Sustainable Development
Socio-Enviro-Economics System

Community and Environment ... Relationship between environmental, social and economic elements of development (I)

Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

Community and Environment Relationship between environmental, social and economic elements of development (I) Sustainable development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. People generally became interested in “Environment and Development” and began to have a better understanding of it after World War II following a string of resource and environmental crises. Before that, people simply accommodated themselves to the environment and endlessly demanded from nature what seemed to be its abundant and inexhaustible resources to fulfill their desires. This behaviour is known as “Tragedy of the Common”. Gradually, this turned to “Anthropocentrism” – nature was utilised, transformed, conquered, transcended and even dominated by mankind. On top of that, the ever-growing world population had an insatiable demand for fossil fuel energy and other resources, accelerating the depletion of vital resources and deterioration of the ecological environment, consequently posing threats to human survival. It was not until the emergence of warning signs from nature, for example, climate anomalies, the extinction of many species and increased incidence of human plague, that mankind woke up to the new reality. For instance, after World War II, western countries rapidly developed their industries until the 1960s-1970s when more and more hazards emerged. It was then that people realised global environmental problems had become a threat to human survival and development. At the same time, they generally began to worry about and reflect upon their future and destiny, giving rise to “Environmentalism”. From then on, sustainable development which tries to balance between Environmentalism and Anthropocentrism so that society and economy can develop within carrying capacity, has become the only appropriate approach to contemporary social development. “Sustainable development” was first mentioned by three international conservation organisations, namely the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, in The World Conservation Strategy (IUCN et al.) published in 1980. In March of the same year, the United Nations General Assembly called upon the whole world to study the basic relationship among natural, social, ecological, economic and natural resource utilisation systems with a view to ensuring global sustainable development. At present, among the internationally accepted definitions of “sustainable development”, the most widely cited and officially adopted one is taken from Our Common Future, a report published by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 (WCED, 1987): “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This aims at meeting human needs while protecting the environment as well as ensuring intergenerational equity while enabling reallocation of world resources including water, air, land and minerals to the needy. Sustainable development is based on three major elements, namely economic development, environmental protection and social justice. It is a necessity for us to look for a new economic development model and to be conscious of the consequences of our actions. Never focus on pursuing short-term interests and overlook the carrying capacity of the global environment. Protect the life-sustaining natural resources and environment instead of ceaselessly demanding resources from the environment. Furthermore, in the course of development, social justice and righteousness as well as the spirit of equality must be upheld. In view of this, a dynamic and sustainable balance must be struck among the seemingly conflicting economy, environment and society so as to maintain sustainable development for mankind. Sustainable development encompasses ecological environment and natural resources, society, and the economy. Such tri-faceted sustainable development can only be achieved on the basis of sustainable utilisation of natural resources and a favourable ecological environment, with sustainable growth of society as a prerequisite, and with making comprehensive social progress as the objective. 1. Sustainable development of the environment To achieve sustainable development of the environment, mankind must give prime consideration and conscious to the carrying capacity of nature, make strenuous efforts to conserve and reuse natural resources, as well as minimise environmental pollution so that our future generations will be able to enjoy the same and clean natural resources like air, water, soil, biodiversity of nature and a favourable environment for survival. To maintain a sustainable environment, environmental usage must be well-planned, for example, by carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment prior to commencement of works and due attention must be paid to the prevention and control of pollution and to the conservation of natural resources. 2. Sustainable development of the economy Serious damage to and hazardous pollution in the environment are the price of rapid economic growth and population growth. Consequently, people’s lives will improve in terms of material wealth but become worse with regard the quality of their environment. While seeking economic development, we must also strive for wellbeing, not only for this generation, but also for our future generations. That is to say, we must not focus only on the pursuit of short-term interests and overlook long-term sustainability. To achieve sustainable economic development, we must pay attention to environmental protection and observe the principle of social equity and justice while developing the economy. Upon meeting the objective of maximising the effectiveness of economic activities, we must be dedicated to maintain capital that yields such effectiveness, including natural capital and human capital. Specific policies for this includes adjust personal awareness, industrial structure, tax reform and changes in consumption pattern. 3. Sustainable development of society Sustainable development of society is equity-oriented, not only seeking equity for the same generation, but also pursuing intergenerational equity. A sustainable society looks for equity and justice to ensure that this generation and future generations and different races can all have equal opportunities to enjoy basic needs such as clean food, air, potable water, housing and human rights. Working on sustainable development is the responsibility of every person living in this global village. A democratic decision-making mechanism must be promoted so that all the people who are affected can personally take part in decision-making, and thereby achieve the goal of developing into a harmonious society. About the author Dr Homan Leung Department of Biology Dr Leung is a researcher in the Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University. With more than 20 published international journal articles, mainly in the field of environmental sciences. Being invited by the chief editor, he and Professor Ken KL Yung has become a guest editor of international journal Environmental Sciences and Pollution Research [Q1 journal (Impact Factor (2014): 2.828)]. Dr Leung’s scientific research includes mycorrhizoremediation and green biology.