http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: "Nature 'is worth billions' to UK" en Sun, 31 May 2026 14:03:58 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3080#post-32631 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:18:36 +0000 chdot 32631@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>BBC article leader for had a picture of a grey squirrel...</p> <p>Archetypal urban 'nature'! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3080#post-32628 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:16:54 +0000 kaputnik 32628@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>BBC article leader for had a picture of a grey squirrel...</p> <p>Hmmmmmmmm.</p> <p>If you click into the article you get a swan. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3080#post-32589 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:37:02 +0000 chdot 32589@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Urban parks and their attractions are worth up to £300 per person each year"</p> <p>"The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UK_National_Ecosystem_Assessment">National Ecosystem Assessment</a> (NEA) says that for decades, the emphasis has been on producing more food and other goods - but this has harmed other parts of nature that generate hidden wealth."  </p> <p>"The natural world is vital to our existence, providing us with essentials such as food, water and clean air - but also cultural and health benefits not always fully appreciated because we get them for free," said Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman.  </p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13616543" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13616543</a></p> <p>Well it's easy to be cynical - very cynical. A report commissioned by a government, this (UK) government, now. Governments (UK and Scottish) are also keen at the moment to 'reduce planning red tape' to make developent (especially major ones) easier. </p> <p>Will this lead to more MIMBYism (good or bad), lead to a better appreciation/value of 'nature' - not least in urban areas, or just be another pile of paper left on a shelf?</p> <p>(Also - "Maintaining the UK's green spaces would reap at least £30bn a year in health and welfare benefits, according to the first attempt to put a price on the natural environment."</p> <p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jun/02/uk-ecosystem-assessment-warning" rel="nofollow">http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jun/02/uk-ecosystem-assessment-warning</a> ) </p>