Brundtland Report

Definition

The Brundtland Report, formally known as 'Our Common Future,' is a landmark document published in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development. It introduced the concept of sustainable development, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social factors and calling for policies that ensure a balance between meeting present needs and preserving the environment for future generations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brundtland Report was named after Gro Harlem Brundtland, the former Prime Minister of Norway, who chaired the commission that produced the document.
2. One of the key themes of the report is the necessity for integrating environmental considerations into all aspects of policy-making and economic planning.
3. The report emphasized that environmental degradation often disproportionately affects poorer communities, linking social equity with sustainable practices.
4. It played a crucial role in raising global awareness about environmental issues and has influenced international agreements and policies aimed at promoting sustainability.
5. The concept of sustainable development introduced in the Brundtland Report has become a foundational principle in contemporary environmental governance and policy.

Review Questions

• How did the Brundtland Report redefine the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability?
  • The Brundtland Report redefined this relationship by emphasizing that economic growth must not come at the expense of environmental degradation. It argued that sustainable development requires a balance where economic activities are conducted in a way that preserves natural resources for future generations. This perspective led to a new understanding that long-term economic health is intertwined with ecological integrity.
• What were some significant outcomes or actions taken as a result of the Brundtland Report's findings?
  • The Brundtland Report's findings led to several significant outcomes, including increased international dialogue on sustainability and the establishment of frameworks such as Agenda 21. It prompted governments to reassess their policies regarding resource use and conservation, leading to initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impacts and promoting social equity. Additionally, it laid the groundwork for subsequent international agreements focusing on climate change and sustainable development.
• Evaluate how the principles laid out in the Brundtland Report continue to influence current environmental policies and global initiatives.
  • The principles laid out in the Brundtland Report continue to shape contemporary environmental policies by providing a foundational framework for sustainable development. Current global initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are heavily influenced by its call for an integrated approach to development that considers economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The report’s emphasis on intergenerational equity resonates with ongoing debates about climate action, resource management, and social justice, illustrating its lasting impact on global governance.

Related terms

Sustainable Development: A development approach that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

World Commission on Environment and Development: An organization established by the United Nations in 1983 to address global environmental issues and promote sustainable development.

Agenda 21: A comprehensive plan of action adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, building on the principles outlined in the Brundtland Report.