Three Essential Pillars to Be Integrated to Achieve Sustainable Development - Essay Example

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Sustainable Development Many scholars view sustainability as a general concept with various interpretations. Sustainability crops from the ecology field. It refers to an ecosystem with the potential to persist over time without or with minimum alteration. The introduction of the term development changes the view from the environment to include capital and society economy (Baker 2006, p. 7). The concept of sustainable development was brought on the global scene by a world’s commission on development and environment through the Brundtland report. The reports definition of Sustainable development became widely used in the international arena. It defines it as the development that satisfies the current human needs without reducing the availability of the resources to the future generations. It breaks it into two concepts. The first concept concentrates on the needs and in particular the needs of the poor. Its second approach is on limitations. Its approach on limitations focuses on social and technology factors, and their ability in ensuring that environment use meets the present and future generations wants (Dobson & Lucadrie 2002, p. 85). It further defines development that is sustainable as the progressive transformation of the society and economy (Dobson & Lucadrie 2002, p. 85). It is, therefore, vital to concentrate on the three pillars of sustainable development; social, political, and economic factors to ensure the continuity of future generations. Researchers are of the opinion that governments still believe on the old development paradigms. They emphasize on economic growth while believing that other industrialized countries have made no changes to their patterns of production and consumption that threaten global resources. Meeting the goals of sustainable development require genuine institutional and political will by governments in all countries. The countries should contribute to it regardless of whether they are developed or not (Purvis & Grainger 2013, p. 177). Weak law enforcement, corruption, and ineffective governments are obstacles in achieving sustainability. Limited policy capacity, lack of information, and incompetent decision makers are some of the reasons for the minimal cooperation by governments. The World Summit discussion on Sustainable Development held in 2002 in South Africa maintained that the sustainable development has not evolved out of its roots. Focusing the issue on an environmental direction rather than integrating with an all-round development perspective is a mistake. The political agenda replaces climate change and omits other issues that deal with sustainable development (Purvis & Grainger 2013, p. 178). The inefficiency and lack of coordination in the integration of the three pillars is a challenge at all levels. Starting at the global level, the UN fails in joining its efforts to promote a genuine sustainable development. Campaigns intended to integrate various factors are not harmonized as they try to meet different objectives at different times. Consistent policies and strategies should be drafted to support sustainable development at the international level. According to Brundtland report’s terminologies and definitions, the society, economy, and the environment are the key aspects involved. The three aspects are interlinked and balancing them is necessary for sustainable development to be attained. Harmony between them is only achieved through equity. Equity refers the quality involved in actions of fairness and impartiality (Baker 2006, p.38). Fair distribution of resources is an effort that ensures present and future needs are given preference. In the societal bracket, equity between generations can either be intra-generational or intergenerational. The latter acknowledges future generations as it advocates fair allocation and use of resources to the present and future generations (Clini & Musu 2008, p. 24). Intra-generational equity focuses on the distribution of resources among the competing factions of the present day. The equity gives preference to the unfortunate in the society. It thus seeks to ensure abolishment of poverty and fair distribution of resources to all individuals. The Brundtland report identifies fair distribution of social and economic power as the prerequisite needed to address intra-generational equity. The fair distribution can be achieved through democratic and decision making processes that cater for participation and establishment of suitable governance. It is, however, clear that the intergenerational equity depends on intra-generational equity. Lack of balance in resource use by the present generation will lead to exploitations. The exploitations will terminate stock for the coming generations. It is, therefore, eminent to meet the present needs through sustainable practices that give value to future needs (Clini & Musu 2008, p. 25-26). Economic growth under sustainable development should address both social and environment integrity. Economic growth was the driving force of the international world before the formulation of sustainable development. Economic advancement in the 20th century has been no better than destructive. Sustainable development will take over economic growth, alleviate social injustices, and promote environmental justice. Poverty eradication remains mandatory in the new framework of economic gain. Poverty and environmental degradation are intertwining global crisis. The world needs to integrate on the two aspects rather than making a choice between development and environment (Aliber 20002, p. 42). A major obstacle, as well as, an accelerator to achieve sustainability in development is globalization. It is a substantial obstacle towards sustainable development. It affects all the three pillars of development; environment integrity, social equity, and economic growth. Its proponents view it as a discourse to achieve the pillars. Globalization has the potential for technological advancement and capital accumulation to counteract environmental degradation. The previously Brundtland report encouraged the internationalization of the pillars of development. The report seemed to promote globalization and makes it one of the best strategies in achieving sustainable development. The spread of globalization has been unstoppable and has left more demerits tan merits in affecting sustainable development (Clini & Musu 2008, p. 21-24). Natural resources are being abused at alarming rates at the present period of intense globalization. Destroying natural resources leads to dire consequences on the society and the environment. The universe requires natural resources for its lifeline. Forests are of importance when it comes to natural resources. Trees are the natural sinks for carbon. Their Carbon sequestration is important due to the increased emission of greenhouse gases. They absorb the excess carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. The demand for new lands to provide space for development has made industrialized countries transfer their projects to rainforests located in the developing countries. Amazon forest, for example, is the largest rain forest in the world. Its destruction is at alarming rate aimed at providing land for settlers and dams, and due to logging activities. Researchers stipulate that the forests are vanishing at an approximate rate of 200000-square miles every year (Peacock, 2008). In Africa, and in particular Cameroon’s tropical forest is at a risk of multi cooperation exploitation. The Heracles Farm Company has destroyed more than 72000 hectares of land in aid of its oil palm project that it aims to set up in the region. The palm oil produces biodiesel that is a cleaner source of energy than fossil fuels. The activities on the forest have destroyed its landscape as well as the migratory paths used by wild animals in the forest. Its destruction also affects carbon sequestration that results to changes in climatic conditions. Take the example of a country such as Kenya. Kenya for the last decade has seen destroy its main water tower known as the Mau forest. The forest is under destruction to provide land for settlement and give way to colonial pressures. The government thought it wise to settle its people in the forest. The settlers have then engaged in unending logging activities for economic purposes. The country then started experiencing microclimatic conditions. In 2009, the country experienced the worst drought spell. Agriculture was affected, and hunger followed in all parts of the country. Other key sources of the revenue such as tea and hydroelectric industries were also affected (Rarieya, 2008). On matters concerning forest depletion, biodiversity loss also needs to be addressed. The biodiversity theme featured prominently in Brundland’s commission for the common future. Brail is plays host to some 55000 flora species that is about 22% of the worlds’ total flora. According to the Convention of diversity, forests account for two-thirds of the lands net primary production and the liberation of plant matter from solar energy. It is, therefore, necessary to have a global check that ensures sustainable use of the natural resources. Societal pressures result from the destruction of natural resources. There are intrinsic connections between nature and man. Globalization is slowly destroying the connection. It has short-changed the indigenous people. Such indigenous people live in the most diverse parts or the world. Amazon hosts the Awa tribe. The tribe comprises of hunters and gatherers who rely on rainforests for their livelihoods. The encroachment the forests by new settlers and loggers is a threat to their life. Extractive industries add to the plight of such people as it leads to the loss of biodiversity. Extractive industries have effects that infringe the indigenous peoples’ rights. Mining, for example, causes sedimentation, soil erosion, landscape destruction, destruction of agricultural lands, and water contamination. Contamination of waters leads to the emergence of diseases. They lose lives as they have no access healthcare (OCED, 2007). The three essential pillars must be integrated to achieve sustainable development. Sustainability progress requires creation of coherent research systems, interdisciplinary research, operational monitoring, assessment, and the provision of long-term and reliable financial support. Institutional support and scientific capacity in the developing nations is necessary. Such nations are vulnerable to stress that arise from simultaneous and rapid changes in the economic, social, and environmental systems. Neutral organization such as the UN should be assigned with the administration of powers. The powers of the proponents of globalization such as Bretton Woods and WTO institutions should be neutralized. All countries should be presented at the international as it will ensure a balance between sustainable development and other factors such as globalization. Reference List Aliber, M. 2002. Poverty-eradication and sustainable development, HSRC, Cape Town Baker, S. 2006. Sustainable development, Routledge, London Clini, C., & Musu, I. 2008. Sustainable development and environmental management experiences and case studies, Springer, Dordrecht, the Netherlands Dobson, A., & Lucardie, P. 2002 The Politics of nature: explorations in green political theory, Routledge, London Peacock, K. W. 2008. Natural resources and sustainable development, New York Purvis, M., & Grainger, A. 2013, Exploring sustainable development geographical perspectives, Earthscan, London Rarieya, M. J. 2008, Environmental degradation, food security, and climate change an STS perspectives on sustainable development in western Kenya, UMI Ann Arbor, MI “OCED” 2007, Towards sustainable development: environmental indicators.. (1998), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris Read More