Sustainable development

Lesson Objectives

• To know definitions and interpretations of sustainable development.

Assessment Criteria

• To know definitions of sustainable development.

• To consider different ways of defining sustainable development.

Watch this video

• Think about what sustainable development could mean.

• Where did the idea come from?• What could be done to achieve this?

• Sustainable Development the bigger picture

Sustainable development

•Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Detailed definition

• It is the responsibility of the present generation to bequeath to future generations an Earth which had not been irreversibly damaged by human activity. Natural resources should be used reasonably, life should not be harmed by modifications to ecosystems and that technological progress should not harm life on Earth

Brundtlund Report

• After decades of abusing the Earth’s natural resources concern grew about the impact it was having on health and the environment

• In 1980 the United Nations (UN) released the Brundtlund Report– It led to the first simple definition– It focused on 3 areas:-

• The conservation and enhancement of the environment • Social equality for developing countries allowing them to meet

the needs of employment, food, energy, water and sanitation• The economic growth of all countries in the world

Sustainable development 101

• 10 Years since Rio De Janeiro, Earth Summit

In the UK

Four key areas were identified1. Climate change and energy – reducing GHG

emissions and preparing for climate change2. Natural Resources – limits of natural

resources are understood and used efficiently (water, air and soil)

3. Sustainable communities – places people live in need to be looked after by using ideas such as ecotowns and green energy

4. Sustainable consumption and production – products are designed, produced, used and disposed of carefully

Homework Task

• For each of the UK key areas that were identified, decide what YOU would do.

• Either a plan or policy that you would like to see used, or a new idea that you have thought of.