In November 1992, more than half of all living Nobel Prize winners signed a document called "World Scientists' Warning to Humanity" that began with this stark statement:
Human beings and the natural world are on a collision course. Human activities inflict harsh and often irreversible damage on the environment and on critical resources. If not checked, many of our current practices put at serious risk the future we wish for human society. … No more than one or a few decades remain before the chance to avert the threats we now confront will be lost and the prospects for humanity immeasurably diminished. (Union of Concerned Scientists)
Earlier that year, in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders endorsed a detailed agenda for saving the environment while tackling poverty. Since then, however, very little progress has been made and many environmental problems have become significantly worse. Biodiversity, for example, is increasingly under threat from pollution and development, which destroys or degrades natural habitats. More than 50,000 species vanish annually (Suzuki, 1999). Waste production continues to increase world-wide in both absolute and per capita terms (Bell, 1997). Deforestation has cost the world an average of 12 million hectares of natural forest per year since 1980 (Bell, 1997). Current forms of energy production and use - which are based primarily on fossil fuels - contaminate air, water, and soil and contribute to global warming. The global ecosystems on which our future depends thus continue to deteriorate, alarmingly. Furthermore, despite expanding corporate and individual wealth, social inequality within and between nations continues to widen. Over two billion peop...
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...n, June 1993: 24-26.
Strong, Maurice. "From the Earth Summit Down to Action." Ecodecision, Spring 1997: 18-19.
Suzuki, David. "Saving the Earth." Maclean's, 14 June 1999: 42.
Suzuki, David. "Time to Change" (review). Quill and Quire, May 1994: 31.
Union of Concerned Scientists. "World Scientists' Warning to Humanity." www.ucsusa.org/about/warning.html.
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development. "Johannesburg Summit 2002."
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. "Sustainable Human Development." http://www.unesco.org/iau/tfsd_first.html#What is Sustainable.
Willums, Jann Olaf, Ulrich Goluke. "From Ideas to Action: Business and Sustainable Development" (review). Alternatives, November/December 1993: 37.
In this essay, the author
Explains that more than half of nobel prize winners signed a document called "world scientists' warning to humanity" in november 1992.
Opines that human activities inflict harsh and irreversible damage on the environment and critical resources. if not checked, many of our current practices put at serious risk the future we wish for human society.
Argues that the upcoming united nations world summit on sustainable development (wssd) in johannesburg provides a critical second chance for leaders from around the world to deliver on truly sustainable development.
Explains that the earth summit 2002, also known as rio +10, will review progress since the united nations conference on environment and development (unced) held in rio in 1992.
Opines that rio has witnessed a waning in the public enthusiasm and momentum initially generated by the earth summit.
Explains that the united nations general assembly agreed to hold a world summit in johannesburg, which will focus on the further implementation of agenda 21, and the consideration of strategic plans and concrete actions to advance global sustainable development in the 21st century.
Explains the concept of sustainable development, coined by an environmental ngo in 1980, and its implications for society as a whole.
Argues that canada must ensure that economic development is accompanied by an active social-political development strategy defined by clear goals.
Argues that a practical definition of sustainable development must also address the use of renewable and non-renewable resources.
Opines that canada must work toward a standard for measuring sustainable development. there is no general agreement on what should be sustainable or what'sustainable' means.
Opines that implementing sustainable development requires a genuine global partnership.
Explains that people must understand the dangers of unsustainable development. the global economic order also poses a significant challenge.
Explains that unsustainable production and consumption in industrialised countries and population growth in developing countries are the major contributors to our current unethical course.
Opines that canada should promote actions that would move the world toward such a'mutation' through education.
Argues that the conventional approach to development has been successful at expanding economic activity, but it has failed to reduce income differences or satisfy the basic needs of the world's poorest one billion people.
Opines that earth summit 2002 presents an excellent opportunity to renew the enthusiasm and momentum generated by rio, and to pinpoint obstacles that must be overcome if the agreements reached a decade ago are to be fulfilled and extended.
Opines that earth summit 2002 provides an opportunity to refocus on the roots of sustainable development.
Quotes bueckert, dennis, on canada's stance on breaking earth summit promises.
Explains crabbe, philippe, "sustainable development: passing fancy or pragmatism?" micro: the micro-economic research bulletin.
Opines that development or disaster: debate over rain forest continues. financial post daily.
Explains hardi, peter, and stephan barg, pitfalls in measuring sustainable development, micro: the micro-economic research bulletin, spring 1998.
Explains that rowan, malcolm, "what recent history tells us about environmental concerns." plant, 25 june 2001: 26.
States that the united nations department of economic and social affairs, division for sustainable development, "johannesburg summit 2002."
Reviews willums, olaf, and goluke's "from ideas to action: business and sustainable development".
...e changing times. As businesses have been developed and dams have been created, trees and other plants have been demolished and nature as it was is gone forever. We are now faced problems that are almost impossible to overcome. We are going to struggle with global warming and deforestation for years to come based on what our past generations have done to the environment. Our current steps that we are taking to fight this ecological crisis are important, but it is very hard to tell if they are going to be enough to save us.
In this essay, the author
Explains that the relationship between the environment and humans is sacred and ever-changing. both native americans and english settlers used the land to their advantage, but they had different goals in mind.
Explains how the native americans used rocks and trees and handmade hatchets to create items like hammers, canoes, and weapons. their innate warrior abilities enabled them to become exceptional hunters.
Explains that english settlers brought with them crops and tools to live off of the new land. they quickly realized that the climate in north america was like that of europe.
Explains that native americans have dwindled and english immigrants have thrived, but the way of living for both has remained the same.
'The disharmony in our relationship to the earth, which stems in part from our addiction to a pattern of consuming ever-larger quantities of the resources of the earth, is now manifest in successive crises, each marking a more destructive clash between our civilization and the natural world: whereas all threats to the environment used to be local and regional, several are now strategic .
In this essay, the author
Opines that the 'cry of the wild' can still be heard across this great land. amazing beauty can be found in the natural landscapes.
Opines that america is truly blessed. a land rich in natural resources -- our sense of adventure, pioneering spirit, and tenacity.
Opines that education is the answer to preserve our natural resource heritage. education is a mission to keep safe our wildlife for ever.
Analyzes how consumption changes the natural landscape, and impacts land use decisions, such as wetland drainage, the clearing of forest, mining, agricultural production and development.
Explains that human civilization's dependence on the earth is manifesting in successive crises, each marking a more destructive clash between civilization and the natural world.
Describes the leading threats to wildlife, including extinction, and the bald eagle.
Explains the use of the words 'threatened', and "endangered" to describe the status of rare wildlife and plant species.
States that the endangered species act mandated the federal government to protect endangered wildlife, plant species, and their habitats.
Explains that extinction occurs naturally over the course of thousands of years and the strongest species, but human activity has accelerated the rate of low.
Many people assume that the environment is not in danger. They believe that as technology advances, we do not need to worry about renewing natural resources, recycling, and finding new ways to produce energy. They state that one person in the world does not make a large difference. In reality, each individual's contribution greatly affects our environment. Our natural resources are slowly disappearing, and we must work together to save them and the Earth from ruin.
In this essay, the author
Explains that many people assume that the environment is not in danger. they state that one person in the world does not make a large difference, but each individual's contribution greatly affects our environment.
Explains recycling is a simple and effective way to reduce the amount of waste stored in landfills, but many people do not know how easy it can be.
Explains that refilling water bottles saves energy and natural resources by not having to purchase single-serve bottles, which are made of nonrenewable petroleum, and the plastic manufacturing process is associated with toxic byproducts.
Explains that source reduction is the first tier of the solid waste management hierarchy. recycling is a first step to obtaining and preserving healthy environment.
All facts, statements and reports conclude that mankind is in part responsible for this change in our ecosystem. Hence if we do not change, drastic changes over the next 100 years will threaten the safety of some people and our environment. More and more research is being deployed into this intriguing field of science. Some scientists deny reports of global warming impacts. And some scientists show more and more proof of such impacts. When will the academic and governmental community understand the consequences of our treasured way of life? Will it take huge catastrophic man-induced disasters to change the worlds mind on what actions to take? Is our economy so reliant upon oil that it will risk our planets' health, for money? People need to take action on these issues before the damage of global warming has left a huge, worsening-footprint on our earth.
In this essay, the author
Opines that man's manipulation on earth has become detrimental to the health of our planet and the safety of mankind. without complete change, our system will collapse.
Opines that mankind has exploited its power over nature and produced machines such as the combustion engine.
Opines that society is within a paradox of this issue. government's around the world, utilize oil for economic strength, and have generated huge amounts of wealth from its sale.
Explains that there are debates over whether some accusations of global warming are true or not. al gore's purpose in addressing a very important issue in history is significant, except he lacks an evident solution to the problem.
Explains that an alliance of small island states (aosis) is a group of pacific and caribbean nations who call for relatively fast action by developed nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Opines that the true effects of global warming are uncertain; some people believe that ice caps are subject to melt, turning the world into a giant ocean.
Opines that there is a blend of opinions on the matter of global warming. technology gives us opportunities to look at nature in whole new ways.
Concludes that mankind is in part responsible for this change in our ecosystem and that drastic changes over the next 100 years will threaten the safety of some people and our environment.
Human development and expansion have adverse effects on nature; our interactions with the world around us are causing drastic changes to nature, climate, and the environment. These changes through various mean such as deforestation and the destruction of the ozone layer have global impacts on today’s society. Society will face serious repercussions in the coming decades due to our lackadaisical attitude towards protecting our environment. Global warming is exponentially altering the planet’s climate. Overall these factors are contributing to an unsafe environment for inhabitants of this planet as well as permanently damaging our Earth’s ecosystems.
In this essay, the author
Explains that human development and expansion have adverse effects on nature, climate, and the environment. deforestation and destruction of the ozone layer have global impacts on society.
Explains that global warming stems from the immense carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Explains that deforestation is the clearing of woodland and forest areas to further use as a location to construct or build various structures.
Explains that air pollution is a primary source of concern, leading to an increase in lung and respiratory diseases and lung cancer patients. carbon emissions are the root of our problem.
Analyzes how air pollution continues to be a serious problem. state of the air 2010. american lung association.
Explains that "geosigns: the big thaw." the language of composition. renee h. shea, lawrence scanlon, robin dissin aufses.
Opines that climate change is the 21st century’s most urgent environmental problem.
We, as a culture, are constantly assaulting the Earth and are doing nothing to bandage the wounds we have so carelessly inflicted on our planet. We deplete the ozone layer and natural resources, pollute air and lakes and rivers and land, strip forests of their natural luster, and so m...
In this essay, the author
Analyzes how daniel quinn's novel, ishmael, categorizes people into two divisions: takers and leaver. they believe that if they don't dismiss the undeserving story, they will annihilate the earth.
Opines that ishmael's thoughts are similar to mine in his saying that "we've poured our poisons into the world as though it were a bottomless pit."
Argues that we, as a society, are destroying the earth, which belongs to the leavers, animals, and vegetation. the role of homo sapiens is not to take over and manipulate our surroundings.
Opines that we are tainting ourselves by mindlessly enacting a story told to us by our mother culture.
Opines that we are telling ourselves a lethal story that will eventually end the world as we know it.
Agenda 21 concentrates on the urgent problems of today and also aspires to prepare the world for the challenges of the next century. It reflects a global agreement and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment teamwork. Its successful completion is first and foremost the responsibility of Governments. National strategies, plans, policies and processes are essential in accomplishing this. International cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts. In this context, the United Nations system has a key role to play. Other international, regional and sub regional organizations are also called upon to contribute to this effort. The broadest public participation and the active involvement of the non-governmental organizations and other groups should also be encouraged.
In this essay, the author
Explains that agenda 21, the rio declaration on environment and development, and the statement of principles for the sustainable management of forests were all adopted by more than 178 governments at the united nations conference.
Explains that the commission on sustainable development was created in december 1992 to ensure successful follow-up of unced and to monitor and report on execution of the agreements at all levels.
Opines that the success of agenda 21 is contingent upon integration of environmental and developmental concerns and greater attention to them. only if this is accomplished can we be assured a safer, more prosperous future.
Explains that agenda 21 reflects a global agreement and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment teamwork.
Explains that agenda 21 is a plan of action for the 90s and the first part of the xxi century.
Explains that agenda 21 is an extensive structural document consisting of 40 chapters drawn up in the form of a plan of action.
Opines that integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfillment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future.
Opines that agenda 21 addresses the pressing problems of today and aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the next century.
Explains that the development and environmental objectives of agenda 21 will require a substantial flow of new and additional financial resources to developing countries to cover the incremental costs for the actions they have to undertake to deal with global environmental problems and accelerate sustainable development.
Opines that in the implementation of the relevant programmed areas identified in agenda 21, special attention should be given to the particular circumstances facing the economies in transition.
Explains that agenda 21 is a dynamic program that will be carried out by the various actors according to the different situations, capacities and priorities of countries and regions in full respect of the rio declaration on environment and development.
Opines that "agenda 21" is based on the premise that sustainable development is notmerely an option; it is imperative.
In class we discussed what sustainable development meant to us; each group had its own definition. Our group’s definition was that sustainable development is for the long term for future generations, for the basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and job. The basic will increase over time and our resources will diminish, which why sustainable development is important. Sustainable development is important for future generations so that they end up with a world better than ours. Sustainable development is achievable if society works together to meet everyone’s basic needs and create a better world.
In this essay, the author
Explains that sustainable development is for the long term for future generations, for basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and job. the basic will increase over time and our resources will diminish, which is why sustainability is important.
Opines that to make a better world poverty needs to end and the wealth distribution should be equally spread to everyone.
Opines that society is working together to help sort through and find ways to fix the global environmental issues which causes security problems for the world.
Explains that sustainability originated from the idea of renewable resources like forest, solar, and fishes. the go green movement is also known as environmentalism.
Argues that sustainable development is important because it will help increase the chance of our still being here for future generations.
Explains that sustainable development is important because it serves the necessities of the current society without affecting the future generations' ability to succeed. it highlights towards a greater drive to fairness and elevation of poverty.
Sustainable Development And The Triple Bottom Line
Sustainable development means that the present generations should be able to make use of resources to live better lives in such a manner that it doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to survive and make better lives for themselves as well. For sustainable development to occur, there needs to be sustainable economic, ecological and community development. Society needs to be educated about ways in which they can use resources, especially natural, in such a manner that it doesn’t cause harm to the environment and put future generations lives at risk.
Sustainability planning should be made on the local, national and international levels.
In this essay, the author
Argues that the precautionary principle should be implemented before any development can take place, so as to measure the impact of the proceedings on the environment, community or economy.
Opines that if we are unable to maintain healthy and clean environments while proceeding with development, it could have a detrimental effect on our health in the long term.
Opines that human development is mandatory to achieving sustainable development, and that a more sustainable way of dealing with the increasing number of cars is to increase taxes and tariffs paid for using public roads in the inner city.
Argues that the fight against environmental, economic, and community unsustainability and inequity would be futile if people continued to live in unhealthy environments.
Argues that sustainable development means that present generations should be able to make use of resources to live better lives and not compromise the ability of future generations.
Concludes that we should devise a more nature, economy, and community friendly approach towards sustainable development. humans should not be placed before nature.
Explains braun, b., and harris, j.m. 2000 basic principles of sustainable development, global and environment institute working paper 00-04.
Cites oelofse, c., school of life and environmental sciences, university of natal, durban pak, m.s.
Humans have become a threat to our own way of life by consuming more resources than needed, blind to the consequences that we may face in the future. As of 2016 the world population is at 7.4 billion and it is estimated to be at 11.2 billion by the year 2100. However 10 billion is the maximum population that can be sustained in terms of food security, only one of the many factors to global sustainability. Due to the fact that human consumption exceeds the amount of resources available, the United Nations “recognizes that eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge” in A/RES/70/1. Sustainable development is not only required to fulfill the necessities of the present but to guarantee the capability for future generations to satisfy theirs.
In this essay, the author
Explains that human consumption exceeds the amount of resources available, and the united nations recognizes that eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge.
Explains that unsd held a committee to discuss the topic of future sustainable development and resilience in 2015, which triggered the creation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Explains that iraq and some parts of syria have been dealing with drought due to overpopulation. the un urges developing countries to undertake their own development strategies and policies for efficient progress.
Opines that the world must focus on spreading awareness regarding sustainable developments and informing citizens about long-term consequences that may arise in the future.