The government has unveiled its revised sustainable development strategy, putting the emphasis on encouraging local action.

An expanded role will be given to the independent Sustainable Development Commission, chaired by environmentalist Jonathon Porritt, as a watchdog on the performance of government in delivering green solutions for economic growth.

There will be greater investment in renewable energy supplies to compensate for increased carbon emissions as a result of growth in air travel.

And more support, information, and training will be given to local authorities and communities as they seek to take individual action at ground level.

Government Response: DEFRA

Margaret Beckett, the environment secretary, said: "One thing we have learnt over recent years is that the environment and the changes that matter most to people are often those in their own locality, especially if they themselves have got a chance, a voice, a say in what is happening in their area.

"Sustainable development is vital to building a decent future for everyone. The government is leading by example but the strategy can't be delivered by the government alone.

"The government wants to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved - for local or global benefit."

Party response: Conservatives

Shadow environment secretary Tim Yeo said: "The last Conservative government initiated the first UK sustainable development strategy in 1994, and achieved a 7.3 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions up to 1997.

"The government launched its first sustainable development strategy in 1999, and yet carbon dioxide emissions have gone up, renewable energy stands at less than three per cent and key energy efficiency targets have been dropped. The greenest fuels and cars still have less than 0.2 per cent of their respective markets and aviation emissions have continued to rise unchecked.

"This Labour government is failing to provide leadership. For example, the Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise and the Home Office have 5,836 vehicles, yet just 183 of them (three per cent) use alternative power.

"This Labour government is knocking down thousands of houses in one part of the country while covering green fields elsewhere with new houses.

"Why should the British people have any confidence in this Government’s ability to deliver on the most important global issue of climate change?

"As always, this is all talk and no proof of action."

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

Norman Baker MP, Lib Dem environment spokesman said: "The publication of the governments revised sustainable development strategy Securing the Future really does feel like Groundhog Day. There is simply little new with its guiding principles and priorities for action on climate change, natural resource protection and environmental enhancement. They may be correct, but we really have heard it all before, time and time again. If the environment is really that important then why is it that this year, the Labour government actually decided to raise the UK ceiling for emissions of the greenhouse gases that are causing climate change, and that the environment does not even feature on Labour’s ‘pledge card’ for the General Election widely expected in May.