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A shared future - balanced development - Short version

Vision and objectives

Denmark is to be a society where economic progress can go hand in hand with social development and an improved environment. There should be both the impetus and the possibility for individuals to contribute to this goal. Denmark is to have high employment, a good standard of living, and a good environment. Sustainable development implies that we must address economic, environmental, and social challenges simultaneously. Future generations should have at least as favourable opportunities for a good life as we have at present.We must ensure sound economic development which is socially balanced and which does not have negative effects on human health or the environment.

Sustainable development cannot be achieved in one country alone. Global sustainable development envisions a world of economic progress, increased welfare, and better environmental protection.This development is for the benefit of all, including lesspowerful and less-developed countries.Therefore, sustainable development is conditional upon respect for human rights, openness on the part of leaders, and democracy. As an affluent nation, Denmark has a special responsibility to assume a leading role in developing a global, sustainable community. Hence, Denmark will continue to be actively involved in international cooperation within the fields of environment and development.

1. The welfare society must be developed and economic growth must be decoupled from environmental impacts
     
2. There must be a safe and healthy environment for everyone, and we must maintain a high level of protection
     
3. We must secure a high degree of biodiversity and protect ecosystems
     
4. Resources must be used more efficiently.
     
5. We must take action at an international level
     
6. Environmental concerns must be taken into account in all sectors
    
7. The market must support sustainable development
     
8. Sustainable development is a shared responsibility and we must measure progress

Many results have been achieved since the 1992 Rio Conference on sustainable development. There remain, however, considerable challenges ahead both in Denmark and globally, if the vision of sustainable development is to become a reality.

Growing international trade and increased pressure on the Earth's natural resources have increased the interdependence among countries. Globalisation of economies means that many problems, including environmental ones, can only be solved through international cooperation. Climate change, which is one of the biggest global challenges, is expected to have wide-ranging social and environmental consequences. Poverty, hunger, and scarcity of basic resources give rise to conflicts which, in some regions of the world, result in severe refugee problems.The world's plant and animal life is under pressure from many human activities.

Economic growth must be decoupled from negative side effects on health and the environment in areas where, at present, such decoupling has not been successful.There must be control over the numerous chemical substances which are dispersed in the environment and which are harmful to organisms and the environment. Nature continues to be used so intensively that the number of species and ecosystems is declining.This trend must be stopped.The use of natural resources must be minimised.Those resources that are used must be used efficiently and re-used and recycled to a greater extent.

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