GEF

Unit 6  |  Social Changes of Sustainable Development 126 6.1  What Is Sustainable Development? Sustainable development is a response to the rapidly growing human impact on the biosphere as well as to global economic inequality. In the 1987 Brundtland Report , The United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future genera- tions to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development uses the “three pillars” approach, giving equal weight to economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. BRUNDTLAND REPORT A report issued by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), credited with defining and drawing attention to sustainable develop- ment as a political and environmental imperative. UNIT 6 SELF-ASSESSMENT Before beginning this unit, consider what you already know about sustainability by completing this self-assessment. For each statement below, rate your current level of confidence with understanding sustainability concepts. NOT CONFIDENT SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT CONFIDENT I am able to describe the concept of sustainable development, and identify two key areas of concern related to sustainable development. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to identify the proportion of the world’s population living below the poverty line, and explain why income inequity is a growing sustainability concern. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to identify three things that are critical to good health. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to name three of the primary diseases and illnesses driving childhood mortality in the developing world, and describe examples of the prevention and treatment that are needed. ❍ ❍ ❍