Sustainable
Development (SD), defined as development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs;
is perhaps the most malleable phrase in English. The importance of this concept
and the sincerity of collective human commitment towards a sustainable planet are
underpinned by the fact that it continues to remain in limelight since the
Brundtland report in 1987. Today, SD is an almost nonnegotiable objective of a
vast majority of developmental programs. Despite scientific understanding of the challenges of SD and huge
financial investments incurred, mankind continues to adopt a less enlightened course. It implies, either the
concept, or our understanding of it is abstract. The author presses for a
paradigm shift in our perception and presents a pragmatic definition of SD,
which can effectively be used to achieve tangible outcomes in our efforts
towards sustainability.
The
notion of SD as conveyed by the Brundtland definition, apparently presumes
human capability to be a constant
across generations. This is erroneous. It overlooks the established evidence of
heterosis of man and discounts the role of technology in contemporary human
evolution. Technological development has provided directionality to human
history. Accumulation of information helps each generation to begin from a technologically
different and advanced starting plane than its predecessor. The exponential
rate of growth of technology makes available, significantly superior
know how and skills across generations, which we bank upon to face stiffer
challenges.
Whilst scientific commune campaigns for changes in
human resource consumption pattern, public administrators prefer intensive
exogenous programs to gradual endogenic processes in order to develop
successful case studies of sustainability. These are contrary to prevailing
social evolutionary force and recognize sustainability as an objective, than a
desired state. Together, they render the concept, elusive.
Prospects
of technology mediated sustainability options, to anticipate, plan and prioritize
actions, is an indispensable component that need be accounted while
ascertaining human capabilities. It necessitates a radical shift in perception
of the malleable phrase. The idea of SD is better conveyed when stated as progressive,
evolutionary transition of society that ensures perpetual sufficiency of
natural capital for sustenance of all living organisms within the biosphere. Practical utility of the above
statement enhances, when applied to a specific population or region, than the
conventional notion of entire humanity.
Acknowledging temporal progression creates space to
accommodate increasing inter-generational human capacity and does away with the
call
to alter lifestyle, which was the obstinate impediment in sustaining
sustainability initiatives. However, it puts a rider that progression should
ensure sufficiency of natural capital. This will stir more research and
development on sustainable alternatives within each society or region than buy
them as recommendations or products off-the-shelf. Localized initiatives are
analogous to teaching societies to fish collectively, than consume fish caught
elsewhere. More importantly, this perception renders sustainability a
consequence while identifying tangible physical items, the goals.
