Towards an Integration of Environmental and Environment-oriented Technology Policy

Book excerpt: The basic claim underpinning this study is that one of the important determinants for the improvement of the quality of life in Europe is the quality of the natural environment, which constitutes the basic natural resource on which life in general and all human activities in particular, depend. In order to be able to develop human society further, both socially as well as economically, this scarce resource has to be used more efficiently. In the long run this hinges critically on the development of a body of social and technological knowledge which can permit a reduction in environmental pollution. This knowledge can only be effective if companies, households and the public sector are ready to innovate and to make use of this knowledge, and thus contribute to the goal of sustainable development (see Amsterdam Treaty § 54 (European Union 1997). This report presents the main conclusions from the research undertaken.