Introduction to Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is increasingly identified as more of a necessity than an option or luxury. Being multidisciplinary in nature, it requires the knowledge of scientific, economic and social sides of problems and their solutions, and how they interact. This book presents a critical account of the strengths and weaknesses in the pursuit of sustainability, with special reference to the developing world perspective. It motivates readers to work towards making truly inclusive and environmentally sustainable choices. It also inspires them to be engaged as ‘change-makers’ for more sustainable types of development in their families, companies and communities. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 makes the case for sustainable development and paints the overall vision; Part 2 presents the stakeholders and tools that are needed in the transition to a sustainable future and Part 3 contains application areas that help the reader see how the previous parts come to play a role in the major issues of contemporary times.

Contents: Foreword. Preface. The Book at a Glance. I. The Case for Sustainable Development: 1. A Matter of Urgency. 2. Roots of Unsustainable Development. 3. Sustainability?A New Direction for Development. II. Stakeholders and Tools: 4. Enabling and Motivating People to Take Action. 5. Changing Behaviour, Institutions and Technology. 6. The Public Sector Tasks?Co-ordination and Implementation. 7. The Private Sector?Business and Civil Society. 8. From Global Concern to Local Action. III Key Areas for the Transition: 9. Energy for Sustainable Development. 10. Making Cities More Sustainable.11. SustainableFood and Agriculture. 12. Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development. Bibliography. Index.