1. Edited by Foxit Reader
Copyright(C) by Foxit Corporation,2005-2009
For Evaluation Only.
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
benjamin l saitluanga
Development is a term which refers to a change in structural transformation of
socio-political economy in a positive and valued manner. Sustainable development
encompasses concerns for the society, economy and the environment.
Before the World War II, Development was used in synonymous with economic
growth. In fact, the term implied rise in production of economic activities. Rise in
production was needed due to-
1. for feeding increasing numbers of population
2. for raising standard of living
However, rise in economic production, increasing population, and higher standard
of living in the developed countries led to environmental deterioration while poverty
related problems also led to environmental problems in the third world.
Therefore, during the 1960s, there was a growing concern on interrelated issues
like-
1. Increasing population
2. Environmental deterioration
3. Rise in production or economic growth
4. Poverty
As a result, a number of books relating to effect of development on environment
have been published. In 1962, Rachel Carson published ‘The Silent Spring’. The
outcome of this book was the banned of usage of DDT in western countries. Before

2. this, J. Osbourne (1948) has published a highly influential book titled ‘Our Plundered
Planet’.
In 1972, a research team called the ‘Club of Rome’ under Prof. Dennis Meadows
published a widely circulated book titled ‘Limits to Growth’ in which the world is
modelled as a spaceship where there is a limit of everything on its content. This book
revealed the projected effects of increasing population and economic growth on
environment and human well-being.
Meanwhile, the United Nation was also taking efforts to protect the environment
while sustaining growth. In 1972, the United Nation’s Conference on Human
Settlement was held in Stockholm. This Stockholm Conference is usually identifies as
a watershed in the emergence is sustainable development. It gave rise to the formation
of United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP). By 1987, the World
Commision on Environment and Development prepared a report u
nder the
chairmanship of Swedish P.M. Brundtland. The name of the report was titled Our
Common Future. In this book, sustainable development was defined as –
Development which meets the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.
Although the concept of sustainability is problematic both analytically and
practically, it mainly relates to give opportunities for future generations by including
economic, social and ecological objectives. The concept of sustainable development is
closely like with issues of environment, development, equity, and futurity. Sustainable
development calls that environment sets limits to economic growth. Rapid and
uncontrolled economic growth leads to environmental degradation. It is therefore,

3. essential to include environment in economic policies and not treated as free or traded
goods. Sustainable
Development
Society Economy Environment
The concept of Sustainable development is based on the following three
principles:
1. Inter-generational equity- this means that natural resources should not be
indiscriminately used but also should be passed on to future generations.
2. Social Justice- this means that present resources should be fairly and
equitable used by all sections of population in both poor and rich countries
to satisfy their aspirations for a better life. The Brundtland Report also
states that ‘poor and powerless will get fair share of the resources required
to sustain growth’
3. Trans-Frontier Responsibility- sustainable development recognized the
trans-border nature of pollution. Environmental protection should
legitimise in all countries while more developed countries should try to
reduce their carbon emission.
Objectives of Sustainable Development:
According to the World Commission on Environment and Development
(WCED), the main objectives of Sustainable Development are-
1. reviving growth
2. changing the quality of growth

4. 3. meeting essential needs for jobs, energy and water
4. conserving and enhancing resources
5. reorienting technology and managing risks
6. merging environment and economics in decision-making
Strategies to achieve Sustainable Development:
1. restraining population growth mainly in areas of higher growth
2. reducing poverty and inequality
3. sustainable agriculture
4. protection of environment and biodiversity
5. sustainable resource use
6. reduce consumerism
7. creating technologies which are minimal or non-pollutants
To conclude, sustainable development emphasizes environmentally benign
development and sees rapid economic growth as the only way to tackle poverty in the
Third world countries. Sustainable development is people-centred, concentrate on
improving human conditions and conservation based, maintaining the variety and
productivity of nature. This is clearly reflected in the Rio Conference’s Declaration
(1992) which opens with the statement that ‘Human beings are at the centre of
concerns for sustainable development’.