Abstract

The idea of sustainable development has become the guiding principle in the environmental and development policy debate in recent years. Sustainable development is defined as that form of economic, ecological and social development which 'meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.
Its appeal lies in the fact that, against the background of both the increasing globalisation of environmental damage and the worsening economic and social situation of many people, not only in the Third World, both problem areas are brought into relation with each other and prospects for their solution are held out.

Authors