Global Perspective

life supporting resources

declining

consumption of life supporting resources

rising

Coastal glaciers are retreating

Shrinking mountain glaciers

Sustainable development (SD)

is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come. The term was used by the Brundtland Commission which coined what has become the most often-quoted definition of sustainable development as 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." The field of sustainable development can be conceptually broken into three constituent parts: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and sociopolitical sustainability.

Sustainable Development History

Critique of traditional development Contributing to health problems, ecological degradation, poverty and social injustice Undermining ecological, social and economic capital of communities SD as remedy.

Dimensions of Sustainability
Human Health Social Justice & Equity Economic Opportunity for All Ecological Integrity & Diversity

Why Sustainability & Why Now?

Human presence on a global scale All living systems in long term decline at unprecedented and accelerating rate Old and new epidemics Unprecedented growth in population and consumption Gap between rich and poor accelerating Political instability and war Protracted energy challenge/crisis Global Warming

Natural Cycles

Present Society

Sustainable Society

Global Transition
From
Fossil powered Take, make, waste Living off natures capital Market as master Loss of cultural & biological diversity Individual centered

To
Solar powered Cyclical production Living off natures income Market as servant Increased cultural & biological diversity Community centered

Site Selection & Planning Water Conservation

Energy Conservation
Material Conservation Indoor Environment Quality and Occupational Health