Constructing sustainable development / Neil E. Harrison. [electronic resource]

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Harrison, Neil E., 1949-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sustainable development.

Social structure.

Social values.

Social justice.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (viii, 175 p. )

Place of Publication:

Albany, NY : State University of New York Press, c2000.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

"Through a critique of the economic, technological, political, and ethical theories that are the basis for current policy, this book shows that sustainable development proposals are at least incomplete or impractical and at worst dangerously misleading." "The concept of sustainable development presents a problem for theorists and policy makers because it cannot be objectively defined and subjective understandings vary widely. For the capitalist, sustainable development is a problem of production efficiency and technological innovation; for the environmentalist, a more appropriate ethic is a necessity; and for the developing country policy maker, a more equitable distribution of power over resources is imperative."

"Harrison shows how sustainable development can be constructed from policy principles derived from ongoing adaptations to changes in values, beliefs, and scientific knowledge, and applied in both developed and developing nations and communities large and small."--Jacket.

Contents:

The Problem of Policy

Policy Narratives

Constructing an Alternative

Scientific Knowledge and Uncertainty

Measuring Sustainability

The Role of Uncertainty

The Efficiency Narrative: Eco-Efficiency Through Markets

An Orthodox View

Markets and Consumption

Exclusion of Natural Goods

Problems with Private Exploitation

Regulating Natural Sinks

Market Mechanics

Markets and Collective Response

Ecological Economics

Organizing a Technological Fix

Technology and Innovation

Understanding Technological Innovation

Structural Inhibitors

Choosing an Ecological Techno-Economic Paradigm

Considering Equity

The Need for Authority

The Possibilities of Politics

Politics as Rational Choice

Discursive Politics

The Ecological Uses of Politics

Sustainability in the International System

Levels of Analysis

Global Structures

Cooperation Between Sovereignties

Opportunities for Cooperation

A Problem of Consciousness

Extending Legal Rights

Relationship Problems

Valuing Nature

Spirit and Nature

Changing Minds

Policy Principles for Sustainable Development

Process and Goals

Complex Adaptive Systems and Policy Principles

Decision Making on Principle

Initial Policy Directions.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (p. 141-163) and index.

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

ISBN:

0-7914-9213-3

0-585-42472-1