Perspectives on the Role of Science and Technology in Sustainable Development

摘要

This report examines an array of sustainable development definitions anddiscusses their common elements. Current agriculture, energy, and industry technologies are described as well as the strides being made in education, communication, and information technologies that could support sustainable development. Access to these technologies, however, remains a challenge for many in developing and industrial countries alike. Several central issues are discussed that have clear policy implications. First, sustainable international development involves multiple themes that cross U.S. foreign and domestic policy boundaries; thus, coordinating these policies will be fundamental. Second, eliminating institutional, social, economic, and political barriers to sustainable development is likely to be a key challenge. Finally, developing and disseminating technologies that can advance sustainability will require significant collaboration and investment on the parts of industrial and developing countries.