There is probably a lot of literature on the role of countries, government, and corporations and the extent of their contribution towards sustainable development. But what about individuals? What can citizens do to facilitate SD?
Enough, not too much, not too little, enough for eat, drink, and life. The concept of enough will drive us be proportional and not greedy.
Hi Renard,
I guess it could be useful to look at individuals not only as consumers but also as citizens. In this role they participate in decision making, enabling or inhibiting SD. Possibly another (albeit related) focus is on indviduals as holders of expertise. See the book by Alan Irwin (1995?): Citizen Science: A Study of People, Expertise, and Sustainable Development
Klaus
Dear Renard
I think there is an important roles of citizens that can play in sustainable development. Be members of the decision makers team, empower them and encourage their citizenship toward their country.
Educators could help their students appreciate the cultural and environmental diversity and work cooperatively with other students/citizens. Teachers could develop the SD competencies of students to become active citizen who contribute to sustainable future by maintaining resources ( Makrakis & Makrakis,2011).
Here is a link to a video of a Canadian girl, “The girl who silenced the world for 5 minutes”, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQmz6Rbpnu0 ) . She said “If you don’t know how to fix it, stop breaking it,”
Hello Renard, I agree with Saed, the key to achieve sustainable development through the citizens is education. I think we can maintain and even improve our standard way of living learning how to manage the resources not wasting them as many people do right now.
I, myself, has a principles acting to sustainable delepment. First, starting from the simple things. I started to control my desire in order to be not greedy. Second, starting with myself and my family. And third, starting right now.
Means that i started to conduct 3 R, reduce-reuse-recycle. For example, reuse shock, close, shirt, etc which still could be wear to reducing water utilization. Reduce using cars, motorcycle or others and change to use bycycle if its not par away. And recycle organic material to be composs to fertilize my flower at home.
I do these things my self and my family and i start it right now.
Many simple things can be conducted and do not hope other people will do, just do it by ourself, and do not too long waiting just do right now.
Enough, not too much, not too little, enough for eat, drink, and life. The concept of enough will drive us be proportional and not greedy.
I like what Saed said about developing SD competencies as it is more specific and measurable. The common problem that most people have is that the definition of sustainability is so varied and everyone seems to have their own interpretation/ approach to things.
i think in order to see the individuals role in sustainable development, and more importantly in protecting environment, you can use the contingent valuation method to see the willingness to pay for protecting environment or willingness to accept for a change.
This question forms the core of my PhD thesis actually.
It is proposed that public demand forms a foundation upon which transition to sustainable development can be accelerated. By increasing public's awareness of problem on hand (climate change, etc.), this awareness can be articulated into social demand that shapes government policies. Information and knowledge flows form key facilitating mechanisms for social demand articulation.
My memory in vain flashes back to the 1970s to find a concept that was used then for people who were supposedly as individuals catalysts for development. I am looking for the concept although I do not remember that I found it useful att the time (nor now...). Somebody who can help me?
- Badges
- Science topic