Brundtland Commission

Definition

The Brundtland Commission, officially known as the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), was established by the United Nations in 1983 to address the growing concerns about environmental degradation and sustainable development. It is widely recognized for popularizing the concept of sustainable development, defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, and has significantly influenced global environmental policies and thinking.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brundtland Commission released its influential report titled 'Our Common Future' in 1987, which highlighted the interdependence of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
2. The commission was chaired by former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, who played a crucial role in advocating for sustainable development on a global scale.
3. One of the key outcomes of the commission's work was raising awareness about environmental issues and integrating them into international policy discussions.
4. The Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainable development laid the foundation for subsequent international agreements and frameworks aimed at addressing global environmental challenges.
5. The commission's efforts contributed to the establishment of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), commonly known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

Review Questions

• How did the Brundtland Commission redefine the understanding of development in relation to environmental concerns?
  • The Brundtland Commission redefined development by introducing the concept of sustainable development, which emphasizes that economic growth must be balanced with environmental protection and social equity. This approach shifted the focus from purely economic metrics to include long-term sustainability considerations, making it clear that future generations' needs must also be considered in today's development efforts. By linking environmental issues with development policies, the commission fostered a more holistic view that has shaped global environmental governance.
• Discuss the significance of 'Our Common Future' report by the Brundtland Commission in influencing global environmental policy.
  • 'Our Common Future,' published by the Brundtland Commission in 1987, was groundbreaking in framing sustainable development as a critical global issue. The report outlined how unchecked economic growth could lead to severe environmental degradation and social inequities. It emphasized the need for countries to collaborate on environmental issues and inspired key international agreements like Agenda 21 at the 1992 Earth Summit. This report has been essential in shaping modern approaches to addressing environmental challenges at both national and international levels.
• Evaluate how the Brundtland Commission's recommendations have been implemented in contemporary environmental policy frameworks.
  • The recommendations from the Brundtland Commission have been fundamental in shaping contemporary environmental policy frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. These goals reflect the principles of sustainable development by promoting inclusive economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. Additionally, many nations have adopted policies that align with these recommendations, integrating sustainability into their development strategies. The ongoing dialogue on climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequalities can be traced back to the foundations laid by the Brundtland Commission's work.

Related terms

Sustainable Development: A development approach that balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity to ensure that future generations can also meet their needs.

Agenda 21: A comprehensive action plan adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on sustainable development practices globally.

Rio Declaration: A set of principles guiding sustainable development, agreed upon at the 1992 Earth Summit, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and human rights.