ABSTRACT
We turn now to look at possible directions for sustainability planning at many different scales of activity. “Planning” is often thought of as an activity that occurs at a local government scale through specific land use and development decisions within cities. But many forms of planning occur at much larger scales as well. International agencies, national governments, and states or provinces all seek to shape development contexts for the future. Coordination of goals starting at the broadest possible scales is essential to the process of sustainable development. Large-scale policies and programs can help smaller scale planning happen more effectively, and can ensure that minimum standards of environmental protection and human well-being are met even if local governments are particularly resistant to providing them.
