Comments for Sustainable Development in Government

Comment on The state of natural capital by Christine Harbottle

Christine Harbottle — Sat, 11 May 2013 08:54:27 +0000

The recognition of the importance of natural assets and the need to address risks to them and mitigate against decline is welcome. It is important that this gets beyond the page, and becomes something that decision makers and the media notice.

Comment on Doha Declaration on Climate, Health and Wellbeing by Christine Harbottle

Christine Harbottle — Sat, 11 May 2013 08:19:40 +0000

It is a pity that this consensus on the impact of climate change on health has received little subsequent media attention. It underlines the importance of governments responding to the rise in CO2 levels.

Comment on Door to door strategy for cleaner, greener transport by Department for Transport

Department for Transport — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:04:57 +0000

The Government recognises that buses are, and will remain, the most important public transport option for most local journeys. Our overall aim is to improve standards, provide a better quality service for those who already use buses, and for there to be an attractive alternative for those who currently drive for short journeys.

It might be helpful to explain that around three-quarters of bus services outside London are provided on a commercial basis by private operators and the remainder of services are tendered by local authorities. Decisions such as where to run services, the frequency of those services, the type of vehicle used, the level of fares or agreed local concessions are mainly a matter for the operator concerned.

It is worth noting that, where there is not enough demand for a bus route to be commercially viable in its own right, local authorities have powers to subsidise bus services. Around one-fifth of all bus services are subsidised in this way.

The Government does encourage bus operators and local authorities to work together to ensure that the interests of passengers, and consequently the wider community, are taken into account when any service changes are being considered. We believe that local authorities, rather than central Government, are best placed to understand the transport needs of their residents. It is essentially a matter for those authorities, working with local operators and the community, to identify which services are most appropriate for support in their respective areas.

Comment on Door to door strategy for cleaner, greener transport by Nick Saltmarsh, SD Scene editor

Nick Saltmarsh, SD Scene editor — Thu, 09 May 2013 08:33:04 +0000

Thank you for your comment. We have referred your comment to the appropriate government team and will publish any response provided.

Comment on Door to door strategy for cleaner, greener transport by Gary Sheehan

Gary Sheehan — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:20:01 +0000

I live on a very good bus root, but unfortunately where i work is not on a good bus root although i work where there is a main road. may be some sort of survey could be done about the viability of public transport on all major routes.

Comment on The state of natural capital by Tim B.

Tim B. — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:10:41 +0000

Thanks for the review of this report. It look like the work is making the right start; it seems to comprehensively address the main issues concerning “natural capital” with some innovative approaches. I do, though, remain concerned that the work will rest with those with party politcal agendas who largely seem unable to agree on most matters. As ever, it may be that some kind of rather apt mediation will need to occur to suitably represent ALL interests? I wish all involved the best of luck in reaching consensus as to how to protect people and planet from this lofty vantage point.

Comment on The new political economy of resources by Dr. Timothy Barker

Dr. Timothy Barker — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:26:46 +0000

Thanks a lot for the summary. This looks like crucial research as objective as discussions get these days. I hope to find time to read the full report.

Comment on Climate Week by Nick Saltmarsh, SD Scene editor

Nick Saltmarsh, SD Scene editor — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:10:07 +0000

It’s worth noting that Climate Week was not a government initiative.

Sophia McNab, Campaign Coordinator for Climate Week says:

“Climate Week has been promoted by our supporting partners and stakeholders in the six months leading up to the campaign. Over a quarter of the UK population is aware of Climate Week, with over half a million people attending events around the country this week. Climate Week has received fantastic support from a range of leading organisational bodies, networks and associations. Defra and other Government Departments have also supported Climate Week. We’re sorry you didn’t hear about it in advance John, but I hope you found a way to get involved. Thanks for getting in touch”

Comment on Climate Week by John Mathias

John Mathias — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:40:20 +0000

This is the first I have heard – today – about climate week – what happen to the prepublicity?

I don’t very often watch the TV but I do listen to the radion most days – where was it?

Slightly worried – why wasn’t the government promoting it?

John

Comment on The Big Fish Fight by Christian hickey

Christian hickey — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:13:30 +0000

We need our fish for the future of all our children