The Brundtland Report, officially titled "Our Common Future," was published in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), chaired by former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. This landmark document played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse on sustainable development:
Background and Creation
- The WCED was established by the United Nations in 1983 to address the growing concern over the accelerating deterioration of the human environment and natural resources.
- The report was the result of over four years of research, global consultations, and international meetings, involving experts, politicians, and civil society.
Key Concepts and Definitions
- Sustainable Development: The Brundtland Report introduced the now widely accepted definition of sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
- Intergenerational Equity: The report emphasized the importance of ensuring that the development today does not impair the prospects for future generations to enjoy similar or better living conditions.
- Environmental Protection and Economic Development: It argued that environmental conservation and economic growth are not mutually exclusive but should be integrated into a sustainable development framework.
Influence and Impact
Legacy
- The Brundtland Report has been instrumental in shifting the global paradigm from environmental protection as a luxury to a fundamental aspect of human survival and well-being.
- It has sparked ongoing debates and discussions about the balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.
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