European Commission Directorate General XI
The Directorate General XI (DGXI), residing within the European Commission, is
concerned with both promoting and monitoring the implementation of the Community
policies for the environment, nuclear safety, and civil protection. Actions of the DGXI
follow the strategy, defined in 1992 by the European Commission Programme of Policy and
Action and relate directly to the environment and sustainable development. The DGXIs
mission is aimed at achieving a high level of environmental protection, improving the
quality of life, increasing environmental efficiency, preserving the rights of future
generations to a viable environment, and ensuring the equitable use of our common
environmental resources.
The DGXIs current action plan aims to reflect the European Communitys
overall commitment to sustainable development by installing five basic
imperatives to be used as the basis for policy and legislation within issues
concerning the environment. These imperatives include: integration of environmental
considerations into other policy areas (i.e. agriculture, industry, transport, energy,
tourism, and regional policy); improved implementation and enforcement of policy
legislation; broadening the range of instruments beyond legislation; improving information
policies to promote public awareness; and developing a leading role in the international
arena.
For further information on DG XI please refer to:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/environment/index_en.html
BP Amoco
Sustainable development was defined by the World Commission on Environment &
Development in 1987 as "development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
That was 11 years ago. Since then there have been over 100 more definitions. In 1998
the UK government's 'Opportunities for Change' consultation paper emphasised four elements
- social progress, effective environmental protection, prudent use of natural resources,
and high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.
Sustainable development - however defined - has and will have great relevance to future
business performance. It's essential that the "triple bottom line" of economic,
environmental and social outcomes which defines sustainability be managed as a whole.
Focusing on any one at the expense of the others is not sustainable.
Beyond that, there seem to be three main factors at work:
Firstly, population growth and demands for increased wealth - both of which are
exerting unprecedented pressures on the planet's social and environmental systems. In the
last 50 years global population has doubled and real income has increased by a factor of
six. In the next 50 years the global population will grow by at least 60 per cent. To
stand still in unit terms, global GDP must also increase by 60 per cent by 2050;
Secondly, globalisation of information, communication, capital markets, goods and
services, regulations and even values - all of which stimulates inter-dependence. It
erodes sovereignty and the capacity of individual governments to act decisively. It is
already affecting everything from financial markets, cultural interests, crime and
legislative behaviour to consumer demand, the viability of entire industries and global
institutional structure;
And thirdly, growing public anxieties about economic, social and environmental issues,
reflected by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society and the media.
There are many ways forward, but certain parameters are clear. The response must be
integrated. It must be global. And it must be balanced in terms of social, economic and
environmental solutions.
BP Amoco believes that business needs to be part of the solution to the complex
questions associated with the sustainable development agenda. We have no wish to be seen
as the "problem" or even part of the problem. We need to be engaged on major
public policy issues such as climate change, environmental protection and human rights.
Today we must show that everything we do, and every product and service we provide, is
delivered in an environmentally and socially sound manner.
Businesses everywhere face an increasingly complex set of international conventions,
legislation and regulation. They need help in understanding the overall process, and we
therefore welcome UNED-UK's initiative in developing the Roadmap. It helps clarify where
we are, where we are going, and how to get there. It is not an easy map to follow - there
are many diversions for the unwary traveller. But if business is to play its part fully it
must be able to engage in the process efficiently and effectively. The Roadmap will be of
great value help in this respect. It illuminates the issues - gender, development,
environment, population etc. - and provides the layman with clearer insight and an
appreciation of the connections, concerns and opportunities that Sustainable Development
provides.
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