Introduction to sustainable development / Martin J. Ossewaarde.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

A matter of urgency;
Roots of unsustainable development;
Sustainability : new direction for development;
Enabling & motivating people;
Changing behavior, institutions & technology;
Public sector roles : coordination & implementation;
Private sector : business and civil society;
From global concern to local action;
Energy for sustainable development;
Making cities more sustainable;
Sustainable food & agriculture;
Green economy in the context of sustainable development.

""Introduction to Sustainable Development" provides an overview of and insights into the major challenges to sustainable development; encourages and enables the readers to participate in the sustainability transition. Sustainable development is increasingly identified as more of a necessity than an option or a luxury. Being multidisciplinary in nature, it requires the knowledge of scientific, economic and social sides of the problems and solutions, and how they interact. This book presents a critical account of our strengths and weaknesses in the pursuit of sustainability, with special reference to developing world perspective. It motivates the readers to work towards making truly inclusive and environmentally sustainable choices. It also inspires them to be engaged as 'change-makers' for more sustainable types of development in their families, companies and communities. The book has been divided into three parts: Part 1 makes the case for sustainable development and paints the overall vision; Part 2 presents stakeholders and tools that are needed in the transition to a sustainable future; and Part 3 contains application areas that help the reader to see how the lines from the previous parts come together in the major issues of contemporary times"-- Provided by publisher.