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News: Economic growth, waste and the environment What are the implications of economic policy on the environment? The continuous search for economic growth and expansion has its toll on the environment, human health and wildlife...Read more |
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Increasing levels of pollution, rapid growth of waste production, expansion of the transport network including roads, motorways and air traffic, induce important degradation of the soil, seas and of the air we breath. |
April 2005
Ecosystems are the planet's life-support system. They are fundamental to human health and indispensable to the well-being of all people everywhere in the world. This statement from the World Health Organization underlines how ecosystems and human health are inter-twined.
Furthermore it highlights how important it is that decisions related to economic development also protect the environment, in order to ultimately safeguard human health
A new report shows that some 60% of the benefits that the global ecosystem provides to support life on Earth (such as fresh water, clean air and a relatively stable climate) are being degraded or used unsustainably.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) synthesis report warns that the erosion of ecosystems could lead to an increase in existing diseases such as malaria and cholera, as well as a rising risk of new diseases emerging. Worsening ecosystems will also affect the world's ability to meet the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In the report, scientists working on the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
(MA) warn that harmful consequences of this degradation to human health are
already being felt and could grow significantly worse over the next 50
years.
A major concern is that
in many developed countries the total waste generation is coupled to
economic growth.
In Europe alone, each year more than 3,000 million
tonnes of waste is generated. In Western Europe this equates to 3.8 tonnes
per capita; while in Central and Eastern Europe this equates to 4.4 tonnes
per capita.
You will find more useful information
in the article
Economic growth,
waste and the environment
of our 26th monthly
Progressive Newsletter that me and
my colleagues believe that you will find interesting.
It is ironic that economic growth is threatening Europe’s environment and future. Planning for growth, should take in full account all these factors and face the environmental implications on a global scale.
Takis A. Haggiandreou
Director
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In many countries total waste generation is coupled to economic growth. Only in a limited number of countries economic growth was accompanied by a decrease of waste production. In Europe each year more than 3,000 million tones of waste are generated. |
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