Environmental conscience

Press, 23 July 1986, Page 18

Environmental conscience

Sir, — The annual report of the Commission for the Environment identifies the key function which the commission is handing over to its twin successors as providing the nation’s environmental conscience. It describes the conscience factor as embracing the environmental interests of future generations, and notes that most agencies of States, and indeed the political system itself, discount these interests in favour of more immediate advantages. Thus in releasing “Energy Issues 1986,” Mr Tizard emphasised the Government’s desire to allow market forces to shape the course of energy development. Yet the short-term goals of these forces are frequently an affront to the environmental conscience. A “toothless” advisory-only Ministry for the Environment will be an ineffective upholder of this conscience, in the face of what the annual report of the Environmental Council calls “a reform of public administration driven by economic rather than environmental objectives.” — Yours, etc.,

ERIC BENNETT. Wellington, July 20, 1986.