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 global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. It played a crucial role in shaping the concept of sustainable development, notably introducing the idea that development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept is foundational to the evolution of Circular Economy thinking as it emphasizes resource efficiency and long-term sustainability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brundtland Commission's report, 'Our Common Future,' was released in 1987 and is often credited with popularizing the term 'sustainable development.'
2. The commission was chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, and included members from various countries representing diverse perspectives.
3. It emphasized the interdependence of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity, highlighting that neglecting one can jeopardize the others.
4. The commission identified pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, urging nations to take a holistic approach to development.
5. Its work laid the groundwork for subsequent international agreements and initiatives focused on sustainable development, influencing policy-making at various levels.

Review Questions

• How did the Brundtland Commission's findings influence modern concepts of sustainability in economic models?
  • The Brundtland Commission's findings emphasized that economic growth cannot be pursued at the expense of environmental health or social equity. By framing sustainable development as an integral part of economic models, it encouraged businesses and governments to consider long-term impacts rather than short-term gains. This perspective has been vital in shaping Circular Economy models which prioritize resource efficiency and sustainability alongside profitability.
• Discuss the main goals of the Brundtland Commission and their relevance to today's environmental challenges.
  • The main goals of the Brundtland Commission included promoting sustainable development, addressing poverty, and managing natural resources responsibly. These goals remain highly relevant today as we face climate change, resource depletion, and social inequalities. The commission's holistic approach serves as a guiding framework for current initiatives aimed at integrating environmental considerations into all aspects of policy-making and business practices.
• Evaluate how the Brundtland Commission's report laid the foundation for future international agreements on sustainability and environmental policy.
  • The Brundtland Commission's report was pivotal in shaping international discourse around sustainability. It highlighted interconnected global issues and called for a unified response. This laid a foundation for subsequent international agreements like Agenda 21 at the Rio Earth Summit. These agreements have continued to build on its principles by encouraging countries to adopt sustainable practices that reflect an understanding of long-term ecological balance as essential for human prosperity.

Related terms

Sustainable Development:

A development approach that seeks to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity to ensure that resources are available for future generations.

Our Common Future: The title of the report published by the Brundtland Commission in 1987, which outlined the need for a new approach to development that integrates economic, social, and environmental considerations.

Rio Earth Summit: A major United Nations conference held in 1992 that built on the ideas introduced by the Brundtland Commission, focusing on sustainable development and resulting in key agreements like Agenda 21.