The 25 Year Environment Plan and the Industrial Strategy white paper, published in November 2017, set out UK approach to safeguarding the environment and future-proofing UK economy for generations to come. They are complementary approaches that reinforce one another given the relationship between the environment and the economy. These interconnections mean challenges and opportunities for sustainability practitioners.
Last week Prime Minister Theresa May pledged to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste in the UK by 2042. The commitment is part of the government’s 25-year plan to improve the natural environment. “I think people will be shocked at how today we allow so much plastic to be produced needlessly,” the PM said. The plan sets out the Government’s goals for preserving and improving the environment and outlines how research into innovative plastic solutions will receive funding from the government’s £7bn R&D pot. Britain will also provide more aid to help developing nations tackle plastic waste.
The Plan looks forward to delivering a Green Brexit. Main points at a glance:
- Clean air.
- Clean and plentiful water.
- Thriving plants and wildlife.
- A reduced risk of harm from environmental hazards such as flooding and drought.
- Using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently.
- Enhanced beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment.
- Mitigating and adapting to climate change.
- Minimising waste.
- Managing exposure to chemicals.
- Enhancing biosecurity.
Environmental groups have criticised the lack of proposed legislation and the lengthy timescales for dealing with problems in the Government’s new environment strategy.
These challenges mean opportunity for sustainability practitioners. Companies and government alike recognize environment and economy are all inter-related. There is a good reason to understand the complexity of sustainability.
CSE’s next presentation of the Global Certified Sustainability (CSR) Practitioner Program will be held in London, on March 1-2, 2018 and will provide all the latest updates and key concepts regarding trends and legislation on corporate sustainability, SDG’s, carbon emissions, GRI reporting guidelines, ways to measure the stakeholder engagement, case studies and best practices.