Sukhmander Singh

Abstract:

Increasing per capita consumptions of resources and resulting pollution, waste and global warming have led to the widespread recognition that we must not deplete and pollute the Ecosystem. The terms such as ‘Sustainability’, ‘Renewability’ and ‘Sustainable Development’ are attracting worldwide attention. Sustainable development is closely tied to economic development needed for the standard of living we have become accustomed to. The question is - can these standards be maintained safely without depleting and polluting the Ecosystem? The paper discusses the need for the development of energy efficient materials, renewable resources such as wind, hydro, hydrothermal and solar technology. Distinctions between’ technology and energy intensive’ production in developed countries and ‘labor intensive’ production in poor and developing countries are made. As such examples of United States, India, Ghana and Nicaragua are cited. It is suggested that decision making for sustainable development be made depending upon the level of development of a country. It is argued that developed countries must recognize limits to their growth and should look for alternate but sustainable resources for obtaining pollution free energy-for example, bio based, solar based and ‘fusion energy’ based. On the other hand, in developing and poor countries where poverty, hunger and poor sanitation exist, both environmentally acceptable and economically accessible solutions must be found for sustainable development. It is suggested that sustainable solutions be achieved by incorporating available material and local labour in developing countries and by using high technology approaches in developed countries. Labour intensive processes can be termed as “production by masses“ versus “mass production” and can as well, be economically sustainable. Developed countries should use high technology approaches to meet their demands by preserving the integrity of the Ecosystem. A schematic model for a country will be presented to help make sustainability decisions.