Foreword

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The last hundred years have seen a massive increase in the wealth of this country and the well-being of its people. But focusing solely on economic growth risks ignoring the impact - both good and bad - on people and on the environment. Had we taken account of these links in our decision making, we might have reduced or avoided costs such as contaminated land or social exclusion.

Now, as we approach the next century, there is a growing realisation that real progress cannot be measured by money alone.

In our own lives, we know the value of money. We know it can bring comfort, security, and new opportunities. But we also know that money isn't everything. Feeling safe on our streets or in our homes. Enjoying our rich and diverse countryside. Knowing that a modern, dependable NHS is there when you need it. Living in strong communities. These all matter too.

But in the past, governments have seemed to forget this. Success has been measured by economic growth - GDP - alone. We have failed to see how our economy, our environment and our society are all one. And that delivering the best possible quality of life for us all means more than concentrating solely on economic growth.

That is why sustainable development is such an important part of this Government's programme. We must ensure that our economy thrives, so we can deliver the schools and hospitals we want, the jobs we need, and provide opportunities for all. But we must ensure that economic growth contributes to our quality of life, rather than degrading it. And that we can all share in the benefits.

Talking about sustainable development is not enough. We have to know what it is, to see how our policies are working on the ground. We must hold ourselves to account - as a government, but also as a country. Because the only way in which we will succeed is if we all play our part.

All this depends on devising new ways of assessing how we are doing. The indicators set out in this White Paper do this. They set traditional measures such as GDP and employment alongside innovations such as measuring the number of birds, or how healthy we are, or the fear of crime.

We now have a strategy for making sustainable development a reality. The whole of Government is committed to this, as are many businesses, groups and individuals up and down the country. Together, we can ensure that our economy, our society and our environment grow and develop in harmony.

TONY BLAIR