ABSTRACT
It is not wholly surprising that the concept of sustainable development is difficult to communicate. Sustainability involves big issues and their complex interaction: the division of wealth and opportunity between the world’s rich and poor, health, welfare, safety, security and useful work as basic needs of societies, and rights of individuals. Much is predicated on the rights of the young and future generations and of other species – a concept unimaginable a few generations ago – and much also on the rights of those in society least capable of looking after themselves. The state of the environment is a fundamental aspect because the unintended consequences of our activities impact directly on our current quality of life, impose burdens on others, and threaten other species both now and in the future.
