Sustainable development means that the
needs of the present generation should not compromise the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable
Development is obviously of great importance to youth given
that young people, and the next generations, are the ones
that will have to live with the consequences of problems
that are not dealt with adequately today.
What is the EU doing?
In 2001 the EU adopted its first Sustainable Development Strategy based on the
conviction that Sustainable Development should be integrated into all European
policies. In 2006, a renewed strategy [1] was adopted by the Member States
with the following objectives:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Safeguard the earth's capacity to support life in all
its diversity, respect the limits of the planet's natural resources and
ensure a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment.
SOCIAL EQUITY AND COHESION: Promote a democratic, socially inclusive, cohesive,
healthy, safe and just society with respect for fundamental rights and
cultural diversity that creates equal opportunities and combats discrimination
in all
its forms.
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: Promote a prosperous, innovative, knowledge-rich, competitive
and eco-efficient economy which provides high living standards and full and
high-quality employment throughout the European Union.
MEETING OUR INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Actively promote sustainable development
worldwide and ensure that the European Union's internal and external policies
are consistent with global sustainable development and its international
commitments.
Which challenges to be faced?
Negative trends in relation to climate
change and energy use, threats to public health, poverty
and social exclusion, demographic pressure and ageing, management
of natural resources, biodiversity loss, land use and transport
still persist and new challenges are arising.
In
this field, policies without active participation and co-operation
of citizens are insufficient: what do you suggest to involve
citizens and promote public awareness of sustainable development?
Which
effective tools can be used for encouraging people to make
changes and orienting their options for making more sustainable
choices?
In
your daily life how often do you take into consideration
the impact of your choices on the environment? Can you
give some examples?
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In
this field, policies without active participation and co-operation
of citizens are insufficient: what do you suggest to involve
citizens and promote public awareness of sustainable development?
