have seen a raft of lost opportunities and contradictory decisions. For example, policies on aviation, pollution permits for industry and failure to reduce UK carbon dioxide levels, do not inspire confidence. If it is to work, this strategy must be championed across the whole of government so that all official policies and decisions contribute to the larger long term goals."

Friends of the Earth welcomed the Government's redefinition of how economic progress should contribute to sustainability. The explicit recognition of environmental limits is an important step forward. A commitment to making £110 billion of government procurement expenditure more sustainable is encouraging. They are also pleased to see work on new indicators to assess the impact of the UK on other countries.

But on the negative side, Friends of the Earth is disappointed that there is no clear picture of who will have overall responsibility for making the strategy work in practice. All government departments will produce their own sustainable development action plans, but no one part of government will enforce the overall implementation of the strategy. The SDC is an independent watchdog and may not be as effective as a specific government department.

NEW GREEN PUBLICATION

Friends of the Earth is also encouraging individuals to take action. Going green could save individuals thousands of pounds as well as helping to tackle climate change, according to a new guide published by Friends of the Earth and Collins. 'Save Cash and Save the Planet' provides dozens of top tips on how small changes to your lifestyle can help reduce emissions of carbon dioxide while saving you cash at the same time.

'Save Cash and Save the Planet', printed on paper made from 100 per cent post consumer waste, is available from Friends of the Earth, priced £12.99, on 020 7490 1555 or online at www.savecashsaveplanet.org Copies are also available at good bookshops.

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