1. Sustainable Development Introduction and Concepts

2. Course Objectives Provide a conceptual framework of the sustainable development theories and practices. Focus on the environmental policies of the European Union and the world, including, but not limited to: – different approaches to the regulation of water pollution, water supply and quality, problems of road transport, vehicle emissions standards, etc. – policies to promote energy efficiency, – economics of waste management and recycling, – economic aspects of environmental audit, – environmental aspects of the Common Agricultural Policy, – Protection of the environment of the Mediterranean region

3. Roadmaps Toward Sustainable Development Human and Environment in Stockholm in 1972. – This led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Our Common Future, 1987. – Brundtland report to the World Commission on sustainable development created by the United Nations. Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. – Principles for sustainable development. The Action Plan, called Agenda 21, contains 40 chapters of detailed recommendations for how to achieve sustainable development. Johannesburg in 2002 (World Summit on Sustainable Development) – recognized that these targets must include the reduction of poverty in the world, giving sustainable development a more economic and social focus.

4. Human Beings DevelopmentEnvironment Pillars of Sustainable Development

5. The Concept The word SUSTAIN means to support for a prolonged period or to keep an effort going continuously. With reference to development, sustainability means to keep the productivity and wealth of our society going continuously into the distant future.

6. Definitions Sustainable Development Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Our Common Future, Brundtland Report 1987. Or A dynamic process which enables all people to realize their potential, and to improve their quality of life, in ways which simultaneously protect and enhance the Earth's life support systems.

7. Definitions Sustainable Economy – one characterized by development decisions, policies and practices that do not exhaust the National resources and respect the cultural experiences of societies. Sustaining Society – one that lives in harmony with nature and within itself. Sustainable Environment – The national resources are able to sustain life, health and acceptable progress, and to renew themselves.

8. Definitions Sustainable Future – A healthy environment, economic prosperity and social justice are pursued simultaneously to ensure the well-being and the quality of life of present and future generations. Education is crucial to attaining that future. Sustainable Environment – The national resources are able to sustain life, health and acceptable progress, and to renew themselves.

9. The objectives Recognizes the needs of everyone – Everyone should share in the benefits of increased prosperity and a clean and safe environment. – Improve access to services, tackle social exclusion, and reduce the harm to health caused by poverty, poor housing, unemployment and pollution. – Our needs must not be met by treating others, including future generations and people elsewhere in the world, unfairly.

10. The objectives Effective protection of the environment – Act to limit global environmental threats, such as climate change; – Protect human health and safety from hazards such as poor air quality and toxic chemicals; and – protect things which people need or value, such as wildlife, landscapes and historic buildings.

11. The objectives Prudent use of natural resources – the use of non-renewable resources like oil and gas efficiently and develop alternatives to replace them in due course. – Renewable resources, such as water, should be used in ways that do not endanger the resource or cause serious damage or pollution.

12. The objectives Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment – Everyone can share in high living standards and greater job opportunities. – Production of high quality goods and services that consumers throughout the world want, at prices they are prepared to pay. – Prepare and train a workforce that is equipped with the education and skills for the 21st century. – Develop businesses ready to invest, and an infrastructure to support them.

13. Approaches Putting people at the centre: Sustainable development must enable people to enjoy a better quality of life, now and in the future. Taking a long term perspective: Radical improvements have to begin now to safeguard the interests of future generations. At the same time we must meet today's needs. Taking account of costs and benefits Decisions must take account of a wide range of costs and benefits, including those which cannot easily be valued in money terms.

14. Approaches Creating an open and supportive economic system Sustainable development requires a global economic system which supports economic growth in all countries. Combating poverty and social exclusion – Everyone should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential, through access to high quality public services, education and employment opportunities, decent housing and good local environments. Respecting environmental limits – Serious or irreversible damage would pose a severe threat to global society. Defining such limits is difficult, so precautionary action needs to be considered.

15. Approaches Using Scientific Knowledge – When taking decisions, it is important to anticipate early on where scientific advice or research is needed, and to identify sources of information of high caliber. Where possible, evidence should be reviewed from a wide-ranging set of viewpoints. Transparency, information participation and access to justice. – Opportunities for access to information, participation in decision-making, and access to justice should be available to all.

16. Principles The Precautionary Principle Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. Polluter pays Principle Much environmental pollution, resource depletion and social cost occurs because those responsible are not those who bear the consequence.

17. The principles Integration Ensure that economic decisions adequately reflect environmental impacts including human health, and that environmental initiatives take into account economic consequences. Stewardship The recognition that we are caretakers of the environment and economy for the benefit of present and future generations.

18. The principles Shared Responsibility Acknowledge the responsibility of all the community for sustaining the environment and the economy, in a spirit of partnership and open cooperation. Scientific and Technological Innovation We should research, develop, test and implement technologies essential to further environmental quality, including human health and economic growth.

19. The principles Waste Minimization We should endeavor to reduce, reuse, recycle and recover the products of our society. Enhancement We should enhance the long-term productive capability, quality and capacity of our natural ecosystems.

20. The principles Prevention Anticipate, prevent or mitigate significant adverse environmental (including human health) and economic impacts of policy, programs, and decisions. Conservation Maintain essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life-support systems of our environment; harvest renewable resources on a sustained yield basis; and make wise and efficient use of our renewable and non-renewable resources.

21. The principles Rehabilitation and Reclamation Endeavor to restore damaged or degraded environments to beneficial uses. Global Responsibility Think globally while acting locally. Requires that we: recognize there are no boundaries to our environment that there is ecological interdependence among nations. There is a need to work cooperatively internationally, to accelerate the merger of environment and economics in decision making and to develop comprehensive and equitable solutions to problems

22. How to implement the Concept and Principles Efficient Use of Resources We should encourage and support development and application of systems for: – proper resource pricing; – demand management; – resource allocation including incentives and disincentives; and – full environmental costing of decisions and developments.

23. How to implement the Concept and Principles Public Participation Establish appropriate forums to encourage and provide opportunity for: – consultation and meaningful participation in decision- making processes by all the community; – Ensure due process to redress those affected by policies, programs, decisions and developments.

24. How to implement the Concept and Principles Understanding and Respect – Aware that we share a common physical, social and economic environment; – Understand and respect different social and economic views, values, traditions and aspirations; – Consider the aspirations, needs, and views of various regions and groups in the community.

25. How to implement the Concept and Principles Access to Adequate Information Encourage and support the improvement and refinement of our environmental and economic information base and promote the opportunity for equal and timely access to information by all the community.

26. How to implement the Concept and Principles Integrated Decision-Making and Planning Encourage and support decision-making and planning processes that are open, cross-sectoral, efficient, timely, and relevant to long-term implications.

27. How to implement the Concept and Principles Substitution Promote the ways and means of the development and use of substitutes for scarce resources where they are both environmentally sound and economically viable.

28. Questions to Take Home What is the goal of sustainable development? Why do you think it has been so hard to put sustainable development into practice? How does the concept of sustainable development reflect spiritual principles? What does sustainable development mean for your own lifestyle and community?