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(sometimes unforeseeable) [or, in the case of infrastructure displace-
ment, entirely foreseeable] consequences elsewhere
. 20
Both of these considerations point again to the need for a framework
for ecological governance that links higher and lower levels of govern-
ment and places on them a responsibility for pursuing shared goals: in
the
'
rst instance to coordinate action for reducing ecological stresses at
all levels of governance; and, in the second, to allow central government
to intervene where regional and local bodies fail, without justi
cation, to
engage with strategic initiatives that are intended to realise objectives of
importance to the nation as a whole. Whilst it is important that lower
levels of government should be given room to develop solutions, it is
equally important that central government should have the power to
take action where these make no effort to address matters of common
concern.
A
culty is that a state comprised of localised units of gover-
nance, each one having a primary focus on controlling development
within its own territory, would
nal dif
nd it practically impossible to develop a
capacity for strategic spatial planning. Knowledge of the possibilities for
resource provision in the different localities and regions of the UK is
required if ways of reducing the risks of ecological harm that the country
generates as a whole are to be identi
ed, and for the formation and
implementation of strategic plans based on this information. Ensuring
that energy needs throughout the country can be met is also a respon-
sibility that can only be discharged by a body or bodies which are able to
establish how this might be done in ways which lead to a reduction in the
ecological stresses that this sector is responsible for, and then to carry
their conclusions into effect.
Neither of the above are matters that can be dealt with sensibly by
empowering localised units to do what they can independently and
hoping that their separate contributions will amount to a sustainable
whole. 21 Instead, they fall into the category of issues which Wheeler
describesaslyingwithinthenationaldomainbecauselowerlevelsof
government, whilst they may be able to make important contributions to
addressing these concerns, will not have
'
the perspective, resources,
'
jurisdiction or political will
to take effective action for their resolution
in totality. 22 The need for a spatial overview of how goals of importance
20
S. Owens and R. Cowell, Land and Limits: Interpreting Sustainability in the Planning
Process, 1st edn (London: Routledge, 2002), p. 126.
21
22 Wheeler,
Ibid ., p. 148.
'
Planning for Sustainability
'
,p.122.
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