Sustainable Development Today

Sustainable Development Today

Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainable development has become a major topic among intellectuals from various fields. Sustainable development has gone through various changes in its definitions and at present does not have a commonly accepted definition. The origination of the concept of sustainable development is debatable. In 1974 at a conference on Science and Technology for Human Development by the World Council of Churches the concept of a “sustainable society” is believed to have been first noted. This early concept focused on equitable distribution of scarce resources and the need for democratic decision making. In 1980 the currently used term of sustainable development emerged in the World Conservation Strategy of 1980. It was defined as “the integration of conservation and development to ensure that modifications to the planet do indeed secure that survival and well-being of all people.” Many problems were found with this report because it was written by environmentalists and did not focus on the political and economic changes needed. It appeared to be not practical to many including politicians and economists (Dresner 30-31).

In 1987 the World Commission on the Environment and Development published a report titled Our Common Future, often called the Brundtland Report, that defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Edwards 4). This report and its definition also stressed the connection between a healthy environment, equity, and the economy. If we want a change in any of these issues we would also have to work on the other two simultaneously. These thre...

... middle of paper ...

...has issues but will develop more support as it is further understood. The need to adopt sustainable methods will eventually become apparent as we face environmental, economic, and social problems. People will realize its importance for our survival.

Works Cited:

Beckerman, Wilfred. A Poverty of Reason: Sustainable Development and Economic Growth. Oakland, CA: The Independent Institute, 2003.

Dresner, Simon. The Principles of Sustainability . Sterling, VA: Earthscan, 2002.

Edwards, Andres R. The Sustainability Revolution. Gabriola Island, Canada: New Society Publishers, 2005.

Hecox, Walt. Various Lectures. 24 April-12 May 2006.

Parkin, Michael. Microeconomics United States of America: Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2005, 7th edition.

“Earth in Danger, Study Says.” The Gazette 31 March 2005.

“Humans May Be Killing Off Nature.” The Gazette 19 March 2004.

14