The dilemma facing supporters of the
concept of sustainability is that developed
countries continue to demand resources
for their their populations in increasing
amounts, while less developed countries
are supplying the resources that make the
developed countries more affluent.
Now, the rapidly increasing countries, such
as India and China, are demanding more
resources for themselves
Solutions to the Dilemma?
Supporters of sustainability
believe that in order to satisfy
this dilemma a number of
over-riding supra-national
policies should come in to force:
What is a supra-national policy?
A supra national policy is a policy set up by a
multinational political union, where negotiated
power is delegated to an authority by
governments of member states, an example of
this is would be the European Union.
States should support an open economic system.
Trade policies should not involve
arbitrator unjustifiable discrimination.
Unilateral actions to address issues should
give way to international consensus
The environmental and natural resources of
people under oppression, domination and
occupation should be protected.
National authorities should endeavour to promote
the internationalisation of environmental costs,
taking into account that the polluter should pay
For any of these schemes to work, political principles need to be agreed at future global summits. Given the current political situation, this looks unlikely