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So what is
Sustainable Development?
There are many definitions of sustainable
development, but it is basically about ensuring a better quality of life
for everyone, now and for generations to come. The 1987 World Commission
Report on Environment and Development described it as: "development
which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their needs".
The background issue is that our modern
society is using up raw materials - and producing waste materials - at a
rapid rate. This obviously cannot go on forever, so our life styles will
have to change in the future. The UK government has recognised four
aspects of sustainable development (find out more from www.sustainable-development.gov.uk):
- Social progress which recognises the
needs of everyone
- Effective protection of the
environment
- Prudent use of natural resources
- Maintenance of high and stable levels
of economic growth and employment
The new GLOBE protocols for
sustainable development concentrate on measurable aspects of the
environment and natural resources, rather than social or economic
elements. They have been designed to complement the existing GLOBE
protocols for atmosphere, water, soils and land cover. Whereas the
existing GLOBE activities monitor the state of the planet, these new
Sustainable Development protocols involve measuring our impact on the
planet.
The four areas selected for GLOBE
Sustainable Development activities are:
- Energy
- Waste
- Transport
- Biodiversity
- Water
Classroom activities and protocols
have been developed in each area to encourage the scientific gathering
of data, which can then be compared over time, between schools and
between countries. With this data, class discussions and projects can
look at how we might change elements of our life-styles in order to
achieve real sustainable development.
As more schools contribute to the
GLOBE Sustainable Development Database, so we will build up a unique
resource in the world, measuring children’s contribution to a better
future.
The National Curriculum points out
some of the values of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) –
and the curriculum links for the GLOBE ESD Activities at Key
Stage 2
and KS3 are provided. The main links are with Science,
Geography, Design & Technology, Mathematics, ICT and
English.
Link to the World
Summit on Sustainable Development
Find out how
to join GLOBE SD
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