Embellished - 1987 Bruntland Definition

I have been studying and building innovative Sustainable Developments for 25 years at Murrumbateman near Canberra and my research leads me to believe the varying definitions for Sustainability, Sustainable Development (SD) and Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) need to be embellished and re-defined into one over-arching definition to clarify the message succinctly. 

The Human Endeavour and lifestyle aspirations of Sustainability are actually being solved by innovative SD concepts born out of the animal spirits and entrepreneurship of man with capitalism. This is proving that capitalism can in fact solve environmental challenges. This process started in the 1950’ when SD was first proposed by academics and there was some guidance from governments. Since the Brundtland report in 1987 direction from government has progressed but with many wrong conclusions. The private sector in that time has advanced many SD solutions and environmentally sustainable outcomes especially in relation to biodiversity but also wind, solar and hydro solutions, but little else relating to messages about SD and ESD have struck a chord with the public. Consequently, confusion abounds from the various vague and non-directional messages. The three pillars of Sustainability are Environment, Economy and Society however it has no official definition, but is more about lifestyle aspirations or goals in the home, office or on the farm. It is fundamental that Sustainability which we now live and breathe, continues to be front and centre especially now it will be better understood. We must have more clarity around SD from governments which will give confidence to risk takers, entrepreneurs innovating and most importantly consumers. With this confidence new successful SD concepts and pathways in the future will emerge.

For maximum impact it is critical to re-define SD by incorporating a more descriptive SD and ESD message into the mix on our pathway to a sustainable planet for future generations. 

The Brundtland Report 1987 is still considered the official definition for Sustainable Development which states, “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Whilst inspirational, this definition is a motherhood statement on its own and outdated, as we have learned so much more since then. 

Sustainable Development is mostly focussed on building infrastructure in the economy, which should form the basis of the new SD definition. Ecologically Sustainable Development is the environmental component of SD and has no formal definition, but is primarily the building of rural residential and on-farm lifestyle developments in the economy often with positive biodiversity outcomes.

A more comprehensive over-arching definition which incorporates the integrity of the Brundtland 1987 definition and also the ESD principles for Sustainable Development therefore, should read like this: 

“Development which maximises the use of the available sustainable natural resources such as wind, sun and water and incorporates building sustainable infrastructure solutions, while carefully and efficiently minimising waste and enhancing our environment where ever possible, all achieved with positive economic growth outcomes, whilst continuing to address the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 

Redefining the SD definition provides the public with a more concise, understandable and actionable message, which can move the world closer to solving Global Warming and Climate Change in the next 50 to 100 years and make a Sustainable Planet for future generations. 

The improved Sustainable Development definition is fundamental to progressing to a Sustainable Revolution NOW. It is also the pathway to universal peace on earth as everyone will share the same common goal. 

Roger Bain BE (Min) MBA

Managing Director Addressing Global Warming Pty Ltd Solution - A Sustainable Revolution NOW www.agwnow.com