Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution today invited evidence for its study on the urban environment. The work will examine the environmental impacts of urban living and the implications for health and well-being¹

The Chair of the Royal Commission², Sir John Lawton, said today: "Around eighty percent of people in the UK live in towns and cities. The quality of the urban environment affects our daily lives and just as importantly our ability to safeguard the global environment. Urban areas have major environmental impacts that extend well beyond their boundaries, while the environment inside urban areas has important consequences for people's health and well-being"

"The Commission wants to hear views on how urban areas can be made more environmentally sustainable and, at the same time, provide a better quality of life. We will be taking a long-term view, and considering what changes are needed to urban design, housing, energy, transport and management of natural resources."

The Commission welcomes views from anyone who wishes to contribute.³The deadline for responses is Tuesday 16 August 2005.

NOTES TO EDITORS

¹More information on the study can be found at this website

²The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution is an independent body, appointed by the Queen and funded by the government, which publishes in-depth reports on what it identifies as the crucial environmental issues facing the UK and the world. The Commission's full reports are presented to Parliament.

³The invitation for evidence can be obtained from the contacts given below.

CONTACTS

Press enquiries should be directed Guy Mawhinney (0207 7799 8986) or Diana Wilkins (020 7799 8980), Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, 5-8 The Sanctuary, London SW1P 3JS (email: guy.mawhinney@rcep.org.uk or diana.wilkins@rcep.org.uk).