Sustainable Development: Principles, Frameworks, and Case Studies

Coined in the 1970s, the term sustainable development and the ideas behind it have enjoyed varying amounts of popularity over the years. And while dire predictions abound, the full impacts of global warming are not known, nor can they be known. What we do know is that to be sustainable, all societies must adjust to new realities, which include changing ecosystems and natural limits to growth. How do we address these issues and maintain an equitable way of life for all on the planet?

Exploring the human-related aspects of sustainable development, Sustainable Development: Principles, Frameworks, and Case Studies emphasizes the need to move away from an unwanted circumstance by being systemic in our thinking instead of symptomatic. The authors argue that we cannot move away from an unwanted, negative circumstance, unless we can move toward a desired, positive outcome. The text summarizes positive approaches and presents strong theoretical and historical concepts along with salient case examples that illustrate the desired outcome of each model or framework discussed.

Often ensnared in thorny political ideology, the sustainable development issue also suffers from a deep and multidimensional nature that can be intimidating. This book offers, in one volume, a broad discussion of important frameworks pertaining to sustainable development. Based on the expertise of distinguished practitioners and scholars, the book’s content includes diverse and interrelated subjects drawn from a wide range of geographical areas. It offers techniques for evaluating and applying the basic principles of sustainable development and participatory project planning to achieve economic and environmental goals.

Okechukwu Ukaga and Mike Reichenbach are with the University of Minnesota. Chris Maser is a Consultant in Corvallis, Oregon.