Sustainable Development: Introduction & Frontiers

This lecture introduces the concept of sustainable development (SD) by exploring its historical precursors, such as the works of Boulding and Georgescu-Roegen, leading to the Brundtland Report in 1987. It delves into the origins of SD, highlighting key events like the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and the collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery. The lecture discusses the fundamental principles of SD, emphasizing the importance of meeting present needs without compromising future generations. It also covers the transition from Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals, illustrating practical recommendations for achieving sustainability.