ABSTRACT
SUMMARY: The aim of this chapter was to provide a brief review of how globalization, the environment and sustainable development are interrelated. Globalization enables the free flow of goods, capital and technology and thus it becomes a motivating force for nations to develop themselves. For sustainable development to be meaningful over consumption has to be brought under control. The principles of equity, conservation orientation and renewability have to be reestablished. Controlling over-consumption and dealing with the question of ownership are crucial. The earth functions in a systematic way and any unsystematic intervention will cause irreparable damage not only for the development but also for the existence of mankind. Thus, industrial development today has to be done within the carrying capacity of the planet. The chapter discusses how human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development.
