Doing it sustainably
What is sustainability?
Provides links to websites describing key UK strategies and policies
for sustainable development plus further background.
Provides links to inspirational places to visit which demonstrate
sustainability.
Population pressures, consumption patterns and exploitation of the
natural resource base have been producing great stress upon the
environment. We have been living beyond our means. It is only
recently in 1987 at The World Commission on Environment and
Development (WCED) that environmental issues have brought
sustainability to worldwide attention.
Sustainable development is an extremely broad concept, incorporating
not only environmental issues but also economic, technological,
social and political.
Sustainable Development was primarily defined in the Bruntland
Report of the WCED as :
Development which meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs. WCED 1987
It is a radical idea, which requires a change in all our lives,
lifestyles and livelihoods.
We should live here on earth as though we were intending to stay for
good, not just visit for the weekend. Chris Patten, BBC Reith
Lecture
Poverty eradication, changing consumption and production patterns,
and protecting and managing the natural resource base for economic
and social development are overarching objectives of, and essential
requirements for sustainable development. The Johannesburg
Declaration on Sustainable Development (World Summit on Sustainable
Development), September 2002
Sustainability is a political choice, not a technical one. It's not
a question of whether we can be sustainable, but whether we choose
to be. Gary Lawrence, Director of Seattle Planning Department,
USA.
However this change is not going to be easy.
The American way of life is not up for negotiation. George Bush,
President USA
Sustainable development is vital and possible. However, massive
changes are needed in the way we think and act worldwide. More
global, international, national, regional and local understanding
and cooperation is a pre-requisite.
Think global act local. Agenda 21
This PDF lists web-links which provide details of the key UK
strategies and policies for sustainable development plus further
background information.
UK Strategies for Sustainable Development
How will you practice and promote sustainability?
This PDF provides details of sites around the UK which are
inspirational examples of how to practice and promote
sustainability.
Places to visit
