The 4 core concepts
The UK government in the document One Future, Different Paths (2005) set out the following 4 concepts that together are regarded as core elements of sustainable development. These are:
- Sustainable consumption and production
- Climate change and energy
- Natural resource protection
- Sustainable communities.
Sustainable Consumption and Production
'This means not only looking at how goods and services are produced, but also the impacts of products and materials across their whole lifecycle and building on people's awareness of social and environmental concerns.'
Climate Change and Energy
'The effects of climate change can already seen. Temperatures and sea levels are rising, ice and snow cover are declining and the consequences could be catastrophic for the natural world and society.' There is a need to secure a profound change in the way the country generates and uses energy and in other activities that release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Natural Resource Protection and Environmental Enhancement
'Natural resources are vital to our existence and that of communities throughout the world. We need a better understanding of environmental limits, environmental enhancement and recovery where the environment is most degraded to ensure a decent environment for everyone.'
Sustainable Communities
'The creation of sustainable communities that embody the principles of sustainable development at the local level involving devolving power, decision-making and partnership working to get things done at the right level.'