SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: POLICY,
PRACTICE AND ENVIRONMENT
DVA4804
ASSIGNMENT NO.1
2023
, QUESTION 1
Discuss the controversies and complexities around the
conceptualization of sustainable development (SD).
INTRODUCTION
Sustainable development (SD) has been a widely debated and contested concept since
the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987. The report defines sustainable
development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (WCED, 1987, p. 43). The
concept has been embraced by policymakers, academics, and practitioners as a
framework for balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations in decision-
making processes. However, the concept has also been criticized for its ambiguity, lack
of clarity, and inadequate integration of social justice considerations. This paper aims to
discuss the controversies and complexities around the conceptualization of sustainable
development, drawing on the relevant literature.
Controversies
The concept of sustainable development has been widely debated and contested in
academic and policy circles. One of the main controversies is the tension between
economic growth and environmental protection. Critics argue that the focus on economic
growth has led to the degradation of the natural environment and unsustainable
consumption patterns (Daly, 1996; Meadows et al., 1972). They argue that the pursuit of
economic growth has resulted in the depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity,
and increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change (Jackson, 2009;
Wackernagel et al., 2002).
Proponents of sustainable development argue that economic growth is essential for
poverty reduction and improving human well-being (UNDP, 1990). They argue that
economic growth can be decoupled from environmental degradation through the use of
clean technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable consumption patterns (Schandl
PRACTICE AND ENVIRONMENT
DVA4804
ASSIGNMENT NO.1
2023
, QUESTION 1
Discuss the controversies and complexities around the
conceptualization of sustainable development (SD).
INTRODUCTION
Sustainable development (SD) has been a widely debated and contested concept since
the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987. The report defines sustainable
development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (WCED, 1987, p. 43). The
concept has been embraced by policymakers, academics, and practitioners as a
framework for balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations in decision-
making processes. However, the concept has also been criticized for its ambiguity, lack
of clarity, and inadequate integration of social justice considerations. This paper aims to
discuss the controversies and complexities around the conceptualization of sustainable
development, drawing on the relevant literature.
Controversies
The concept of sustainable development has been widely debated and contested in
academic and policy circles. One of the main controversies is the tension between
economic growth and environmental protection. Critics argue that the focus on economic
growth has led to the degradation of the natural environment and unsustainable
consumption patterns (Daly, 1996; Meadows et al., 1972). They argue that the pursuit of
economic growth has resulted in the depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity,
and increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change (Jackson, 2009;
Wackernagel et al., 2002).
Proponents of sustainable development argue that economic growth is essential for
poverty reduction and improving human well-being (UNDP, 1990). They argue that
economic growth can be decoupled from environmental degradation through the use of
clean technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable consumption patterns (Schandl
