Growth which entails heavy costs to society inthe form of environmental degradation is notsustainable.The challenge for the future is tocreate systems which make environmental pro-tection a natural part of growth. Growth willneed to be based on careful use of materials andenergy at all stages, combined with a largercomponent of services and knowledge. Informa-tion technology will have an important part toplay.'Just as a policy to achieve growth musttake account of the environment, soenvironmental policy must pay due regardto growth,' says Stefan Nyström at theSwedish Environmental ProtectionAgency.'Environmental regulations andtaxes must be designed in such a way as toencourage growth, rather than hinder it.…
