UK population changes cause major strain on environment

A dramatic change in consumption habits is needed to protect the UK environment, according to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution’s (RCEP) latest report released today (16 February).

A growing population, an increase in the elderly population, and the trend for houses having fewer occupants is set to put significant strain on the UK’s environment, according to the RCEP.

Sir John Lawson, Chair of the Commission said: “We believe that the Government needs to give urgent attention to the implications of demographic change on the environment. And critically if it doesn’t the problems which emerge will cost more in the long run.”

The report, the last one published before the quango is closed next month, aims to look at the environmental impact of demographic shifts up to 2050.

The authors found that where people live and work has a major impact and needs to be further explored; they urge a more direct and frank discussion of the issue.

The rate of population growth varies across the country, with some geographic areas expected to grow considerably more than others.

This has lead to certain areas of the UK, such as South East England experiencing major environmental impacts on water supplies, air quality and waste management, due to greater demand.

The Office of National Statistic’s projects that the UK population will rise to 71.6 million by 2033, some groups, including the Optimum Population Trust, believe Britain can only become sustainable by decreasing the population by 30 million people.

However, the commission say even if limiting population increase were possible or desirable to reduce the population, there would be little “significant reduction” in people over the next 40 years and numbers would continue to increase for many decades.

The report found that the population’s consumption was the biggest factor causing environmental strain.

This impact depends not only on population size but also on the amount people consume, which has increased as people have become more affluent and the impact of this. The amount of water used, waste generated and the amount people travel all has a very significant effect.

However, this area has far greater scope for influence, according to RCEP, and future focus should be on influencing the consumption patterns of the population and improving resource use efficiency.

The report urges ministers to invest in regional development by investing in areas where the environment is less strained, and ease the population pressures in areas where it is. As major reform takes place in the planning system, the report says it must ensure mechanism are in place to deal with environmental impacts, and to link the local and national concerns, for example being able to take into account national carbon reduction targets.

Lawson said: “We have found that demography is extremely complex and the trends and impacts show a huge variation across the UK.

“This means local authorities, service providers and many other organisations should also be seriously considering the environmental implications of demographic change in their planning.”
 

Image: Alistair Young | flickr