DOCSLIB.ORG

Low Impact Development – Planning Policy and Practice

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Low Impact Development – Planning Policy and Practice Countryside Council for Wales Low Impact Development – Planning Policy and Practice Final Report December 2002 University of the West of England Land Use Consultants Acknowledgements This research report was co-funded by the Countryside Council for Wales the Welsh Assembly Government and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. The steering group comprised Keith Davies (CCW), Linsday Roberts (NAW), Martina Dunne (PCNP) and John Matheson (NAW). We are also grateful for the considerable assistance given by all groups and individuals to our work, and particularly Simon Fairlie (Chapter 7), Angie Polkey (Permaculture Association), Murray Hunt (Matrix Chambers), the Federation of Low Impact Dwellers, the Ecovillages Network UK, and the builders and residents of each of the five case studies. This research was undertaken by the University of the West of England, led by James Shorten. The contribution of Land Use Consultants was led by Lyndis Cole. This is a research report. The conclusions and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Countryside Council for Wales the Welsh Assembly Government and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. i Executive summary Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the nature of Low Impact Development (LID) in Wales, its relationship with the planning system, and to consider whether planning policy or legislation should be changed to take account of LID. This study was concerned with LID in rural locations showing a direct link with the management of land. The term of LID can also be applied to urban areas but this was not within the scope of this study. The study involved: • a literature review • a review of planning policies in Wales and elsewhere in the UK relevant to LID • consultations within Wales • assessment of the Human Rights Act’s implications for LID • a questionnaire survey of Welsh LID residents • five Welsh LID case studies which were also subject to a detailed sustainability appraisal. The findings were then used to inform a thorough discussion of LID in the Welsh countryside leading to a definition of LID and detailed recommendations for planning policy and practice. Background The Welsh countryside is undergoing considerable change. Agricultural incomes have collapsed, holdings are being restructured, and agricultural policy increasingly seeks a more integrated future for farming. The Welsh rural population is growing slowly, but this masks an ageing of the rural population, and out-migration of the young. Lack of affordable housing is a growing problem in rural Wales. Sustainable development is now a key theme of Welsh policy. For planning its importance is summarised as: “The planning system has a fundamental role in delivering sustainable development in Wales…. In particular the planning system, through both UDPs and the development control process, must provide for homes, infrastructure, investment and jobs in a way which is consistent with sustainability principles.” (Planning Policy Wales 2002, 2.1.5) Low Impact Development LID was coined by Simon Fairlie1 in his book, Low Impact Development (1996) as: “development that, through its low negative environmental impact, either enhances or does not significantly diminish environmental quality.” This is a broad definition but Fairlie was mainly concerned with subsistence-based development in rural locations where residents drew many of their daily needs such 1 Simon Fairlie is one of the founding residents of Tinkers Bubble, Somerset, a high profile LID. He is also a former editor of the Ecologist. ii as food and energy from the site. Thus LID is usually integrally connected with land management and as much as describing physical development LID also describes a form of livelihood. Fairlie produced nine criteria for LID, which were updated to 15 criteria by The Land Is Ours in 1999. The criteria included integrated whole-site management and use, reversibility, minimised resource consumption, renewable resource use, on- site waste processing, and seeking an overall positive environmental impact. As such LID often draws on other activities. These include Permaculture, which is an approach to designing land uses, houses, communities and businesses as sustainable systems, eco-villages, and sustainable building technologies. There are a limited number of examples of existing LID in Britain including low impact communities such as Tinkers Bubble in Somerset, Lowland Crofting developments in Scotland, and more formalised developments such as the Hockerton Housing Project in Nottinghamshire. LID and planning Welsh national planning policy is very new (Planning Policy Wales 2002). It identifies nine principles and 18 objectives for sustainable development, which add up to a comprehensive set of requirements for the sustainability of new development. In addition to this emphasis on sustainable development its policy for rural areas seeks integrated support for rural communities, economies and environments. TAN 6 (2000) contains guidance for agricultural workers’ dwellings which is currently used to judge LID proposals in the countryside. The test for such development requires that it meets a functional test for needing to be present on the site for the proper management of the farm and a financial test of the enterprise’s viability. Welsh national planning policy does not directly address LID, but in Scotland national guidance identifies low impact development as an acceptable rural land use, to be addressed through development plan policies. In Wales and England there are a number of local planning policies addressing LID, including those covering Pembrokeshire, South Somerset and Milton Keynes. Individual planning applications for LID have, to date, usually been considered as applications for agricultural workers’ dwellings, and refused. Occasionally, though, applications have been recognised as different forms of development and approved. Tinkers Bubble is the most well known case and now has temporary planning permission incorporating a complex legal agreement. LID and Human Rights The main LID consideration arising from the Human Rights Act 1998 is enforcement action. The principal issue is whether interference with the rights of the LID residents is justified in terms of protecting the rights of the public. There are rigorous tests which authorities should consider before taking action. The balance of these two competing rights will vary from case to case. iii A further issue is whether addressing favouring LID in the open countryside would be unfairly discriminatory. So long as this different treatment was justified as serving legitimate aims, achieved by proportionate means, this is unlikely to present obstacles to policies for LID. Findings Views of LID in Wales Amongst the consultees understanding of LID in Wales varied considerably. Some organisations are unfamiliar with LID where as others understand it well. A key concern was that LID should be properly controlled. However it was recognised that LID could positively contribute to environmental sustainability, though its links to rural economies and communities were less clear. There was broad recognition of demand for LID, although opinion varied as to its scale and whether this was predominantly from incomers or Welsh people. The nature and extent of LID in Wales Through a questionnaire survey of all those living on LIDs in Wales, and those known to be interested in LID, a more detailed picture of the nature and extent of LID in Wales was captured. 40 questionnaires were returned covering 180 people on over 20 LIDs. Welsh LIDs vary considerably in size, and community / family structure. Together they show strong commitments to land and environmental management, and minimising environmental impact. Common features of LIDs were low environmental impact buildings and structures, food production, employment both on- and off-site, renewable energy use, reduced transport use, frequent training /education activities, and good community links. Roughly half of residents are Welsh, over half are welsh-speakers or learning Welsh. Arguments in favour of integrated site management and residence were common, as were strong environmental awareness and motivation. Case studies Five case studies were chosen to represent rural LID in Wales in a variety of situations. They were: Brithdir Mawr, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – a 67 ha holding housing a community of 12 adults, seven teenagers and four children under 10. This LID contains a number of innovative buildings including a roundhouse which has been the subject of a recent planning appeal. Coed Hills, Vale of Glamorgan – a ‘Rural Artspace’ on a 73ha farm with eight residents. It includes residential accommodation, a café, studio and workshop / performance space, and holds regular arts events. The Roundhouse Project, Vale of Glamorgan – construction of a roundhouse to the rear of a 7ha nursery site with temporary planning permission which precludes residential use of the roundhouse. iv Tir Penrhos Isaf, Snowdonia National Park – a 2.8ha holding occupied by a single family in temporary accommodation and managed under Permaculture principles since 1986. Proposals for a dwelling were the subject of a recent planning appeal. Tir Sisial, Ceredigion – 17ha holding occupied by a single family in temporary accommodation. A woodland and nursery business is run from the site. Each case was visited and subject to a detailed sustainability appraisal covering economic, social and environmental
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Social Sustainability: a Comparison of Case Studies in UK, USA and Australia
    17th Pacific Rim Real Estate Society Conference, Gold Coast, 16-19 Jan 2011 Social Sustainability: A Comparison of Case Studies in UK, USA and Australia Michael Y MAK and Clinton J PEACOCK School of Architecture and Built Environment The University of Newcastle, Australia Abstract Traditionally, the sustainable development concept emphasizes on environmental areas such as waste and recycling, energy efficiency, water resource, building design, carbon emission, and aims to eliminate negative environmental impact while continuing to be completely ecologically sustainable through skilful and sensitive design. However, contemporarily sustainable development also implies an improvement in the quality of life through education, justice, community participation, and recreation. Recently social sustainability has gained an increased awareness as a fundamental component of sustainable development to encompass human rights, labour rights, and corporate governance. The goals of social sustainability are that future generations should have the same or greater access to social resources as the current generation. This paper aims to reveal the level of focus a development has in meeting social sustainable goals, success factors for a development, and planning a development now and into the future from a socially orientated perspective. This paper examines the characteristics of social sustainable developments through the comparison of three case studies: the Thames Gateway in east of London, UK, the Sonoma Mountain Village in north of San Francisco,
    [Show full text]
  • Summary of the Report : Onboard Employment Socio-Economic Impact of a Sustainable Fisheries Model
    Summary of the report : Onboard employment Socio-economic impact of a sustainable fisheries model. greenpeace.es Index Introduction 3 Methodology 5 Sustainable fisheries model 7 Supporting low scale sustainable fisheries Phasing out of destructive fishing technique Extending the network of marine reserves Moving towards converting deep sea fishing to sustainability Limiting aquaculture operations Developing measures to inform and raise awareness in consumers Complying with biological optimums Controlling pollution in coastal areas Main Results: 13 Global impact on the economy and jobs Impact of the model by sectors of activity Reversing the job loss trend of the current fisheries model Characteristics of employment in fishing communities and the rest of the economy. Type of jobs created in the economy as a whole Conclusions Greenpeace Demands 22 Glossary 24 2 ONBOARD EMPLOYMENT. Introduction European fisheries are facing an The new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) The reportOnboard employment: unsustainable situation in which regulation approved in May 2013 and Socio-economic impact of a sustainable previously rich, diverse fish effective from January 1st 2014, offers fisheries model proposes a series of the chance to eliminate overfishing measures to be implemented between populations have been decimated and provide an economically viable and 2014 and 2024 and analyses the effects to a fraction of their original size, environmentally sustainable option for they would have on the economy and giving rise to an ecological, social fishermen
    [Show full text]
  • The Ecological Footprint Emerged As a Response to the Challenge of Sustainable Development, Which Aims at Securing Everybody's Well-Being Within Planetary Constraints
    16 Ecological Footprint accounts The Ecological Footprint emerged as a response to the challenge of sustainable development, which aims at securing everybody's well-being within planetary constraints. It sharpens sustainable development efforts by offering a metric for this challenge’s core condition: keeping the human metabolism within the means of what the planet can renew. Therefore, Ecological Footprint accounting seeks to answer one particular question: How much of the biosphere’s (or any region’s) regenerative capacity does any human activity demand? The condition of keeping humanity’s material demands within the amount the planet can renew is a minimum requirement for sustainability. While human demands can exceed what the planet renew s for some time, exceeding it leads inevitably to (unsustainable) depletion of nature’s stocks. Such depletion can only be maintained temporarily. In this chapter we outline the underlying principles that are the foundation of Ecological Footprint accounting. 16 Ecological Footprint accounts Runninghead Right-hand pages: 16 Ecological Footprint accounts Runninghead Left-hand pages: Mathis Wackernagel et al. 16 Ecological Footprint accounts Principles 1 Mathis Wackernagel, Alessandro Galli, Laurel Hanscom, David Lin, Laetitia Mailhes, and Tony Drummond 1. Introduction – addressing all demands on nature, from carbon emissions to food and fibres Through the Paris Climate Agreement, nearly 200 countries agreed to keep global temperature rise to less than 2°C above the pre-industrial level. This goal implies ending fossil fuel use globally well before 2050 ( Anderson, 2015 ; Figueres et al., 2017 ; Rockström et al., 2017 ). The term “net carbon” in the agreement further suggests humanity needs far more than just a transition to clean energy; managing land to support many competing needs also will be crucial.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessing the Social Sustainability of Supply Chains Using Best Worst Method
    Assessing the social sustainability of supply chains using Best Worst Method Hadi Badri Ahmadi (Corresponding author) School of Management Science and Engineering Dalian University of Technology No. 2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District Dalian Liaoning Province (116023), P.R of China E-mail: [email protected] Simonov Kusi-Sarpong School of Management Science and Engineering Dalian University of Technology No. 2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District Dalian Liaoning Province (116023), P.R of China Eco-Engineering and Management Consult Limited 409 Abafum Avenue TI’s - Adentan, Accra-Ghana E-mail: [email protected] Jafar Rezaei Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management Delft University of Technology 2628 BX Delft, the Netherlands E-mail: [email protected] 1 Assessing the social sustainability of supply chains using Best Worst Method Abstract – A truly sustainable organization needs to take the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability into account. Although the economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability have been examined by many scholars and practitioners, thus far, the social dimension has been received less attention in literature and in practice, in particular in developing countries. Social sustainability enables other sustainability initiatives and overlooking this dimension can have a serious adverse impact across supply chains. To address this issue, this study proposes a framework for investigating the social sustainability of supply chains in manufacturing companies. To show the applicability and efficiency of the proposed framework, a sample of 38 experts was used to evaluate and prioritize social sustainability criteria, using a multi-criteria decision-making method called the ‘best worst method’ (BWM). The criteria are ranked according to their average weight obtained through BWM.
    [Show full text]
  • Course Handout for Introduction to Forest Gardening
    COURSE HANDOUT FOR INTRODUCTION TO FOREST GARDENING Complied by Jess Clynewood and Rich Wright Held at Coed Hills Rural Art Space 2010 ETHICS AND PRINCIPLES OF PERMACULTURE Care for the Earth v Care for the people v Fair shares PRINCIPLES Make the least change for the greatest effect v Mistakes are tools for learning v The only limits to the yield of a system are imagination and understanding Observation – Protracted and thoughtful observation rather than prolonged and thoughtless action. Observation is a key tool to re-learn. We need to know what is going on already so that we don’t make changes we will later regret. Use and value diversity - Diversity allows us to build a strong web of beneficial connections. Monocultures are incredibly fragile and prone to pests and diseases – diverse systems are far more robust and are intrinsically more resilient. Relative Location and Beneficial Connections – View design components not in isolation but as part of a holistic system. Place elements to maximise their potential to create beneficial connections with other elements. Multi-functional Design – Try and gain as many yields or outputs from each element in your design as possible. Meet every need in multiple ways, as many elements supporting each important function creates stability and resilience. Perennial systems – minimum effort for maximum gain Create no waste - The concept of waste is essentially a reflection of poor design. Every output from one system could become the input to another system. We need to think cyclically rather than in linear systems. Unmet needs = work, unused output = pollution. Stacking – Make use of vertical as well as horizontal space, filling as many niches as possible.
    [Show full text]
  • (ESG) Update Supporting Sustainable Growth April 2018 2 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Update HSBC Holdings Plc
    HSBC Holdings plc Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Update Supporting sustainable growth April 2018 2 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Update HSBC Holdings plc Hong Kong Stock Code: 5 HSBC Holdings plc Incorporated in England on 1 January 1959 with limited liability under the UK Companies Act Registered in England: number 617987 Our cover image The Singapore Supertrees are a cluster of large tree-like structures constructed in the heart of Singapore. Many of the Supertrees are embedded with environmentally sustainable functions – including generating solar energy, collecting rainwater, and acting as vertical gardens with more than 150,000 plants. These innovative structures create a green respite in the centre of the urban centre. Our photo competition winners The cover of this report showcases one of the images taken by one of our employees. The image was selected from more than 2,100 submissions to a Group-wide photography competition. Launched in June 2017, HSBC NOW Photo is an ongoing project that encourages our people to capture and share the diverse world around them with a camera. Contents 3 Contents 1 Group Chief Executive’s statement 5 2 Customers 8 3 Employees 21 4 Supporting sustainable growth 28 5 Governance 37 6 Links and information 41 4 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Update HSBC Holdings plc About The information set out in this document, taken together with the information relating to ESG issues detailed in our HSBC Holdings plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 and the information available in the links below, aims to provide you with key ESG information and data relevant to our operations for the year ended 31 December 2017 and in order to comply with the Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Guide contained in Appendix 27 to The Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (‘ESG Guide’).
    [Show full text]
  • Assessing the Role of Carbon Dioxide Removal in Companies' Climate
    Net Expectations Assessing the role of carbon dioxide removal in companies’ climate plans. Briefing by Greenpeace UK January 2021 ~ While a few companies plan to deliver CDR Executive in specific projects, many plan to simply purchase credits on carbon markets, summary which have been beset with integrity problems and dubious accounting, even where certified. To stabilise global temperatures at any level – whether 1.5˚C, 2˚C, 3˚C or 5˚C Limits and uncertainties – carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions must The IPCC warns that reliance on CDR is a major reach net zero at some point, because risk to humanity’s ability to achieve the Paris goals. of CO2’s long-term, cumulative effect. The uncertainties are not whether mechanisms to remove CO2 “work”: they all work in a laboratory According to the Intergovernmental at least. Rather, it is whether they can be delivered Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), at scale, with sufficient funding and regulation, to store CO2 over the long term without unacceptable limiting warming to 1.5˚C requires net- social and environmental impacts. zero CO2 to be reached by about 2050. To illustrate the need for regulation, the carbon A small proportion of emissions is likely to be dioxide captured by forests is highly dependent on unavoidable and must be offset by carbon dioxide their specific circumstances, including their removal (CDR), such as by tree-planting (afforestation/ species diversity, the prior land use, and future reforestation) or by technological approaches like risks to the forest (such as fires or pests). In some bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) cases, forests and BECCS can increase rather than or direct air carbon capture with storage (DACCS).
    [Show full text]
  • CUBA's TRANSITION to ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY in Swedish
    CUBA’S TRANSITION TO ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY Jan Strömdahl KUWAIT 6 5 DENMARK USA 4 SWEDEN 3 GERMANY JAPAN RUSSIA 2 SOUTH AFRICA BRAZIL 1 CHINA CUBA NIGERIA ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT, NUMBER OF GLOBES/PERSON FOOTPRINT, ECOLOGICAL HAITI INDIA 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 LOW HDI MEDIUM HDI HIGH HDI VERY HIGH HDI HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX, HDI TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 4 2. CUBA AND SUSTAINABILITY 5 2.1 The Human Development Index 6 2.2 Ecological footprint 8 2.3 Later Living Planet Reports 10 2.4 Conclusions in the Living Planet Reports 12 2.5 Analysis of ecological footprints for selected countries 13 2.6 Global target for sustainability 14 2.7 Measures for protection against climate change 15 2.8 How has Cuba succeeded so far? 16 3. AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER LAND USE 18 3.1 Exploitation and Revolution - a historical background 18 3.2 Present situation 20 3.3 Food security 24 3.4 Organic farming 26 3.5 Organic urban and suburban agriculture 27 3.6 Permaculture 30 3.7 Environmental and health aspects 33 3.8 Outlook 33 4. WATER 36 4.1 Present situation 37 4.2 Water footprints 39 4.3 Fisheries 40 4.4 Water pollution 41 4.5 Water and sewage supply 43 4.6 Closing remarks 44 5 ENERGY 46 5.1 Energy revolution starts 47 5.2 Oil still dominate 50 5.3 Renewable fuels and technologies 50 5.4 Fossil fuels and technologies 54 5.5 The rise and fall of nuclear power 54 5.6 Efficiency and savings 57 5.7 Two forerunners - Granma and Guamá 57 5.8 A second energy revolution 59 5.9 Environmental and health impacts 62 5:10 Social aspects 63 6 TRANSPORTATION 65 6.1 Horses and bikes dominate locally 67 6.2 Railway tradition 71 6.3 Freight most by truck 73 6.3 Decentralization and improved effectiveness 73 6.4 Environmental and health implications 75 6.5 Social aspects 76 6.6 Cuba´s challenges 76 2 7 HOUSING 78 7.1 The housing policy of revolution 79 7.2 Current situation 81 7.3 Building tecchnics and materials 83 7.4 Havana 86 7.5 Housing as social right 86 7.6 What about the future? 87 8.
    [Show full text]
  • Dec Issue # 76 What You Have Missed! MARINA BARRAGE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY FINALE 26-28 Oct 2018
    Dec Issue # 76 What you have missed! MARINA BARRAGE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY FINALE 26-28 Oct 2018 The end of October has held particular significance for PUB since 2008 – on 31 October 2008, the Marina Barrage was officially opened after decades of hard work and planning, realising former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s vision of a freshwater reservoir in the city. In celebration of this milestone, a 3-day carnival was held from 26-28 October, bringing people a slew of fun and excitement. There were over a hundred stalls for the shopaholics, foodies, and activities for families and even our environmentally-conscious friends! There were specially-curated foods reminiscent of the Barrage’s crest gates and gigantic pumps, both of which work to maintain consistent water levels in the Marina Reservoir and alleviate flooding in low-lying areas of the city. Free river cruises for the public to appreciate the efforts that go into keeping the reservoir waters clean beautiful. The Barrage came alive at night with twinkling fairy lights and the sounds of bustle, when shoppers did what they did best and sourced for their kicks. Many stalls boasted self-designed and handmade items, and the prices of the little trinkets sure were easy on the pocket! With 2018 designated as the year of Climate Action, and the Marina Barrage an icon of water security and sustainability, it only made sense that there be a Sustainable Zone at the Finale! Members of the public could sign up for activities and workshops to try their hand at upcycling everyday items into useful stuff, like milk cartons into coin pouches, and throwaway wallpaper samples into wallets! Image credit: Terra SG The highlight of the three days was when Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, graced the celebrations on 27 October.
    [Show full text]
  • The Right to Food and the Impact of Liquid Biofuels (Agrofuels) Photo by © FAO/18079/M
    The Right to Food and the Impact of Liquid Biofuels (Agrofuels) Photo by © FAO/18079/M. Griffin RIGHT TO FOOD STUDIES Photo by © FAO/18079/M. Griffin The Right to Food and the Impact of Liquid Biofuels (Agrofuels) Asbjørn Eide FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS Rome, 2008 The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. ISBN 978-92-5-106174-9 All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to: Chief Electronic Publishing Policy and Support Branch Communication Division FAO Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy or by e-mail to: [email protected] © FAO 2009 The Right to Food and the Impact of Liquid Biofuels (Agrofuels) Photo by © FAO/18079/M.
    [Show full text]
  • Green Growth Policy, De-Growth, and Sustainability: the Alternative Solution for Achieving the Balance Between Both the Natural and the Economic System
    sustainability Editorial Green Growth Policy, De-Growth, and Sustainability: The Alternative Solution for Achieving the Balance between Both the Natural and the Economic System Diego A. Vazquez-Brust 1,2 and José A. Plaza-Úbeda 3,* 1 Portsmouth Faculty of Business and Law, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth P01 3DE, UK; [email protected] 2 Production Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil 3 Economics and Business Department, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain * Correspondence: [email protected] 1. Introduction “We are ethically obliged and incited to think beyond what are treated as the realistic limits of the possible” (Judith Butler, 2020) The existence of an imbalance between our planet’s reserves of resources and the conditions necessary to maintain high levels of economic growth is evident [1]. The limitation of natural resources pushes companies to consider the possibility of facing critical situations in the future that will make it extremely difficult to reconcile economic Citation: Vazquez-Brust, D.A.; and sustainable objectives [2]. Plaza-Úbeda, J.A. Green Growth In this context of dependence on an environment with finite resources, there are Policy, De-Growth, and Sustainability: growing interests in alternative economic models, such as the Circular Economy, oriented to The Alternative Solution for the maximum efficient use of resources [3–5]. However, the Circular Economy approach is Achieving the Balance between Both still very far from the reality of industries, and the depletion of natural resources continues the Natural and the Economic System. undeterred [6]. It is increasingly necessary to explore alternative approaches to address the Sustainability 2021, 13, 4610.
    [Show full text]
  • “Degrowth”, Racial Inequality and Sustainability
    Sustainability 2013, 5, 1282-1303; doi:10.3390/su5031282 OPEN ACCESS sustainability ISSN 2071-1050 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Essay The World is Yours: “Degrowth”, Racial Inequality and Sustainability Brian Gilmore College of Law, Michigan State University, 610 Abbott Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA; E-Mails: [email protected]; [email protected]; Tel.: +1-202-549-2277 Received: 30 October 2012; in revised form: 7 January 2013 / Accepted: 7 February 2013 / Published: 20 March 2013 Abstract: In French economist Serge Latouche’s 2009 book, Farewell to Growth, Latouche discusses “degrowth” in great detail, but he also explains how racial bias (and bias in general) in the world today has no place in a post-GDP world that embraces the principles outlined in “degrowth” or, as he calls it, décroissance. Latouche writes in Farewell to Growth that “we resist, and must resist all forms of racism and discrimination (skin color, sex, religion, ethnicity)”, biases he insist are “all too common in the West today.” Latouche’s ideas are important for considering “degrowth”, because racial bias and the historical problems presented by that bias, in the United States, continues despite efforts to address it in a significant manner. The World is Yours discusses “degrowth” , economic growth and racial inequality, seeking to not only provide a better understanding of the recent social, legal and political meaning of these terms, but also the difficulties presented by these ideas today in a world increasingly committed to economic growth, even at the expense of human existence. How can a new economic paradigm be pursued that is more sustainable? Will African-Americans and other groups of color and nations of color accept “degrowth” if the US begins to implement a real sustainable agenda that addresses racial inequality? Keywords: degrowth, racial inequality, wealth gap, sustainability, restorative justice 1.
    [Show full text]