Natural resources are derived either from the air, soil, water, and organisms of the biosphere, or from the subterranean areas of the Earth. Resources of the first type come from more usual parts of ecosystems, and are labelled ‘renewable’, and include things like wind power and trees. Resources of the second type are labelled ‘non-renewable’, …

Sustainable Development does not just mean a cleaner environment; it also requires a stable and healthy economy. To deliver a more sustainable economy we need to do more with less by making better use of resources, increase investment, promote stability and competition, develop skills and reward work. Sustainable development requires us to take a long …

Over the past century, the car has become a part of everyday life, a symbol of freedom for many. Unfortunately, because of poor public transport and bad planning decisions, the car is all too often the only way of getting around. As a result, our towns and cities are becoming increasingly congested and polluted, whilst …

We often take the availability of water for granted. Water is a renewable resource, but its availability in a form readily usable for drinking and other domestic and industrial purposes is being placed under increasing stress as we use more and more. During periods of drought in particular, groundwater and reservoirs supplies can become significantly …

Education, including formal education, public awareness and training should be recognized as a process by which human beings and societies can reach their fullest potential. Education is critical for promoting sustainable development and improving the capacity of the people to address environment and development issues. Agenda 21 speaks of: “…nothing less than the complete reorientation …

Ecocentrism (meaning values centred on ecology) and technocentrism (meaning values centred on technology) are two opposing perspectives concerning attitudes towards human technology and its ability to affect, control and even protect the environment. Ecocentrics, including “deep green” ecologists, see themselves as being subject to nature, rather than in control of it. They lack faith in …

Poverty is an international problem, but it requires specific programmes to tackle poverty in different countries. More than 1 billion people, or about one sixth of the worlds population, live under conditions of extreme poverty, and the eradication of poverty has long been on the international agenda. The task however, is not made easier by …

The two terms conservation and preservation are often confused and are used to mean the same thing, although differences exist. Conservationists include those who accept that change and progression are necessary for a better future, but only when the changes take place in ways that are not wasteful. What the conservationist opposes is not the …

To deliver a more sustainable economy we need to make better use of resources, promote stability and competition, develop skills and reward work, and supply goods and services which meet consumers’ needs whilst minimising their impact on the environment. Business needs a strong, stable economy as the basis for innovation and investment, on which future …

The individual has little influence on how his/her energy is produced, for example by coal or gas fired power stations, or alternatively by wind or solar power. However, the individual does have control on how he or she uses that available energy. Through the implementation of simple measures we can all effectively bring about a …