Sustainable development

Sustainable development is an organizing principle for human life on a finite planet. It posits a desirable future state for human societies in which living conditions and resource-use meet human needs without undermining the sustainability of natural systems and the environment, so that future generations may also have their needs met.

Sustainable development ties together concern for the carrying capacity of natural systems with the social and economic challenges faced by humanity. As early as the 1970s, 'sustainability' was employed to describe an economy "in equilibrium with basic ecological support systems." Scientists in many fields have highlighted The Limits to Growth, and economists have presented alternatives, for example a 'steady state economy', to address concerns over the impacts of expanding human development on the planet.

Sustainable Development is “ … development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” Our Common Future, World Commission on Environment and Development, Oxford University Press (1987) (“The Brundtland Report”)

The overarching goal of sustainable development is “… enabling all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations” One Future – different paths, UK Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development, 2005

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE APPROACH An approach which seeks to reconcile human needs and the capacity of the environment to cope with the consequences of economic systems An approach which seeks to reconcile human needs and the capacity of the environment to cope with the consequences of economic systems

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Natural resources Natural resources Water Water  1 billion people lack access to clean water  2.5 billion people (more than 1/3 of population) lack adequate sanitation Air Air  Air in most cities in the world is polluted Land Land  Land contamination  Deforestation  Desertification 50% of natural resources (fossil fuels, minerals) have already been consumed 50% of natural resources (fossil fuels, minerals) have already been consumed

WHO USES WHAT? Inequitable distribution of resources between nations Inequitable distribution of resources between nations The US, Japan, Germany, Canada, France, Italy and the UK (less than 12 % of the world's population) consume: The US, Japan, Germany, Canada, France, Italy and the UK (less than 12 % of the world's population) consume: 43% of the world's fossil fuel production, 64% of the world's paper, and 55-60% of all the aluminium, copper, lead, nickel and tin 20% of the population in the developed nations consume 86% of the world’s resources 20% of the population in the developed nations consume 86% of the world’s resources

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES Population increase Population increase current 6 billion to 10 billion in this century? current 6 billion to 10 billion in this century? Income distribution and poverty Income distribution and poverty The richest 20% (1.2 billion) of the world’s population receive nearly 83% of total world income The richest 20% (1.2 billion) of the world’s population receive nearly 83% of total world income At the same time, the poorest 20% of the population receive 1.4% or less than $1 a day At the same time, the poorest 20% of the population receive 1.4% or less than $1 a day Almost half of the world's population of six billion lives on less than $2 a day Almost half of the world's population of six billion lives on less than $2 a day About 790 million people are hungry and food insecure About 790 million people are hungry and food insecure

Many Paths to SD Good legislation/governance Good legislation/governance Economic incentives Economic incentives Overcoming corruption Overcoming corruption Environmental protection Environmental protection Human rights/security Human rights/security Infrastructure Infrastructure