Reflection Essay on Sustainable Development

Science, Medicine and Technology What is sustainable development? Sustainable development has been defined in many ways, but the most frequently quoted definition is from Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report:[1] Sustainable development has various definitions; a well-known definition is that of the Brundtland Report. According to the Brundtland Report, “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It contains within it two key concepts: * the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and * the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs. ” Sustainable development then is the ability to fulfill the current needs while not halting the ability of generations to come to fulfill their needs. What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability of an object to renew itself so that it will always be available. Sustainability means that, the object is available in the present and can continue into the future while still accessible in the future. Sustainability of the earth Sustainability, relating to the earth, means that the earth can continue producing or reproducing all it’s natural products which include: water, food, and air; all which defines our and enhances the quality of life for humans.

The earth is a system and within this system are: our society, economy and environment. In order for earth to have sustainability, these three needs to work harmoniously and in equilibrium, In a quest for prosperity in all aspects of life, us – human beings are simultaneously destroying the system that we depend on. Threats to the environment include : * Climate change due to greenhouse gas emission * Increase in Toxic Waste * Lack of Fresh Water * Over fishing – Lack of fish (food source) * Pollution – Water, Land, Air * Deforestation – Extinction of rain forests Overpopulation (Imbalance in the ration of people and resources) * Poor land management & inappropriate agriculture & soil erosion Threats to the economy include: * Industrial production and economy has decreased * Decrease in wage * Economic insecurity (due to the economy) Threats to society include: * Unemployment * Starvation * Poverty * Violence How to live sustainably? In order to live sustainably, humans need to reduce : 1. ) the dependence on fossil fuels and heavy metals. 2. ) the dependence on synthetic chemicals. 3. ) the . . ) Insure we are not halting other humans from meeting their global needs. What is being done? A number of things by international organizations are being done from as early as 1970 to present. 1970’s brought both developed, developing and underdeveloped countries was brought together, by The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, to discuss the rights of a human family to a healthy and productive environment. 1980’s – A World Conservation Strategy was published by the international union for the conservation of natural resources. the strategy discussed the importance to improve poverty before attempting to conserve nature. 1982- WCS initiative terminated with the approval of the World Charter for Nature. The Charter stated that “mankind is a part of nature and life depends on the uninterrupted functioning of natural systems”. 1983 – the creation of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) 1984- WCED was deemed an Independent body by the United Nations General Assembly and ask to formulate “A global agenda for change” 1987- The WCED created a report “Our common future” discussed the global interdependence and the relationship between the economy and environment – stating “the environment does not exist as a sphere separate from human actions, ambitions, and needs, and therefore it should not be considered in isolation from human concerns. The environment is where we all live; and development is what we all do in attempting to improve our lot within that abode. The two are inseparable. ” 1992 -First United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. 993 -The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established to follow-up on the implementation of Agenda 21. 1997 – General Assembly devoted its 19th Special Session to design a strategy for the further Implementation of Agenda 21 2002 – World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) was summoned to renew the global commitment to sustainable development. Bibliography DEPweb. (n. d. ). World Bank Group. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from http://www. worldbank. org/depweb/english/sd. html Major Groups . :.

Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform. (n. d. ). Home . :. Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from http://sustainabledevelopment. un. org/majorgroups. html Sustainability Basic Information. (n. d. ). US Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from http://www. epa. gov/sustainability/basicinfo. htm What is Sustainable Development?. (n. d. ). International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). Retrieved March 20, 2013, from http://www. iisd. org/sd/