DOCSLIB.ORG

David Griggs 'Sustainable Development Goals for People And

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
David Griggs 'Sustainable Development Goals for People And COMMENT ENVIRONMENT Conservationists HISTORY Ripping yarn of the EVOLUTION First biography of FUNDING Australia’s grant call for a global zoning ape-man of Victorian W. D. Hamilton, the gentle system wastes centuries of exercise for roads p.308 England p.310 giant of genetics p.313 researchers’ time p.314 ILLUSTRATION BY PHIL DISLEY BY ILLUSTRATION Sustainable development goals for people and planet Planetary stability must be integrated with United Nations targets to fight poverty and secure human well-being, argue David Griggs and colleagues. he United Nations Rio+20 summit life-support system and poverty reduction a prerequisite for a thriving global society. in Brazil in 2012 committed govern- must be the twin priorities for SDGs. It is not With the human population set to rise to ments to create a set of sustainable enough simply to extend MDGs, as some are 9 billion by 2050, definitions of sustainable Tdevelopment goals (SDGs) that would be suggesting, because humans are transform- development must be revised to include the integrated into the follow-up to the Millen- ing the planet in ways that could undermine security of people and the planet. nium Development Goals (MDGs) after development gains. Defining a unified set of SDGs is challeng- their 2015 deadline. Discussions on how to As mounting research shows, the stable ing, especially when there can be conflict formulate these continue this week at UN functioning of Earth systems — including between individual goals, such as energy headquarters in New York. the atmosphere, oceans, forests, waterways, provision and climate-change prevention. We argue that the protection of Earth’s biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles — is But we show here that it is possible. By 21 MARCH 2013 | VOL 495 | NATURE | 305 © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved COMMENT A UNIFIED FRAMEWORK A set of six sustainable development goals (SDGs) follow from combining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with conditions necessary to assure the stability of Earth's systems. NEW PARADIGM Earth’s life- support system NEW DEFINITION Sustainable development in the Anthropocene: “Development that meets Society the needs of the present while safeguarding Earth’s life-support Economy system, on which the welfare of current and future generations depends.” People Planet UPDATED MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS + PLANETARY MUST-HAVES = SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS End poverty and hunger Materials use riving lives and livelihoods Universal education Clean air Sustainable food security Gender equality Nutrient (N and P) cycles Sustainable water security Health Hydrological cycles Universal clean energy Environmental sustainability Ecosystem services Healthy and productive ecosystems Global partnership Biodiversity Governance for sustainable societies Climate stability MDGs start SDGs begin 2000 205 2030 combining the MDGs with global envi- people of all nations make the transition to of current and future generations depends”. ronmental targets drawn from science and sustainable lifestyles. To set appropriate goals and targets, from existing international agreements, we By coordinating actions internationally, environmental conditions have to be propose six SDGs with provisional targets SDGs can address these risks. The MDGs identified that enable prosperous human for 2030. have shown that a goal-setting approach development and set tolerable ranges for raises both public and policy support and the biosphere to remain in that state. The ENTER THE ANTHROPOCENE channels funds effectively towards urgent extraordinarily stable Holocene epoch that Since 2000, the MDGs have focused on reduc- global problems2. However, the political allowed our ancestors to develop agricul- ing extreme poverty in developing countries. reluctance to go beyond merely extending ture and modern societies during the past But pursuing a post-2015 agenda focused the MDGs is a concern. 10,000 years provides a scientific reference only on poverty alleviation could undermine The targets for the SDGs must be measur- point. Indeed, these are the only conditions the agenda’s purpose. Growing evidence and able, based on the latest research and should we know that can support modern life. real-world changes convincingly show that apply to developed and developing coun- Building on decades of research, a 2009 humanity is driving global environmental tries. First, however, we need to reframe the analysis defined planetary boundaries change and has pushed us into a new geologi- UN paradigm of three pillars of sustainable which would be unsafe to transgress for cal epoch — the Anthropocene1. development — economic, social and envi- nine Earth-system processes3: climate Further human pressure risks causing ronmental — and instead view it as a nested change; rate of biodiversity loss (terrestrial widespread, abrupt and possibly irrevers- concept. The global economy services soci- and marine); interference with the nitrogen ible changes to basic Earth-system pro- ety, which lies within Earth’s life-support and phosphorus cycles; stratospheric ozone cesses. Water shortages, extreme weather, system. The definition of sustainable devel- depletion; ocean acidification; global fresh- deteriorating conditions for food produc- opment, as laid out in the 1987 report from water use; change in land use; chemical pol- tion, ecosystem loss, ocean acidification the UN World Commission on Environ- lution; and atmospheric aerosol loading. and sea-level rise are real dangers that ment and Development (the Brundtland Adapting this planetary boundaries work, could threaten development and trig- Commission), should therefore be rede- and using recent credible scientific studies ger humanitarian crises across the globe. fined to “development that meets the needs and existing international processes — such Growing affluence and the right to develop- of the present while safeguarding Earth’s as the United Nations Framework Conven- ment among the world’s poor demand that life-support system, on which the welfare tion on Climate Change — we extracted a 306 | NATURE | VOL 495 | 21 MARCH 2013 © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved COMMENT SIX SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS Some provisional targets for 2030 ●●Goal 1: Thriving lives and livelihoods. End atmosphere; phosphorus flow to the oceans ecosystem services through better poverty and improve well-being through should not exceed 10 million tonnes a year; management, valuation, measurement, access to education, employment and and phosphorus runoff to lakes and rivers conservation and restoration. information, better health and housing, and should halve by 2030. This combines the MDG environmental reduced inequality while moving towards targets with 2030 projections of the Aichi sustainable consumption and production. ●●Goal 3: Sustainable water security. Targets adopted by the Convention on This extends many targets of the Achieve universal access to clean water Biological Diversity (see www.cbd.int/sp/ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on and basic sanitation, and ensure efficient targets). Extinctions should not exceed ten poverty, health and urban environments allocation through integrated water- times the natural background rate. At least and applies them to developed nations. It resource management. 70% of species in any ecosystem and 70% should include targets on clean air that build This would contribute to MDG health of forests should be retained. Aquatic and on World Health Organization guidelines for targets, restrict global water runoff to less marine ecosystems should be managed pollutants such as black carbon6; reductions than 4000 cubic kilometres a year and limit to safeguard areas crucial for biodiversity, in emissions of stratospheric ozone-depleting volumes withdrawn from river basins to no ecosystem services and fisheries. substances in line with projections from the more than 50–80% of mean annual flow3,9. Montreal Protocol; critical loads for man-made ●●Goal 6: Governance for sustainable chemical compounds and toxic materials; and ●●Goal 4: Universal clean energy. Improve societies. Transform governance and sustainable practices for extraction, use and universal, affordable access to clean energy institutions at all levels to address the other recycling of scarce minerals and metals and that minimizes local pollution and health five sustainable development goals. other natural resources. impacts and mitigates global warming. This would build on MDG partnerships This contributes to the UN commitment and incorporate environmental and social ●●Goal 2: Sustainable food security. to sustainable energy for all, and addresses targets into global trade, investment and End hunger and achieve long-term food MDG targets on education, gender equity and finance4. Subsidies on fossil fuels and policies security — including better nutrition — health. To ensure at least a 50% probability of that support unsustainable agricultural and through sustainable systems of production, staying within 2 °C warming10, sustainability fisheries practices should be eliminated by distribution and consumption. targets should aim for global greenhouse- 2020; product prices should incorporate The MDG hunger target should be extended gas emissions to peak in 2015–20, drop by social and environmental impacts. National and targets added to limit nitrogen and 3–5% a year until 2030, and fall by 50–80% monitoring, reporting and verification phosphorus use in agriculture3,7,8. Nutrient- by 2050. systems
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sustainability, Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility ISO Definitions and Terminology
    Sustainability, sustainable development and social responsibility ISO definitions and terminology International Organization for Standardization ISO in brief ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. ISO has a membership of 163 national standards bodies from countries large and small, industrialized, developing and in transition, in all regions of the world. ISO’s portfolio of over 19 100 standards provides business, government and society with practical tools for all three dimensions of sustainable development : economic, environmental and social. The achievement of sustainability is now recognized as the most ISO standards make a positive contribution to the world we live fundamental requirement in every human endeavour and activity. Our in. They facilitate trade, spread knowledge, disseminate innovative failure to effectively address sustainability has led to a deterioration advances in technology, and share good management and conformity in our environmental, social and economic well being. Sustainability assessment practices. refers to the state of the global system in which the needs of the ISO standards provide solutions and achieve benefits for almost present are met without compromising the ability of future genera- all sectors of activity, including agriculture, construction, mechani- tions to meet their own needs and is continually evolving. Achieving cal engineering, manufacturing, distribution, transport, healthcare, a balance between environmental, social and economic systems is information and communication technologies, the environment, energy, considered essential for achieving sustainability. safety and security, quality management, and services. The notion of sustainable development is based on the Rio ISO only develops standards for which there is a clear market Declaration and it encompasses the concepts of intergenerational requirement.
    [Show full text]
  • Brazil Will Host of the Global Celebrations of World Environment
    Brazil will Host of the Global Brazil, China and the United States, recycling in all its forms, already employed twelve million people. Celebrations of World Environment Day Brazil is also a leader in the sustainable production of ethanol as a fuel for vehicles and is expanding into other The United Nations forms of renewable energy like wind and solar. Recently, Environment Programme the construction of 500 thousand new homes with solar (UNEP) announced today panel installations in Brazil has generated 300 thousand that Brazil, who owns one new jobs. of the fastest growing "We are delighted to host the global celebrations for the economies in the world, environment. The World Environment Day in Brazil will will host the global be a great opportunity to present the environmental celebrations of World Environment Day (WED) , aspects of Sustainable Development in the weeks leading celebrated annually on June 5. up to Rio +20 Conferences," said the Minister of the This year's theme, " Green Economy: It includes you?" environment of Brazil, Izabella Teixeira. invites the world to assess where the "Green Economy" "The history of Brazil, with its complex dynamics and is the day to day life of each one and estimate if the diverse economy, its wealth of natural resources and its development, by the Green Economy way, covers the current role in international relations, offers a unique social, economic and environment needs in a world with perspective through which a large and result transformer 7 billion people, which expected to reach 9 billion 2050. will become possible in the Rio +20 "added Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • People and the Planet: Lessons for a Sustainable Future. INSTITUTION Zero Population Growth, Inc., Washington, D.C
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 409 188 SE 060 352 AUTHOR Wasserman, Pamela, Ed. TITLE People and the Planet: Lessons for a Sustainable Future. INSTITUTION Zero Population Growth, Inc., Washington, D.C. REPORT NO ISBN-0-945219-12-1 PUB DATE 96 NOTE 210p. AVAILABLE FROM Zero Population Growth, Inc., 1400 16th Street N.W., Suite 320, Washington, DC 20036, e-mail: [email protected] PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Teacher (052) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC09 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Conservation (Environment); Elementary Secondary Education; *Environmental Education; Natural Resources; Pollution; Population Trends; Sustainable Development; Teaching Guides IDENTIFIERS *Environmental Action; Environmental Awareness ABSTRACT This activity guide is designed to develop students' understanding of the interdependence of people and the environment as well as the interdependence connecting members of the global family. It is both an environmental education curriculum and a global studies resource suitable for middle school science, social studies, math, language arts, and family life education classrooms. The readings and activities contained in this book are designed to broaden students' knowledge of trends and connections among population change, natural resource use, global economics, gender equity, and community health. This knowledge combined with the critical thinking skills developed in each activity will help students explore their roles as global citizens and environmental stewards. The book is divided into four parts: (1) Understanding Population Dynamics;(2) People, Resources, and the Environment; (3) Issues for the Global Family; and (4) You and Your Community. Also included is a list of activities grouped by themes including air/water pollution and climate change, carrying capacity, environmental and social ethics, family size decisions, future studies, land use issues, natural resource use, population dynamics and trends, resource distribution/inequities, solid waste management, and sustainability.
    [Show full text]
  • A Critical Reading of Permaculture Literature
    Master thesis in Sustainable Development 2018/14 Examensarbete i Hållbar utveckling The quest for sustainability – a critical reading of permaculture literature ‘ Tove Janzon DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCES INSTITUTIONEN FÖR GEOVETENSKAPER Master thesis in Sustainable Development 2018/14 Examensarbete i Hållbar utveckling The quest for sustainability – a critical reading of permaculture literature Tove Janzon Supervisor: Frans Lenglet Evaluator: Petra Hansson Copyright © Tove Janzon and the Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University Published at Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University (www.geo.uu.se), Uppsala, 2018 Content 1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1 2. Background ........................................................................................................................................ 1 2.1 The sustainable development concept ........................................................................................... 1 2.1.1 History .................................................................................................................................... 1 2.1.2 Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 2 2.2 The permaculture concept ............................................................................................................. 2 2.2.1 History ...................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Our Common Future
    Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future Table of Contents Acronyms and Note on Terminology Chairman's Foreword From One Earth to One World Part I. Common Concerns 1. A Threatened Future I. Symptoms and Causes II. New Approaches to Environment and Development 2. Towards Sustainable Development I. The Concept of Sustainable Development II. Equity and the Common Interest III. Strategic Imperatives IV. Conclusion 3. The Role of the International Economy I. The International Economy, the Environment, and Development II. Decline in the 1980s III. Enabling Sustainable Development IV. A Sustainable World Economy Part II. Common Challenges 4. Population and Human Resources I. The Links with Environment and Development II. The Population Perspective III. A Policy Framework 5. Food Security: Sustaining the Potential I. Achievements II. Signs of Crisis III. The Challenge IV. Strategies for Sustainable Food Security V. Food for the Future 6. Species and Ecosystems: Resources for Development I. The Problem: Character and Extent II. Extinction Patterns and Trends III. Some Causes of Extinction IV. Economic Values at Stake V. New Approach: Anticipate and Prevent VI. International Action for National Species VII. Scope for National Action VIII. The Need for Action 7. Energy: Choices for Environment and Development I. Energy, Economy, and Environment II. Fossil Fuels: The Continuing Dilemma III. Nuclear Energy: Unsolved Problems IV. Wood Fuels: The Vanishing Resource V. Renewable Energy: The Untapped Potential VI. Energy Efficiency: Maintaining the Momentum VII. Energy Conservation Measures VIII. Conclusion 8. Industry: Producing More With Less I. Industrial Growth and its Impact II. Sustainable Industrial Development in a Global Context III.
    [Show full text]
  • Melting Ice: a Hot Topic?
    Inspiring examples World Environment Day • 5 June World Environment Day is the United Nations flagship environmental World Environment Day is also meant to be an “intellectual” event, event, celebrated every year on 5 June in more than 100 countries around providing opportunities for seminars, workshops and symposiums on the world. It was established in 1972 by the United Nations General preserving the environmental health of our planet for the benefit of Assembly and its commemoration is entrusted to the United Nations generations to come. The media play a critical role, and the event inspires Environment Programme (UNEP), whose international headquarters are thousands of journalists around the world to report on the environment. located in Nairobi, Kenya. The Day enhances political attention and action. Local and regional The purpose of World Environment Day is to focus worldwide attention officials, Heads of State and Government and, of course, Ministers of on the importance of the environment and stimulate political attention the Environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care and action. The event seeks to give a human face to environmental issues; for the Earth. For example, in 1994, President Fidal Ramos called upon empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable Filipinos to pause exactly at noon on 5 June and simultaneously “think development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal clean, think green and with positive and joy-filled energy restore to nature the energy borrowed from it.” More solemn pledges are made to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate which lead to the establishment of permanent governmental structures partnership, which will ensure that all nations and peoples enjoy a safer dealing with environmental management and economic planning.
    [Show full text]
  • Family Planning and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
    Family Planning and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Data Booklet Family Planning and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development • Data Booklet Target 3.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) calls on countries “by 2030, to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes”. Living up to the commitment of the international community to achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2030 requires the monitoring of key family planning indicators. Trends in contraceptive prevalence and need for family planning satisfied with modern methods indicate where increased investments and commitments by governments and international organizations are needed for the realization of reproductive rights for all people, and to help fulfil the pledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that “no one will be left behind”. Data presented in this booklet are based on the Estimates and Projections of Family Planning Indicators 2019, which includes estimates at the global, regional and country level of contraceptive prevalence, unmet need for family planning and SDG indicator 3.7.1 “Proportion of women who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods”. This work was supported, in part, by Grants No. OPP1110679 and OPP1183453, Making Family Planning Count, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Suggested citation: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). Family Planning and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Data Booklet. (ST/ESA/ SER.A/429). Copyright © 2019 by United Nations, made available under a Creative Commons license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) http://creativecommons.
    [Show full text]
  • 1.3.1.500 Sustainable Development of Algae for Biofuel March 6, 2017 Advanced Algal Systems Platform
    DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) 2017 Project Peer Review 1.3.1.500 Sustainable Development of Algae for Biofuel March 6, 2017 Advanced Algal Systems Platform PI: Rebecca Efroymson Oak Ridge National Laboratory Environmental Sciences Division ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle for the US Department of Energy Goal Statement: Putting the “sustainable” in sustainable biomass and biofuel How? Define indicators of sustainable algal biofuels. Determine best practices for sustainably meeting productivity and profitability targets through national resource analysis and experimentation. Focus on key challenges for algae commercialization. Guide BETO and Advanced Algal Systems Program on a path toward environmentally and socioeconomically viable technologies. The Linde Group, with permission 2 BETO 2017 Project Peer Review Quad Chart Overview Timeline Barriers • Project start date: • Aft-A. Biomass Availability and Cost ([need] data on FY16 potential price, location, environmental sustainability & quantity of algal biomass . .) • Project end date: • Aft-B. Sustainable Algae Production ([need] data on FY18 environmental effects to support LCA; need to address a number of sustainability issues—water and fertilizer • Percent complete: inputs, land conversion, and liner use; cost and 50% (as of end Feb productivity . .) 2017) • St-D. Implementing Indicators and methodology for evaluating and improving sustainability • St-E. Best Practices and Systems for sustainable bioenergy production Budget Partners (K) • Contractor: Longitude 122 West, Inc. FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 • U Tennessee, UC San Diego, U Kansas plan • National labs: (PNNL, INL, SNL, NREL, New 265 83 400 ANL) BA • Algae Biomass Organization (unfunded) 3 BETO 2017 Project Peer Review How do we measure or model sustainability? 4 BETO 2017 Project Peer Review Environmental indicators Category Indicator Category Indicator Soil quality 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Population Matters for Sustainable Development 3 A8780 UN V05:Layout 1 5/31/12 9:10 PM Page 4
    Copyright © UNFPA 2012 June 2012 Publications available at: http://www.unfpa.org/public/cache/offonce/home/publications N A8780_UN_v05:Layout 1 5/31/12 9:10 PM Page 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The report was prepared by the Population and Development Branch, Technical Division, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), by Michael Herrmann, Jose Miguel Guzman and Daniel Schensul. It greatly benefited from the comments and contributions of the sister agencies that participated in the Interagency Consultation on Population and Sustainable Development, organized by UNFPA on 23 June 2011 in New York, NY: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), represented by the Population Division, the Division for Social Policy and Development and the Division for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat), and United Nations Regional Commissions, represented by their New York Office, the World Bank, World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organization (WHO). Population Matters for Sustainable Development 3 A8780_UN_v05:Layout
    [Show full text]
  • Rethinking Sustainable Development Goals in the Anthropocene Robin Kundis Craig S.J
    SJ Quinney College of Law, University of Utah Utah Law Digital Commons Utah Law Faculty Scholarship Utah Law Scholarship 6-2019 New Realities Require New Priorities: Rethinking Sustainable Development Goals in the Anthropocene Robin Kundis Craig S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.law.utah.edu/scholarship Part of the Environmental Law Commons Recommended Citation Craig, R.K., Ruhl, J.B., New Realities Require New Priorities: Rethinking Sustainable Development Goals in the Anthropocene, (Jessica Owley & Keith Hirokawa, eds.), Environmental Law Beyond 2020, Forthcoming This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Utah Law Scholarship at Utah Law Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Utah Law Faculty Scholarship by an authorized administrator of Utah Law Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. NEW REALITIES REQUIRE NEW PRIORITIES: RETHINKING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN THE ANTHROPOCENE by Robin Kundis Craig & J.B. Ruhl ABSTRACT The United Nations 17 sustainable development goals are nominally unprioritized. However, numerically and rhetorically, the list effectively makes development goals more important than the environmental goals. This de facto prioritization, however, is deeply flawed in two respects. First, as early sustainable development theorists acknowledged, the environment is the boundary of, not co-equal to, development, constraining potential progress both economically and socially. The Anthropocene’s rapidly accelerating deterioration of the global ecological and physical processes that make human development possible will ultimately constrain development options and potential. Second, human priorities will also change dramatically as adaptation to climate change—the most visible impact of the Anthropocene—becomes a pressing and unavoidable necessity.
    [Show full text]
  • Bioenergy for Sustainable Development
    BIOENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Gerard J. Ostheimer, Ph.D. Global Lead Sustainable Bioenergy High-Impact Opportunity Sustainable Energy For All Overview • Energy poverty is widespread and prevents economic development • The international development community is beginning to act • Momentum is building to grow the bioeconomy across the globe Energy Poverty: Statistics • 1.2 Billion people lack access to modern energy services – 0.5 Billion in sub-Saharan Africa • 2.7 Billion people lack sufficient energy to cook with anything but charcoal or biomass Energy Poverty: Sub-Saharan Africa IRENA-DBFZ: BIOMASS POTENTIALS IN AFRICA, 2013 International Efforts to end Energy Poverty Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity and an environment that allows the world to thrive. -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Ending poverty and ensuring sustainability are the defining challenges of our time. Energy is central to both. -- Jim Yong Kim - World Bank Group President Defined by three goals: IRENA expects biomass to contribute 60% to doubling the use of renewables PUBLIC SECTOR PRIVATE SECTOR Governments Donors Multinationals Multilateral Organizations Local Entrerpreneurs Development Banks Private Capital SE4ALL High Impact Opportunities Sustainable Bioenergy HIO • Clean Cooking Solutions •Increased Agricultural Productivity • Energy from Municipal Solid Waste • Sustainable Aviation Biofuels • Cellulosic Ethanol HIO Leadership Co-Chairs Structure Steering HIO Secretariat Committee High Impact Initiatives
    [Show full text]
  • The Concept of Sustainable Development: Definition and Defining Principles Rachel Emas, Florida International University*
    Brief for GSDR 2015 The Concept of Sustainable Development: Definition and Defining Principles Rachel Emas, Florida International University* Introduction those external costs. By levying this charge, called In 1987, the Bruntland Commission a Pigouvian tax, the market price will more published its report, Our Common Future, in an accurately reflect the comprehensive costs and effort to link the issues of economic development benefits of the activity. and environmental stability. In doing so, this report provided the oft-cited definition of From this, Michael Porter and Claas van sustainable development as “development that der Linde theorized that pollution is a sign of meets the needs of the present without inefficient resource use. Therefore, win-win compromising the ability of future generations to opportunities for the environment and economy meet their own needs” (United Nations General can be captured through improvements which Assembly, 1987, p. 43). Albeit somewhat vague, reduce pollution in production processes (Porter this concept of sustainable development aims to & van der Linde, 1999). These authors argue that maintain economic advancement and progress competitive advantages rely on the capacity for while protecting the long-term value of the innovation; thus, “by stimulating innovation, strict environment; it “provides a framework for the environmental regulations can actually enhance integration of environment policies and competitiveness” (Porter & van der Linde, 1995, development strategies” (United Nations General p. 98). As the Porter Hypothesis states, properly Assembly, 1987). However, long before the late designed environmental policies that make use of 20th century, scholars argued that there need not market incentives can encourage the introduction be a trade-off between environmental of new technologies and reduce production sustainability and economic development.
    [Show full text]