Wales – better leadership is needed from politicians to reduce Wales‘ impact on the world

A major new report reveals that Welsh politicians need radical changes to reduce the impact of Wales‘‘ population on the world as startling new research shows that most Welsh people are ready to make lifestyles changes to help the environment.Three quarters of people in Wales (74 per cent) believe that their high consuming lifestyles are damaging the environment with six in ten people (60 per cent) willing to make pro-environmental lifestyle changes such as buying more energy efficient appliances, organic local food or recycling and car sharing.



The survey also reveals that 68 per cent of the Welsh population believe the Government can do much more through positive leadership to ‘‘green‘‘ public services in areas such as transport and health. Of those people 89 percent want VAT reduced on energy efficient appliances such as freezers and washing machines as an incentive to buy them. 85 per cent of those questioned want the Government to give tax breaks to households who are actively taking steps to reduce their environment impact, such as car sharing and recycling.



The findings were presented on the day that 15 organisations from the private, public and academic sectors have come together to launch the ‘‘Reducing Wales‘‘ Ecological Footprint‘‘ report which analyses the impact of the entire Welsh population on the planet – our Ecological Footprint. The report prepared by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) in York is the culmination of a £328,969 two year project. It will be received by Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.



"From climate change to waste mountains, our impact on the planet is undeniable. The ‘‘Reducing Wales‘‘ Ecological Footprint‘‘ report identifies Welsh policies and practice to reduce Wales‘‘ environmental impact on the planet as well as producing information on how consumers can make positive lifestyle changes to reduce their Footprints. Through using this research everyone can play a role in ensuring we have a Wales that is fit for future generations," said Stuart Bond, Sustainable Development Officer for WWF Cymru.



"Our survey demonstrates that increasingly people in Wales are becoming more environmentally aware and expect strong leadership from Governments to tackle the ongoing threats of climate change, waste mountains and traffic congestion," added Stuart.



‘‘Reducing Wales‘‘ Ecological Footprint‘‘ report shows the average person living in Wales requires a land area of 5.25 global hectares per year to provide resources for their current consumption. This is equivalent to the area of six football pitches per person. This means that if everyone in the world lived like the average Welsh person we would need nearly three planets to support our lifestyles.



In order to shirk Wales‘‘ footprint a range of policy recommendations for the Welsh Assembly Government are identified. These include the promotion of organic food production and consumption, waste minimisation, energy efficiency in homes and a pilot study into changing consumers‘‘ behaviours so that they adopt more sustainable lifestyles.



Dr John Barrett, one of the report‘‘s authors said: "While some good work has been done in Wales to bring about a more sustainable society, present policies will not be sufficient to reduce the consumption of materials, the production of waste and the Ecological Footprint to a sustainable level.



"A more radical agenda is required that helps to prepare Wales for a more sustainable future. We would like to continue our involvement to help the Welsh Assembly to implement the policy recommendations we have made."



According to the report the Welsh Assembly Government is facing a st