What are the objectives of sustainable development ?

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Permalink Reply by Harichandan Mishra on July 1, 2009 at 3:23am

Dear Mr. Dinesh,

It will be better if you can open up the question further. It seems that you have an idea to be debated over.

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Permalink Reply by Dinesh Barwey on July 1, 2009 at 10:51am

It is by purpose framed such a way to invite all the comments and ideas. Please share your thoughts. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Ivan Goloborodko on July 2, 2009 at 7:07am

To arrive to a place where people, nature and technology meet with no harm, but prosperity to all parties.

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Permalink Reply by Brad Ewing on July 2, 2009 at 9:00am

I think the overall objectives of sustainable development are the same regardless of where you are in the world, that is, meeting current needs without jeopardizing the needs of future generations. The image below shows the three common objectives of sustainable development. Depending on which part of the world your are looking at, developed or developing, your emphasis and focus may differ between the three key areas:

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Permalink Reply by Dan Johnson on July 2, 2009 at 9:14am

I agree. While all elements are important, each region has to prioritize their focus based on the needs of the community. There is no point in saving trees if everyone around you is dying of disease.

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Permalink Reply by Belinda Scott on July 6, 2009 at 8:02am

I think you are spot on. One of the challenges we are facing in our region are expectations by some of aligning our efforts with 'western' standards when we are facing our own challenges - the UAE has a phenominal global footprint - water, waste, energy consumption. Then on the other hand we have just won the bid for the IRENA headquarters - I am interested to see what influences will emerge from Masdar and IRENA at all levels within the UAE.

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Permalink Reply by Dinesh Barwey on July 2, 2009 at 11:43am

It seems in a long run sustainable development will lead to redistribution of resources as consumables. This can happen locally and globally; and, that is where contrasting desires, interests and objectives will come in play. How to separate needs from wants will be a major undertaking in this regard.

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Permalink Reply by Paul miedema on July 9, 2009 at 9:52am

Dinesh, do you really think seperating want from need is a major undertaking? so many people in the developing world are actually dying as a result of needs not being met. Clean water, food, healthcare etc. Or am I missing your point?

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Permalink Reply by Dinesh Barwey on July 9, 2009 at 10:36am

Paul, you are missing the point. needs and wants constantly evolve. Once the needs of today are met, wants become needs, and new wants are created. I see it everyday around me here in the developed world and this psychology is not different in the developing world.

I would say, the first order basic necessity in today's world is the energy. Energy, abundantly created can address other issues such as water, food, etc. It may be a bit of going around a circle in this; I believe it is ever closing spiral path with the goal in the center nearer every full circle.

Giving up wants once they reach the status of needs is not easy.Not having wants is unimaginable to many.

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Permalink Reply by Neil Pegram on July 10, 2009 at 12:15am

Fundamental Humans Needs and individuals Wants are distinct and do not become or replace one another.
Manfred Max-Neef classifies the fundamental human needs as:

* subsistence,
* protection,
* affection,
* understanding,
* participation,
* leisure,
* creation,
* identity and
* freedom.
Review some of his work for more information.

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Permalink Reply by Dinesh Barwey on July 10, 2009 at 1:19pm

Thanks Neil. To what degee six billion people on this planet try to satisfy each of the needs you listed is the question ? Wants have their own dynamics. I see examples in real life.

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Permalink Reply by Yvonne de Wit on July 9, 2009 at 9:47am

Objectives are the same. Considering the purity of the meaning of 'sustainability' it means practical a way up for developing countries and a few steps 'back' for the 'developed' world.
Unfortunately 'sustainability' is by many used as a marketing tool.

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