Mankind long believed that, whatever we did, the Earth would remain much the same. We know now that is untrue. Nature is under threat. One country’s pollution can be every country’s problem. So we all need to work together to safeguard our environment.

We have a moral duty to look after our planet and hand it on in good order to future generation. That does not mean trying to halt economic growth. We need growth to give us the means to live better and healthier lives. We must not sacrifice our future well-being for short-term gains, nor pile up environmental debts which will burden our children. Where there are real threats to our planet we have to take great care. Prevention can often be better and cheaper than cure. But action in Britain is not enough. The Government will play a full part in working out international solutions through bodies like the United Nations, the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the European Community.

The British Government will aim:
♦ to preserve and enhance Britain’s natural and cultural inheritance;
♦ to encourage the more prudent and efficient use of energy and other resources;
♦ to make sure that Britain’s air and water are clean and safe, and that controls over wastes and pollution are maintained and strengthened where necessary.

The world’s population doubled between 1950 and 1987. More people means more mouths to feed, and that demands more agricultural land. That in turn can lead to deforestation and soil erosion.

By burning forests, draining wet lands, polluting water courses and overfishing mankind is rapidly driving many species to extinction.

The Government is supporting international efforts for a global agreement to protect species of plant and animal life. The Government is also supporting projects to conserve endangered species of wild life such as the black rhino and the African elephants.

Action Taken

Britain attaches particular importance to the environmental policy of the European Community.

Much has already been achieved: since Britain joined, the Community has adopted some 280 environmental measures, including far-reaching-legislation to combat acid rain, curb pollution from cars and industry, conserve wildlife and ensure public access to information about the environment.