Sustainable development at risk : ignoring the past

Date

2007

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

IDRC, Ottawa, ON, CA

Abstract

This detailed text reviews the economic and environmental conditions, resources and biotechnologies for human development: agriculture, food and health care, and the diagnostics, prophylactics and therapeutics through which life on earth has been sustained. A critical, analytical record of past experience from which to define and formulate productive courses of action for the future is needed in order to help avoid repeating past errors. The book also emphasizes the need for language that is precise, using words and sentences that convey unambiguous meanings. It urges those involved in ‘development’ to define in precise terms their objectives and criteria of assessment, and to understand comprehensively what already exists before seeking to bring about beneficial change.

Description

Jointly published by Cambridge University Press India
French version available in IDRC Digital Library: Développement durable : un avenir incertain; avons-nous oublié les leçons du passé?

Keywords

DEVELOPMENT THEORY, SUSTAINABILITY, HISTORY, DEVELOPMENT POLICY, SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, CRITICAL REALISM, SYSTEMS APPROACH, ETHICS, GLOBAL HEALTH, GLOBAL

Citation

DOI