Environment 'still under threat'

Water vole numbers are declining

The environment in England and Wales is still under threat despite some improvements in recent years, a report suggests.

The UK's Environment Agency, which carried out the study, says there is now a greater awareness of "green" issues.

We must take greater responsibility for our consumerist, throwaway society

John Murlis, Environment Agency

But it points out that people consume more and produce more waste than ever before, and they must take greater responsibility for cleaning up the resulting mess.

The report, called Environment 2000 and Beyond, provides a balance sheet for the state of the English and Welsh environment at the beginning of the millennium.

It says the past two decades have seen real improvements in the quality of air and water, and in the populations of some species.

But it adds that a continuing threat hangs over most habitats and wildlife.

Water voles and farmland birds, for example, continue to decline, and there are ever-greater pressures from new housing, increased transport and intensive farming.

'Success stories'

While pollution in urban areas has improved dramatically since the days of the devastating smogs of the 1950s, air quality still regularly falls below accepted health standards in suburban and rural areas, and rivers are still affected by pesticides running off farmland.

John Murlis, the agency's chief scientist, believes the study offers a valuable insight into the tension between society's desire for continued prosperity and the need to protect and improve the environment.

Good news: Most bathing waters now meet European standards

He said: "There are success stories. Water and air quality have improved in recent years through substantial investment by industry, for which effective regulation and education by the agency can share the credit.

"Over 95% of our bathing waters now meet mandatory European standards, while 92% of our rivers are classified as good or fair.

"Species like the otter, which had suffered serious declines, are enjoying strong population growth and enriching our biodiversity."

But areas of real concern include high emissions of greenhouse gases, which many scientists expect to accelerate climate change. Noise, light and litter pollution are also still widespread problems.

"Despite a growing a awareness of green issues, the current state of our environment makes it clear we must take greater responsibility for our consumerist, throwaway society," Mr Murlis said.