Fundamentals of Sustainable Development

Abstract

The concept and practice of sustainable development is of global importance today. The impact of development needs to be considered beyond the narrow focus of economic, ecological or social concerns. This reader-friendly book is the first to promote a holistic approach to Sustainable Development. It gives readers a multifaceted approach to the area to encompass what is referred to as "people, planet and profit". It looks at people, cultures, social cohesion, empowerment, education and health, nature and the environment, and prosperity and the economy, to help readers understand the fundamentals of Sustainable Development. The book has been written in an accessible, user-friendly way, and can be read with ease by those with no previous knowledge of Sustainable Development. The first part presents an overview of the conceptual and practical challenges in sustainable development stemming from human, environment relations as well as ensuing issues of inequality and insecurity. The second part explores strategies and solutions for facing these challenges. It presents a number of case studies drawn from India, China, the EU and Africa, and draws on a range of disciplines to investigate topics such as climate change, energy, technology, political and economic instruments, and sustainable business practices. An interactive and complete educational tool, the book comes with a website containing hundreds of exercises, and makes use of all possible educational methods, from learning goals and summaries for each chapter to over forty video clips and computer games. The website offers further reading material for more detailed and advanced study and a "lecturer section" which includes a PowerPoint to accompany every chapter, and answers and explanations to the exercises. This stimulating book is an invaluable resource for students and lecturers in Sustainable Development, Sustainability, as well as anyone across the social sciences wanting to learn about the area.