Sustainable Development: Definition and Evolution

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Questions and Answers

The Brundtland Report (1987) significantly shaped sustainability theory. What was its primary contribution?

  • Focusing solely on ecological sustainability, ignoring social and economic factors.
  • Introducing the concept of 'permaculture' to move beyond sustainability.
  • Providing a widely accepted definition of sustainable development. (correct)
  • Establishing international policy importance and consensus on sustainable development.

Which of the following best describes the 'developing period' (1987-present) in the historical evolution of Sustainability Theory?

  • A period primarily focused on disagreements between developed and developing countries concerning environmental and poverty concerns.
  • A period marked by the rational use of resources in ancient China.
  • A period characterized by the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals.
  • A period where the social dimension was introduced, followed by the expansion of dimensions to include governance. (correct)

What is the key difference between 'weak sustainability' and 'strong sustainability'?

  • Weak sustainability prioritizes the preservation of natural ecosystems, while strong sustainability focuses on manufactured capital.
  • Weak sustainability focuses on poverty alleviation, while strong sustainability aims for inclusive growth.
  • Weak sustainability allows for the substitution of natural capital with manufactured capital, while strong sustainability considers natural capital irreplaceable. (correct)
  • Weak sustainability emphasizes inter-generational equity, while strong sustainability emphasizes intra-generational equity.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) differ from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in which significant way?

<p>The SDGs explicitly incorporate preserving natural ecosystems, while the MDGs do not. (A)</p>
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Which of the following is considered a crucial component of 'good governance' within the context of sustainability theory?

<p>Social coordination that includes effectiveness, accountability, and inclusiveness. (B)</p>
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How does 'permaculture' relate to the concept of sustainability, according to the provided text?

<p>Permaculture moves &quot;beyond sustainability&quot; by focusing on resilience and working with nature for thriving, not just surviving. (B)</p>
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What is a central challenge in sustainability theory related to equity?

<p>Achieving fairness between present and future generations along with fairness among people today. (D)</p>
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In the context of sustainability theory, what does 'inter-generational equity' primarily refer to?

<p>Fairness in resource allocation and environmental quality between present and future generations. (D)</p>
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Which of the following best represents the core idea behind 'strong sustainability'?

<p>Natural capital is irreplaceable and essential for human well-being. (A)</p>
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What was a primary focus during the 'molding period' (1972-1987) in the evolution of sustainability theory?

<p>Environmental management policies alongside economic development concerns. (D)</p>
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Which dimension was NOT an initial focus of sustainability theory but was later recognized as crucial?

<p>Governance (B)</p>
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Why is the original definition of sustainable development (Brundtland Report) sometimes criticized despite its widespread acceptance?

<p>It lacks direct and practical operability due to its generality. (A)</p>
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Which viewpoint within sustainability theory advocates for the elimination of ecosystem exploitation, even if it's considered unrealistic?

<p>Absurdly Strong Sustainability (C)</p>
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How did the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development impact sustainable development?

<p>It transformed sustainable development from a concept into a global action with international policy importance. (C)</p>
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In relation to sustainability theory, what does 'intra-generational equity' refer to?

<p>Fairness in resource allocation among people living today. (C)</p>
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What is the central premise of Resilience Theory (RT) and Regenerative Sustainability Theory (RST) in the context provided?

<p>To support sustainable cities. (C)</p>
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Which of the following best describes the perspective of 'weak sustainability' on economic development?

<p>Economic development is sustainable as long as total capital increases, even if natural capital degrades. (D)</p>
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According to the information provided, what makes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 'broader and more universal' than the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?

<p>The SDGs encompass economic, social, environmental, and governance aspects, while the MDGs primarily focused on poverty alleviation. (A)</p>
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Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a guiding ethical principle of permaculture?

<p>Profit Maximization (C)</p>
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In the context of achieving 'inter-generational equity', what is the key consideration regarding resource use?

<p>Balancing the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (D)</p>
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Flashcards

Sustainable Development

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

Ancient Roots of Sustainability

Rational use of resources.

Embryonic Period of Sustainability

Focused on the sustainable use of natural resources.

Molding Period of Sustainability

Environmental management policies alongside economic development were urged.

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Developing Period of Sustainability

Sustainable development shifts from concept to global action, establishing international policy importance and consensus.

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Three Pillars of Sustainability

Economy, Society, and Environment.

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Weak Sustainability

Natural capital can be replaced by manufactured capital.

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Strong Sustainability

Natural capital is irreplaceable and fundamental.

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Absurdly Strong Sustainability

Eliminating the exploitation of ecosystems.

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Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Focused on poverty alleviation.

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Covering 17 goals and 169 targets across economic, social, environmental and governance aspects.

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Inter-generational Equity

Fairness between present and future generations

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Intra-generational Equity

Fairness among people today.

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Good Governance

Social coordination, including effectiveness, accountability, and inclusiveness

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Permaculture

Focusing on working with nature and community, through ethics like Earth care, people care, and fair share, aiming for thriving rather than just surviving.

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Study Notes

Core Definition

  • Sustainable development is defined as meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
  • This definition comes from the 1987 "Our Common Future" report by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED).
  • It is a widely cited but general definition that lacks direct, practical application.

Historical Evolution

  • Sustainability ideas have ancient roots, such as rational resource use in ancient China.
  • The term "sustainability" (Nachhaltigkeit) originated in 1713 in the context of sustainable forestry.
  • The theory evolved through distinct periods:
    • Embryonic (before 1972): Focused on sustainable use of natural resources.
    • Molding (1972–1987): Highlighted by the 1972 UN Conference, advocating environmental management alongside economic development.
    • Developing (1987–present): Began with the 1992 UN Conference, turning sustainable development into a global action, and included the social dimension.

Dimensions

  • Sustainability theory has expanded over time and encompasses different dimensions.
  • Initially focused on ecological sustainability, it broadened to include the "three Es": Economy, Society, and Environment.
  • Governance and culture are also recognized as crucial dimensions, sometimes forming a fourth pillar.

Types of Sustainability

  • Weak Sustainability: Natural capital can be replaced by manufactured capital. It prioritizes increasing total capital, even if natural capital degrades.
  • Strong Sustainability: Natural capital is irreplaceable and essential for production and consumption. It requires increasing total capital and maintaining a rational capital structure without crossing ecological thresholds.
  • Absurdly Strong Sustainability: Advocates completely eliminating the exploitation of ecosystems, deemed unrealistic.

Goals of Sustainable Development

  • Goals evolved from single-factor aims to comprehensive frameworks.
  • Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000-2015): Focused on poverty alleviation.
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2015-2030): Cover 17 goals and 169 targets across economic, social, environmental, and governance aspects.
  • SDGs aim for inclusive growth and coordinated development, explicitly preserving natural ecosystems.

Key Issues and Factors

  • Inter-generational equity (fairness between generations).
  • Intra-generational equity (fairness within the current generation).
  • The role of culture.
  • Good governance (social coordination, effectiveness, accountability, and inclusiveness).
  • Ensuring the stable functioning of the global life-supporting system.

Relationship to Other Concepts

  • Permaculture moves "beyond sustainability" into resilience, working with nature and community through ethics like Earth care, people care, and fair share.
  • Resilience Theory (RT) and Regenerative Sustainability Theory (RST) support sustainable cities.

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