Our Common Future

Our Common Future book cover

Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report, is a document published in 1987 by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED). The report was named after Gro Harlem Brundtland, the Chair of the Commission and former Prime Minister of Norway, who was instrumental in its creation. It is recognized for popularizing the concept of sustainable development and for defining it as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Background

The Commission was created by the United Nations in 1983 in response to growing concerns about the accelerating deterioration of the environment and natural resources and the consequences of that deterioration for economic and social development. In establishing the Commission, the United Nations General Assembly recognized that environmental problems were global in nature and determined that it was in the common interest of all nations to establish policies for sustainable development.

Content

The report consists of several chapters that cover various aspects of environmental issues and development. It outlines the critical state of the global environment and the impact that economic development has had on it. The report also discusses the interconnections between economy, society, and environment, and argues that it is possible to achieve economic development while also conserving the environment. This is seen as essential for the survival of humanity.

The concept of sustainable development as defined in the report has three key components: 1. Environmental protection 2. Economic growth 3. Social equity

These components are interdependent and all are crucial for the well-being of individuals and societies.

Impact

"Our Common Future" has had a significant impact on international environmental policy and has influenced both public and private sector policies towards more sustainable practices. The report's definition of sustainable development has been widely accepted and has been incorporated into the policies of a range of international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, as well as numerous non-governmental organizations.

Following the publication of the report, the first United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. This conference led to the adoption of the Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations, governments, and major groups in every area in which humans impact the environment.

Criticisms

While "Our Common Future" has been influential, it has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the concept of sustainable development is too vague and that the report fails to address the fundamental contradictions between economic growth and environmental protection. Others claim that the report places too much emphasis on technological solutions to environmental problems, without adequately considering changes in consumption patterns or the redistribution of resources.

Legacy

Despite these criticisms, "Our Common Future" remains a foundational document in the field of environmental policy and sustainable development. Its publication marked a turning point in the understanding of the relationship between development and the environment. It continues to be a key reference point for discussions on sustainability and is frequently cited in both academic and policy discussions on the subject.