This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sustainable development progress report
31/08/2005
A report published today shows continued progress in securing a more sustainable future.
The Sustainable Development for Scotland Progress Report 2005 tracks performance across 24 indicators covering a wide range of environmental, social and economic issues.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:
"These indicators were adopted in 2002 to allow us to measure progress on our sustainable development priorities. This is the third report on the status of our indicators.
"Trends in recycling, water quality and crime are positive. We have seen a 25 per cent increase in GDP between 1990-2002, while there has been a six per cent fall in emissions of greenhouse gases in the same period.
"There are some disappointing reverses too, in indicators on work and home life for example, though these should be seen in context of historically high levels of employment and low levels of children living in workless households.
"We want to see a healthy population living in thriving communities and it is clear that significant challenges remain. The Scottish Executive is developing a new Scottish sustainable development strategy. We will review our work on indicators as part of that strategy."