So what does 'sustainability' mean?

At present levels of consumption in the UK we'd need three more planets like Earth to provide, indefinitely, for all our needs. In the words of a 10-year-old "we use too much stuff".

Probably the most well known definition of sustainable development is

"development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"

(Our Common Future, The Brundtland report, 1987).

This report called for an improvement of the quality of life for all the world's people without increasing the use of our natural resources beyound the earth's carrying capacity. Efforts to build a truly sustainable way of life, the report says, will require the integration of action in three key areas:

• economic growth and equity
• conserving natural resourcs and the environment
• social development.

Remember Rio?

In 1992 the United Nations held the first 'Earth Summit' in Rio. The event received world-wide attention as it highlighted the impact of global warming, the effect of green-house gas emissions and the bleak picture facing our planet. The summit was also a watershed in global democracy: allowing an opportunity for stakeholder groups - women, youth, indigenous peoples, workers, farmers, NGOs etc. - to have their voices heard.

The outcome of Rio was a plan called Agenda 21:

Humanity stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of the ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being. However, integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development.*

The success of Agenda 21 has been mixed and a great deal of the last ten years has been taken up agreeing on the 'indicators' by which to measure progress. It has become clear that international agreements like the Kyoto protocol rely heavily on the commitment of the big players, and the opening of the Carbon Exchange has seen emission quotas become market commodities.

As the tenth anniversary of Agenda 21 approaches, plans are underway to hold a major review of its implementation. The World Summit on Sustainable Development will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 August to 4 September 2002.

* From the Preamble to the United Nations' Agenda 21