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All life on earth, including our own, depends on certain environmental conditions that are constantly being altered by human activities. Ecosystems essential for a healthy environment, such as the seas, forests and rivers, have been unbalanced by loss of biodiversity, caused by exploitation and pollution. All forms of life are interdependent and in damaging natural ecosystems we may threaten our own existence.

 

The environment is not ours to damage but is there for us to use, whilst safeguarding it for future generations. We can enjoy a better quality of life and protect the environment at the same time by small changes in our lifestyles, such as reducing waste or saving energy. 

 

People have altered the environment for thousands of years through activities such as farming and building towns. In many places, including Ryedale, this has created a beautiful and valued landscape. However, our power to change the earth's environment has drastically increased due to technology. Development has brought benefits, such as better health and ease of travel, but has also led to associated environmental damage threatening our long term survival, such as pollution of air, land and water. 

 

In order that the world's natural environment remains diverse and can continue to provide for future generations, it is important that development becomes sustainable in the long term. For this to happen, it is imperative that decisions affecting future development take into account environmental and social factors, as well as economic.  

 

We need development because it gives us better homes, employment, better health and a better standard of living. As a society we should ensure that development protects or improves the environment, making it sustainable in the long term.

 

World Commission on Development and the Environment

 

Ryedale District Council is committed to sustainable development through environmental action, education and the planning process. 

 

The United Nations Conference on Development and the Environment, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, was a milestone in raising environmental awareness. Agenda 21 (ie. an agenda for the 21^st Century) is a global action plan for sustainable development, endorsed at this conference by the United Kingdom and over 170 other nations. It aims to improve quality of life and environments across the world. Since 1992, follow up conferences to assess the progress of Agenda 21, have been held in New York (1997) and Johannesburg (2002). 

 

Local Agenda 21 is the involvement of communities in sustainable development at grass roots level. The most important objectives of Local Agenda 21 are to involve members of the public in decisions affecting the environment, and to encourage individuals and communities to take responsibility for their local environment.

 

The support of local authorities is crucial to the success of Agenda 21, since they can assist in implementing up to two-thirds of the action plan towards sustainable development. Local Authorities, such as Ryedale, are implementing green operations and policies, and are working in partnership with other organisations in order to achieve such an aim.

 

Ryedale District Council has adopted an Environmental Charter and Strategy, undergone Environmental Audits and set up an Environmental Forum. Sustainable development and environmental action in Ryedale can be broken down into 4 key areas.

 

For up to date information on action plans on sustainable development issues (economic, social and environmental wellbeing) see the Imagine Ryedale website.

 

The District Council supports the Transport Strategy set out in the North Yorkshire Local

Transport Plan 2001-2006. The Council played an active role in development of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and is engaged in delivery of the strategy