Environmental ethics
“Within environmental discourse there has been ever-growing mention of the notion of Sustainable development: discuss the idea of Sustainable Development as a means to curb Environmental Injustice and to what extent such a notion can be implemented in current global market and capitalist system.”
Introduction
Sustainable Development (here on abbreviated to SD) has been a major issue when discussing the environment and environmental ethics. The following discussion will examine the concept of SD and whether it is an effective means to curb environmental injustice. The discussion will begin by examining how the concept has been defined and why these definitions are often controversial. Thereafter, the challenges faced by those seeking to use the concept to curb environmental injustice will be discussed. This will necessitate looking at the levels of commitment in the implementation of the goals of SD and whether it is indeed possible to achieve a healthy balance between the interests of economic growth and environmental protection and management In conclusion we will examine whether SD can be achieved in developing countries as a means to curb environmental injustices as caused by capitalism, specifically looking at the high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality and what path must be taken to achieve this symbiosis.
Discussion of the definitions of SD and Environmental Justice
Brundtland (1987) defines the concept of SD as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition arose from Brundtland Report in 1987 entitled “Our Common Future”. John Drexhage and Deborah Murphy (2012:2) explain how SD incorporates three key pillars of economic development, social equity, and environmental protection. They also highlight how development within the modern world should incorporate these three parameters and allow for development on all fronts that is positive, not
Introduction
Sustainable Development (here on abbreviated to SD) has been a major issue when discussing the environment and environmental ethics. The following discussion will examine the concept of SD and whether it is an effective means to curb environmental injustice. The discussion will begin by examining how the concept has been defined and why these definitions are often controversial. Thereafter, the challenges faced by those seeking to use the concept to curb environmental injustice will be discussed. This will necessitate looking at the levels of commitment in the implementation of the goals of SD and whether it is indeed possible to achieve a healthy balance between the interests of economic growth and environmental protection and management In conclusion we will examine whether SD can be achieved in developing countries as a means to curb environmental injustices as caused by capitalism, specifically looking at the high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality and what path must be taken to achieve this symbiosis.
Discussion of the definitions of SD and Environmental Justice
Brundtland (1987) defines the concept of SD as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition arose from Brundtland Report in 1987 entitled “Our Common Future”. John Drexhage and Deborah Murphy (2012:2) explain how SD incorporates three key pillars of economic development, social equity, and environmental protection. They also highlight how development within the modern world should incorporate these three parameters and allow for development on all fronts that is positive, not