Section 3: Conclusions of a Survey of Round Table Reports and Responses
Introduction
3.1 The Round Table has surveyed the main recommendations of each of its reports and the responses made by the Government and (in some cases) by others. The survey is reproduced at Annex D.
3.2 From this survey, we draw the following conclusions, with particular regard to the role of the Sustainable Development Commission.
3.3 For the most part, as decided early in its life, the Round Table has studied specific topics rather than tackling very broad areas of thought. As noted in the review of the first four years, these have been either:
- particular areas of activity where a sustainable approach is especially relevant, where the Round Table could add value to any work already done and where its contribution might be timely, such as transport, freshwater and planning; or
- cross-cutting issues which will assist the integration of sustainable development into society as whole, such as indicators, economic regulation and economic instruments.
3.4 Most of the topics studied by the Round Table can be grouped into themes. The key ones are:
- energy and regulation
- transport
- indicators and reporting
- devolved, regional and local government
- business and the economy
With the exception of transport, which the Round Table identified from the outset as worthy of several tightly focused studies, this thematic approach has arisen out a series of discrete decisions rather than any strategic plan. Nevertheless, there has been some value in returning to different aspects of a theme, or in coming at the one subject from a number of different angles. The Sustainable Development Commission might find it helpful to identify, from the outset, a few key themes, both to provide a focus for its work and to help to extract greater value from each study or other activity.
3.5 All the themes are key ones for sustainable development. The first two are of critical importance in tackling climate change, the most pressing issue facing us today. Some of the reports included under other themes also have a bearing on these two. For instance, economic instruments, the subject of one of our most recent reports, could have a vital role to play in curbing the use of energy (including in the domestic sector) and the relentless growth in road traffic. In considering whether to undertake further work in these two areas, the Sustainable Development Commission will wish to take account of the work of the Commission for Integrated Transport and the recent report on energy by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.
3.6 The Round Table's interest in indicators and reporting has grown along with the scale of Government activity in this area. The establishment of the Sustainable Development Commission, with a specific remit in respect of reporting, reflects that growth of interest and activity and will ensure that it remains a focus of attention in the years to come.
3.7 The Round Table's interest in devolved, regional and local issues has also grown, reflecting political developments. These levels of governance and action offer fresh opportunities for the sustainable development of the United Kingdom. The Sustainable Development Commission will, no doubt, wish to take full account of the new arrangements and seek to develop good relations at all levels. It could play a valuable role in encouraging partnerships across and between the different levels.
3.8 Business and the economy is of perennial importance for sustainable development. Paragraph 1.13 of this report refers to the Round Table's interest in the question which goes to the heart of the debate about sustainable development: whether a high level of economic growth is compatible with protection of the environment and the Government's other objectives for sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Commission may wish to consider how it will take account of the issues involved, and how it can relate most effectively to the business community.
3.9 The topics chosen for study are either amongst those where the environmental aspect is generally regarded as dominant (though they are by no means confined to the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions), or else cross-cutting. The Round Table has tackled them from a sustainable development perspective, taking account of economic and social aspects of each. Nevertheless, it is at least arguable that a body charged with promoting sustainable development as such should tackle some topics which are primarily economic or social, such as education, health or poverty. The Round Table has not set itself against tackling such topics, but in practice has not done so. The Sustainable Development Commission, if it addresses specific topics in this way, should consider the scope for including economic and social as well as 'environmental' ones. It will need to have a membership and support which enable it to tackle them effectively.
3.10 Paragraphs 1.9 & 1.10 of this report refer to the difficulties of relying heavily on formal reports and responses, and the value of working in more interactive ways. In addition, in choosing topics for study, the Round Table has had to take account of a field which is increasingly covered by advisory and other policy-oriented bodies of various kinds, some with a specialist theme (eg the Commission for Integrated Transport), others concerned with a particular sector (eg the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment). The Round Table has sought to avoid direct duplication of effort and recognises the potential value of co-operation with other bodies. These operational issues will be of even greater importance for the Sustainable Development Commission.
Published 14 September 2000
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