Global Sustainability. Edited by P. A. Wilderer, E. D. Schroeder, H. Kopp

Copyright © 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

ISBN: 3-527-31236-6

18 Synthesis

18 Synthesis

Peter A. Wilderer*, Edward D. Schroeder**, and Josef Bugl***

* Institute of Advanced Studies on Sustainability, European Academy of Sciences

and Arts, c/o Technical University Munich, Lehrstuhl für Wassergütewirtschaft,

Arcisstraße 21, 80333 München, Germany, peter@wilderer.de

** Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California,

1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA, edschroeder@ucdavis.edu

*** Elisabeth von Thadden Str. 7, 68163 Mannheim, Germany, josefbugl@aol.com

In the following, an attempt is made to summarize the various aspects discussed in this

book, and synthesize the ideas, perceptions and visions brought forward by the authors

and discussed in the working groups and the plenary session.

„Sustainability” certainly contributes to the sensibility of our society towards the respon-

sibility for the future of mankind. However, the conception of sustainability discussed so

far does not have a clear target. We experience a diffusion of the definition. Thus, sus-

tainability is used by the various groups of interest just as they need it. A prerequisite is a

substantiation of the conception with the effect that it can be utilized as an instrument for

the diagnosis as well as for the necessary actions to be taken.

The postulates that will result from this condensation exercise may pave the way towards

a greater understanding of the interrelationships between the economic, social, ecologi-

cal and cultural dimension of sustainability. They may provide a viable basis for further

research and investigation, and a guideline for decision makers in science, industry and

State governments.

18.1 Sustainability and Sustainable Development

18.1 Sustainability and Sustainable Development Human society, its industry, governmental, and non-governmental institutions are em-

bedded in the overall ecological system of the earth and must be understood as an inte-

gral part of the whole, not as a separate entity. As a factor in the concert of environ-

mental factors we have the capacity to influence the ecological system of which we are a

part. However, we are also influenced by changes of any other environmental factors.

The human species, including its economy, can only sustain itself on earth as long as the

concert of environmental factors remains favourable with respect to maintenance of

reasonable living and business conditions (short term aspects), and – in the long run –

control of the human population and economy.

228 18 Synthesis

Raoul Weiler states in Chapter 18 that “technological progress is considered today as an

almost natural phenomenon” and “that the industrial and western society has made tech-

nological progress as its highest value, an objective to be pursued at any price”. It lies in

our own vital interest to define progress in a manner that will avoid unfavourable

changes of the environmental system that will lead to the extinction of the human species

as the ultimate result (Figure 18.1).

Figure 18.1 Hollow sphere model of ecological systems (adapted from Hartmann, 1960). Each

point at the inner surface of the sphere represents a certain species. The sphere is partially filled

with water, and the depth of the water represents the density of the respective species populations.

The sphere is kept in position by a system of strings and rolls. Each string carries weights on either

side representing specific environmental factors. After changing the position of one of the weights

(i.e., the value of the respective environmental factor) the sphere rotates into a new position. As a

result, some of the points inside of the sphere fall dry (i.e., species disappear), others become

wetted (i.e., new species invade the bio-community), and the depth of the water on top of any point

may change (i.e., change of the density of the respective species populations)

An ecological situation which allows man and industry to prosper may be termed “sus-

tainable”. In ecological sciences this situation is described as climax state. Climax or

sustainability, respectively, is maintained as long as the weight of natural and man made

ecological factors remain in a favourable range, taking into account that some of the

environmental factors may not be constant but vary over time in an oscillatory manner.

Sustainability is thus a dynamic state and not static in nature.

Changes of environmental factors may change the ecological situation in a habitat to

the advantage of some, and to the disadvantage of other components of the ecosystem. If

factors change or are changed in weight, a mostly slow succession process commences.

The time during which the succession takes place depends on the specific response rate

of the living elements of the ecosystem, more specifically on the replication rate of the

organisms and their capability to adjust themselves to the new environmental conditions.

18.1 Sustainability and Sustainable Development 229

Long and short term changes of the environmental factors are typical for natural systems.

Climatic conditions, for instance, underwent dramatic changes over the past millennia.

The coming and going of the ice ages was one of the consequences and the make-up of

the ecosystem changed in both cases. Similarly, we have experienced dramatic changes

of the economic and political factors causing corresponding changes of the human soci-

ety and economy. Preservation of an ecosystem at a particular climax state is a naïve and

highly idealistic concept that may be nice to dream of but has no realistic chances of

occurring, whatsoever. On the other hand, it would be disastrous to fall into a fatalistic

apathy and refrain from taking active control of the ecosystem of which we are a part

and that we impact through all kinds of human activities. Because we are affecting our

environment, it is our responsibility to control human impacts so that future generations

are able to enjoy a satisfactory habitat. Avoidance of destruction of our ecological base

is to be understood as an act of self-defence by the human species.

Perfect sustainability may not be technically possible, as noted by Weber, Mosandl,

and Faulstich in Chapter 1. However, approaching sustainability may be possible

through careful management of our economies, as explained by Dimitris Kyriakou in

Chapter 5, and by through application of developments in technology as suggested by

Hans Huber (Chapter 17) may be attainable. In this context, sustainable development

must be understood as an intellectual attempt to direct succession – within the bounda-

ries over which we have control – towards a specific dynamic state that allows the hu-

man society to live in prosperity and health. Although often misunderstood, the values

future generations may define as measures of prosperity and happiness are not our re-

sponsibility. We do have the responsibility, however, to avoid deterioration of our eco-

system so that future generations will survive and prosper, also.

Sustainable development is a process directed by human society, politics and indus-

try. In affecting sustainable development we are constrained by three factors: (1) the

carrying capacity of the ecosystem under consideration, (2) the variation resulting from

natural changes in the environment resulting from factors such as climatic shifts, earth-

quakes, and volcanoes, and (3) the resiliency and adaptability of cultures. Werner

Schenkel (Chapter 10) states that industrialized nations are exceeding the carrying ca-

pacity of the environment through consumption and that growth must be decoupled from

consumption if goals of sustainability are to be met. Developing nations are exceeding

the carrying capacity of the environment through industrialization programs and an in-

ability to control pollution, as noted by Horst Kopp (Chapter 11) and Dietmar Rother-

mund (Chapter 12).

Cultural, including religious, attitudes control the way in which human societies

relate to the environment. Many, if not most, of our attitudes were developed at a time

when the environment was a frightening, powerful, and imponderable force and when

there was minimal ecological impact by humans. Adapting to a situation in which the

environment is greatly impacted by human activities has been difficult in terms of devel-

oping and following programs for sustainability. Moreover, the differences in wealth

between the “haves” and “have nots” raise questions of equity in environmental matters

that result in major conflicts as discussed by Armin Grunwald (Chapter 8). From this

discussion two conclusions can be drawn.

230 18 Synthesis

1. Deterioration of our joint environment, be it on purpose or because of ignorance,

must be avoided in order to establish sustainable development measures on the local,

regional, and global scale.

2. Strengthening of the adaptive capacity must be a major goal of environmental poli-

tics with the aim to make our societies ready for the ever changing environmental

conditions, natural or man made.

Both tasks will be difficult. Because of the adaptations that will be required, a sustain-

able society can only be achieved and maintained if the public is convinced of the impor-

tance of the issue. Based on history, we can assume that an educated public will accept

change if there is a high level of understanding of the issues and if changes, particularly

sacrifices, are shared in an equitable manner. A glance at the situation in industrialized

countries reveals that the public has insufficient knowledge of the associated scientific

and technical issues, which is particularly alarming since these topics are vital for the

economic structures and powers of their countries. Moreover, a certain mistrust can be

discerned towards decision makers in politics and industry, coupled with an increasing

scepticism towards new technologies and a growing indifference towards the application

of natural sciences and engineering. In order for our society to master the future prob-

lems, however, there is a strong demand, if not urgency for both, for the development

and the application of sustainable technologies as well as the acceptance of responsible

technologies by the public. Thus we have to enhance the public understanding and esti-

mation of science and technology by means of improved education as outlined by Kumar

in Chapter 9. Since the attitude of the public towards technological development does

not only depend on scientific awareness but also to a great deal on public understanding,

a specific didactic concept for knowledge transfer must be developed.

Sustainable development is a worldwide issue. Nations and regions are not so isolated as

to avoid devastation by environmental degradation. However, the perspective with which

people approach the issue will be strongly affected by their culture and religion, as de-

scribed by Ortwin Renn in Chapter 2, Hartmann Liebetruth, in Chapter 3, and Horst

Kopp in Chapter 11. Success in sustainable development will not achieved unless the

perspectives of diverse cultures can be incorporated into the process. Cultural and reli-

gious diversity must become a strength of the process and sustainability must become

embedded in local and regional traditions and beliefs. A principle task to be fulfilled is to

develop a sensitivity for the gift of life and the natural resources in the heads and the

hearts of people.

From the overall perspective, culture and cultural diversity appear thus to play an

important role, and is obviously a key element of sustainability. We must see culture and

cultural diversity as sources of strength and richness in incorporating alternative ways of

promoting sustainability. Cultural diversity comprises local values, knowledge and time

perceptions. The synergies between sustainable development strategies and expression of

the local cultural heritage are of tremendous importance, and are to be strategically ex-

plored and exploited.

18.2 Postulates 231

18.2 Postulates

18.2 Postulates Based on the consideration outlined above the participants of the workshop at Kloster

Banz formulated the following postulates:

1. Sustainability cannot be achieved without eradication of poverty, and poverty eradi-

cation cannot be achieved without education. Poverty includes spiritual as well as

economic poverty.

2. Measuring economic activity and quality of life with appropriate indices is necessary.

Economic objectives must be balanced with sustainable ambitions.

3. Education must be based on indigenous cultural knowledge, implemented by local

human resources and adapted to local present and future needs. A principle task of

education is to develop sensitivity for the gift of life and the natural resources in the

heads and hearts of people.

4. Culture includes religious endeavours. The principals and values common to relig-

ions worldwide – such as thankfulness for all goods on which humans depend, sensi-

tivity for all living beings, compassion, humility and solidarity – should be utilized in

formation of concepts of sustainable development.

5. Economic globalization must be based on local economic activities. Indigenous

knowledge about the material and spiritual value of natural resources must be taken

into consideration and adequately rewarded.

6. Sustainable development requires that local societies and economies have adaptive

capacity. Local participation in planning and decision making is necessary to develop

adaptive capacity. To strengthen the adaptive capacity of the various societies and

economies of the world, participation methods should be further developed and rig-

orously implemented.

7. Science and technology is to be understood as an important means to sustainable

development. Technological transfer and technological innovation must be integrated

into the local cultural knowledge.

References

References [1] L. Hartmann, Die Beziehung zwischen Beschaffenheit, Leistungsfähigkeit und Le-

bensgemeinschaft der Belebtschlammflocke am Beispiel einer mehrstufigen Versuch-

sanlage (Relationship between properties, efficiency and community composition of

the activated sludge floc), Vom Wasser 1960, 17, pp. 107–184.