Rhodri Morgan
First Minister Rhodri Morgan said at the Hay Festival yesterday that all parts of Welsh society will have to play their part to fashion a sustainable future and a Wales fit for generations to come.
He did so announcing the Welsh Assembly Sustainable Development Scheme, a link to the WAG press release can be found here ‘Press Realease’.
It is stirring stuff, and for me is so refreshing given the current debaccle at Westminster to feel that there is some leadership somewhere to get behind.
He said:
- We must build sustainability into everything we do. There is a clear parallel with the difficult economic circumstances we now face – that of living beyond the country’s economic means to sustain us. Sustainable development provides us with a route to developing a lasting, strong and high skill economy that operates within environmental and financial limits. It needs to meet all the needs of our society now and in the future.
Jane Davidson said:
- This is a truly wide-reaching vision for Wales. We have committed ourselves to becoming a one planet nation – to use only our fair share of resources to sustain our lifestyles. This will ensure we leave enough resources for future generations.
Jonathan Porritt, Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission said:
- I am extremely pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government is showing such serious commitment to making Wales a truly sustainable country. I am also glad that the Sustainable Development Commission will have a new role in Wales in measuring the progress made by government in becoming more sustainable. If actions match the ambition shown in this document, Wales will set an example for the rest of the world to follow.
It is really positive that our Sustainable Lives inquiry can sit so squarely within this policy context.
