economic development VS the environment

A long-term and responsible perspective on consumption -
As confirmed in Johannesburg, we must take action to change our behavior in terms of consumption and production. So far, reactions to the challenges posed during the last century´s rapid economic expansion has been short-term and lacking in sustainability. The wealthy segment of societies must take the lead to change the way in which goods and services are produced and used. It is necessary that we act if we should have reason to hope that others will follow suit.

At first glance, anyone who is environmentally sensible will applaud such a program, for it seems to conduce to protecting enviroment. Nonetheless, analytical and cognitive thinking makes sure that it's neither necessary nor wise for the government to invest in such a project.
One who favors the speaker's assertion will perhaps find the two reasons, which I'll render below. After all, the government's responsibility is to