‘A more holistic approach is needed; creating long-term strategies to tackle environmental challenges’ was the key message from the launch of a new report at Westminster today. The new publication – which offers a diverse menu of policy ideas from across 12 professional bodies and Policy Connect – was launched with a panel debate chaired by leading environmentalist Tony Juniper, President of the Society who said:
“Today's report confirms once more that achieving a healthy environment is far from marginal to Britain's interests. Looking after where we live, both globally and locally, is vital for our long-term health, wealth and security and must be a far more prominent agenda as we approach the election”
The main points raised in the report include:
- the importance of the UK leading on climate agreements and embedding the environment across education in order to challenge and change behaviours;
- supporting the call for a Nature and Wellbeing Bill, a new Air Quality Strategy and highlighting the vital importance of soil protection;
- asking that energy be regarded as an ecosystem and recommending low carbon energy policy measures from energy production, through supply to consumption; and
- exploring the long term commitments needed to build a resilient UK and create a circular economy, which will return resources to the UK and create jobs.
Joining Tony Juniper on the discussion panel were:
- Martin Baxter, Director of Policy, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment;
- Peter Jones OBE, Chair of Former Director of Biffa Waste Services Ltd, Board Member of Policy Connect;
- Prof Mark Kibblewhite, President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Principal of MK Soil Science and Emeritus Professor at Cranfield University; and
- Prof Geoff Maitland, President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and Professor of Energy Engineering, Imperial College London.
Commenting on the report, the Society’s CEO Adam Donnan said:
“The 48 policy recommendations in the report showcase the breadth of professional interest and experience of SocEnv member bodies. They represent a holistic approach to the multi-faceted, complex sustainability challenges facing the next Government.”
Anyone wishing to comment on the report can tweet @SocEnv_HQ using the hashtag #GreenerGov.
