Sustaining development in the developing countries

摘要

The evolution and definition of sustainable development is discussed with particular reference to developing countries. The situation in India is reviewed with the main cause of unsustainability identified as the lack of value placed on non-market environmental goods (such as clean air and biodiversity). In addition with 38% of India's population living below the poverty line they have little choice but to degrade the environment in order to survive. One of the challenges in ensuring sustainable development is to bring these people out of their current poverty. The question of what will confer sustainability is addressed focusing on: sustainable management and use of natural resources; improving health and access to resources for weaker sections and women; economic and ecological efficiency and security; making technologies environmentally friendly; and participatory management. Other issues discussed include green technology, the importance of individual action, and the move towards a sustainable society.