Sustainability
Local Agenda 21
LA21 was the response to the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in
1992. At this international conference, 179 United Nations
member states signed up to an agreement, Agenda 21 (an Agenda for
the 21st Century). This agreement bound nations to change the
way we live to take greater account of social justice and the
capacity of the earth to meet our needs.
The Council is concerned about waste, recycling and energy
consumption. It has signed the Nottingham Declaration on climate
change and is aware of the responsibilities involved. LA21
was incorporated into Broxbourne's Community Plan in 2006.
Sustainable development
Sustainable development has been defined as 'development that
meets the needs of today without compromising the ability of future
generations from meeting their needs'.
It doesn't mean:
- less economic growth, or
- that every aspect of the environment should be preserved
It does mean that decisions are taken with
proper regard to their environmental, social and economic impact.
It is about being able to live within our means and use efficiently
what the earth provides for us - its resources. 'This means using
resources fairly and efficiently, and ultimately using less of
them.
The Council's environmental health
section has been leading on sustainable energy sources and may
advise on suitable methods.