Why does it seem so difficult for world leaders and humankind to develop in a sustainable way with intra and intergenerational justice and without harming the environment to a level where it creates a more dangerous surrounding for humans i.e. by air pollution and global warming through burning of fossil fuels?
It is December 2019; Greta Thunberg was just voted as person of the year 2019 by Times Magazine because she started the unique global Fridays for Future movement almost one year ago where pupils give up on their right of education to strike every Friday on the streets worldwide to make governments act towards climate change. The governments of the world came together to hold the UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid. Their goal was to produce a blueprint on how to limit climate change because at the moment the world is on a path towards an increasing temperature of up to 4.3 °C until the end of the century.
Table of Contents
- Using examples discuss the claim that the three pillars of sustainable development are inherently in tension
- Solar Power as a Renewable Energy Source
- Tension between Economic and Environmental Pillars
- The Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
Objectives and Key Themes
This text examines the claim that the three pillars of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental) are inherently in tension. It aims to explore this claim through the analysis of two case studies: solar power and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The text also explores different perspectives on how to achieve sustainable development.
- The inherent tension between the three pillars of sustainable development.
- The potential for synergy between environmental protection and economic growth.
- The role of market-based mechanisms in achieving sustainable development.
- Different perspectives on sustainable development and their implications for policy.
- Case studies of solar power and sustainable palm oil.
Chapter Summaries
Using examples discuss the claim that the three pillars of sustainable development are inherently in tension: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the global climate crisis and the seeming difficulty in achieving sustainable development, defined as meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs. It introduces the three pillars of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental – and the common model depicting them as interdependent and mutually reinforcing. However, the chapter argues that this model is often not reflected in reality, using climate change as a prime example of the failure to achieve balance across all three pillars. The chapter then sets the stage for the analysis to follow, questioning whether the inherent tension between these pillars makes a balanced state unattainable or whether existing examples demonstrate the feasibility of truly sustainable development.
Solar Power as a Renewable Energy Source: This section uses solar power as a case study to explore the relationship between the three pillars. It argues that solar power presents a scenario where the environmental and social pillars are not in tension; in fact, they reinforce each other. The chapter introduces a model where the economy and society are nested within the environment, emphasizing the dependence of human activities on natural systems. By shifting away from fossil fuels to solar energy, negative environmental impacts (such as carbon emissions and air pollution) are reduced, directly leading to societal benefits such as improved public health and reduced risks associated with climate change (like extreme weather events). The chapter concludes that solar energy showcases a positive interaction between the environment and society, not an inherent tension.
Tension between Economic and Environmental Pillars: This section expands on the discussion of potential tension, specifically between the economic and environmental pillars, while continuing to use the example of solar power. While acknowledging potential tensions, it focuses on the long-term economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy. These benefits include avoiding healthcare costs associated with air pollution and mitigating the long-term financial burdens of climate change (e.g., climate migration and disease spread). The chapter also highlights how investments in solar energy infrastructure can stimulate economic growth and enhance energy security, leading to regional economic independence. Furthermore, it discusses the shift in market power dynamics, illustrating how the expansion of renewables can empower smaller businesses and decentralize energy supply. In essence, it argues that while there might be short-term economic interests that clash with environmental protection, a long-term perspective reveals a strong potential for synergy.
The Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO): This section analyzes the RSPO as a case study, examining its approach to sustainable development. The RSPO aims to create sustainable palm oil production by internalizing environmental externalities. The chapter explores the RSPO's goals, which involve protecting ecosystems, respecting human rights, and fostering economic growth. It introduces different perspectives on sustainable development, namely the "Reform" and "Transformation" viewpoints, and assesses how the RSPO's actions align with these viewpoints. The chapter concludes that the existence of tension between the three pillars in the context of the RSPO depends on the perspective applied. Those emphasizing market-based reforms (Reform) might see less tension, while those prioritizing intrinsic environmental value (Transformation) might view the RSPO's efforts as insufficient, thereby revealing that the perceived tension is not inherent but rather a product of subjective viewpoints.
Keywords
Sustainable development, three pillars of sustainable development, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, solar power, palm oil, RSPO, market-based mechanisms, environmental externalities, intergenerational justice, intra-generational justice, climate change, sustainable development goals.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
This text examines the claim that the three pillars of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental) are inherently in tension. It uses case studies of solar power and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to explore this claim and different perspectives on achieving sustainable development.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the inherent tension (or potential synergy) between the three pillars of sustainable development, the role of market-based mechanisms, different perspectives on sustainable development and their policy implications, and case studies illustrating the complexities of balancing economic, social, and environmental goals.
What case studies are used to illustrate the themes?
The text uses two main case studies: solar power and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Solar power is presented as a potential example of synergy between environmental and social pillars, while the RSPO is analyzed to show how different perspectives on sustainable development can influence the perception of tension between the three pillars.
What are the three pillars of sustainable development discussed?
The three pillars are economic sustainability, social sustainability, and environmental sustainability. The text explores how these pillars interact, often highlighting potential conflicts and synergies between them.
How does the text address the tension between the three pillars?
The text argues that the relationship between the three pillars is not always one of inherent tension. While acknowledging potential conflicts, particularly between economic and environmental goals, it also highlights instances where synergy exists, such as in the case of solar power’s positive impact on both environmental and social well-being. The RSPO case study further complicates this, suggesting that the perception of tension is influenced by differing perspectives on sustainable development.
What are the different perspectives on sustainable development discussed?
The text introduces the concepts of "Reform" and "Transformation" as different viewpoints on sustainable development. The "Reform" perspective emphasizes market-based solutions and incremental changes, while the "Transformation" perspective advocates for more fundamental shifts in societal values and structures. These differing viewpoints influence how the tension between the three pillars is perceived in the RSPO case study.
What is the role of market-based mechanisms in achieving sustainable development, according to this text?
The text explores the role of market-based mechanisms, such as the RSPO, in achieving sustainable development. It examines their effectiveness in internalizing environmental externalities and promoting sustainable practices but also acknowledges limitations and the influence of differing perspectives on their efficacy.
What are the objectives of the text?
The text aims to analyze the claim that the three pillars of sustainable development are inherently in tension, explore this claim through case studies, and examine different perspectives on how to achieve sustainable development.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries highlight the complexities of balancing the three pillars of sustainable development. While some situations, like the solar power example, suggest potential synergy, others, like the RSPO, demonstrate how differing perspectives can lead to varying perceptions of tension between the economic, social, and environmental goals. The text ultimately questions whether a truly balanced state of sustainable development is attainable or if the perceived tension is more a result of differing priorities and perspectives.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include sustainable development, three pillars of sustainable development, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, solar power, palm oil, RSPO, market-based mechanisms, environmental externalities, intergenerational justice, intra-generational justice, climate change, and sustainable development goals.
- Citation du texte
- Christina Wulf (Auteur), 2019, The three pillars of sustainable development and their tensions. Discussion of various examples, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/957981
