Current State of Environment Report Released
Environment New Zealand 2007 presents a thorough snapshot of the health of our environment and will help inform and prioritise decisions that will lead to a sustainable New Zealand, Mr Logan said.The 450-page report is the country’s second state of the environment report, but quantifies a range of key indicators in a way that the first report issued a decade ago did not.
“The environment means much more to us than just iconic landscapes. As this report shows, a sustainable environment is also vital to our social and economic well-being and our standard of living,” Mr Logan said.
The report confirms that while we have an enviable environment compared to many countries, some trends are going in the wrong direction.
“The report shows that key pressures on our environment are growing as our population increases, our economy grows and evolves, and our lifestyles change,” says Hugh Logan.
“Our everyday activities and choices – both past and present - have put pressures on our soil, water and air and other natural resources.”
“This report isn’t just for policy makers and environmentalists. It will be used to make decisions - by both central and local government, businesses, iwi, communities and families - which will lead to a sustainable New Zealand.
The Environment Ministry will use the findings to engage with key sectors and interest groups about where we go from here.
“Most of all, the report highlights the need to continue to protect and reinforce New Zealand’s environmental standing and our clean green reputation,” say Hugh Logan. This report will form an important basis for improving those areas which the report shows need attention.”
For more information and to download the report go to: http://www.mfe.govt.nz
Posted: 31/01/2008