York researchers point to sustainable future for Wales
Posted on 10 March 2005
A study by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), based in the University’s Department of Biology, warned that the Principality was at a watershed over its transport policy.
The lifestyles of the entire Welsh population have been monitored over the last two years as part of the £328,969 project to analyse the impact people's lives have on the planet – their Ecological Footprint.
WWF Cymru has co-ordinated the Reducing Wales' Ecological Footprint project which involved researchers from SEI, Cardiff and Bangor universities gathering and analysing data on all aspects of the population's lives including food, transport, waste and energy.
A more radical agenda is required that helps to prepare Wales for a more sustainable future
Dr John Barrett
On transport, the SEI research team suggests the Welsh Assembly is facing a stark choice -- adopt a 'business as usual' approach based on the expansion of environmentally damaging modes of transport (car, lorry and air supported by new roads and an extensive aviation infrastructure) or embrace a radically different transport agenda. The latter involves offering reliable, safe and attractive alternatives for short journeys by investing in public transport and encouraging walking and cycling.
Researchers found that travel had a slightly greater than average impact in the Welsh population's ecological footprint mainly because, on average, they tend to fly more than people elsewhere in the UK. But for services, food and drink consumption, holiday activities and consumables, the ecological footprint in Wales is below the UK average.
The four-strong SEI team of researchers warn that Wales faces a challenge in making sure that the benefits of its ambitious renewable energy target is not neutralised because of an increasing demand for energy.
They set out a range of policy recommendations for the Welsh Assembly to consider, including the promotion of organic food production and consumption, waste minimisation, energy efficiency in homes and encouraging the Principality’s population to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
Group leader Dr John Barrett said: "While some good work has been done in Wales to bring about a more sustainable society, present policies will not be sufficient to reduce the consumption of materials, the production of waste and the Ecological Footprint to a sustainable level. A more radical agenda is required that helps to prepare Wales for a more sustainable future. We would like to continue our involvement to help the Welsh Assembly to implement the policy recommendations we have made."
Notes to editors:
- The findings of the 'Reducing Wales' Ecological Footprint' project will be received by Rhodri Morgan, First Minster for Wales on 10 March, 2005 at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
- 'Reducing Wales' Ecological Footprint' project is managed by WWF Cymru in partnership with Bangor University, Biffaward, Cardiff Council, ESRC BRASS Research Centre at Cardiff University, Centre for Alternative Technology, Countryside Council for Wales, Consumer Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales, Gwynedd Council, Institute for Welsh Affairs, National Assembly for Wales, Stockholm Environment Institute (York), Welsh Development Agency and the Welsh Local Government Association For more information visit www.walesfootprint.org
- It has been funded by a major grant from Biffaward and contributions from Cardiff Council, Gwynedd Council, Countryside Council for Wales, Welsh Development Agency and the Welsh Assembly Government.
- The Stockholm Environment Institute at York (SEI–Y) is one of the constituent centres of the Stockholm Environment Institute, an independent, international research organisation committed to the implementation of practices supportive of global sustainable development. SEI conducts a comprehensive research, consulting and training programme which focuses on the links between the ecological, social and economic systems at global, regional and national and local levels. SEI-Y was established in 1989 at the University of York. The centre has 22 core members of staff including four professorial research leaders.