World Commission on Environment and Development

Definition

The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), also known as the Brundtland Commission, was established by the United Nations in 1983 to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. It is best known for its 1987 report, 'Our Common Future,' which introduced the concept of sustainable development and emphasized the need for intergenerational equity, ensuring that future generations have access to resources and opportunities similar to those of the present generation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WCED was chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, and consisted of representatives from various countries, organizations, and sectors.
2. The Brundtland Report is credited with popularizing the term 'sustainable development' and has influenced international policy-making on environmental issues since its publication.
3. One key argument made in the report is that economic growth can be compatible with environmental protection if development practices are sustainable.
4. The WCED highlighted the importance of global cooperation and governance in addressing environmental challenges that transcend national boundaries.
5. Intergenerational equity was emphasized as a moral responsibility for current generations to manage resources wisely and ensure their availability for future generations.

Review Questions

• How did the World Commission on Environment and Development redefine the concept of sustainable development?
  • The World Commission on Environment and Development redefined sustainable development by integrating environmental considerations into economic and social planning. The commission argued that development should meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This broadened understanding emphasized that sustainability encompasses not only ecological preservation but also social equity and economic viability.
• What are some key recommendations made in the Brundtland Report regarding intergenerational equity?
  • The Brundtland Report recommended that intergenerational equity be at the forefront of policy-making, urging current generations to responsibly manage natural resources. It advocated for policies that promote long-term sustainability, such as investments in renewable energy, conservation practices, and sustainable agricultural techniques. These recommendations aim to protect ecological integrity while ensuring that future generations can enjoy similar opportunities for development.
• Evaluate the lasting impacts of the World Commission on Environment and Development on global environmental policies and practices.
  • The World Commission on Environment and Development has had profound and lasting impacts on global environmental policies by establishing sustainable development as a central theme in international discourse. The concepts introduced in the Brundtland Report laid the groundwork for subsequent agreements like Agenda 21 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By highlighting intergenerational equity, it has influenced national policies around resource management and encouraged a shift towards more environmentally conscious practices across various sectors. This legacy continues to shape discussions around climate change, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic justice.

Related terms

Sustainable Development: A development approach that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Intergenerational Equity: The principle of fairness and justice between generations, particularly in terms of resource use, environmental protection, and social welfare.

Brundtland Report: 'Our Common Future' is the report produced by the WCED, which outlines a comprehensive framework for sustainable development and highlights the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues.