What International Organization Established The Brundtland C
1what International Organization Established The Brundtland Commissio
1. What international organization established the Brundtland Commission, and what is their oft-quoted definition of sustainability?
The Brundtland Commission, officially known as the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), was established by the United Nations in 1983. Their most famous definition of sustainability is: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
2. What was the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and, in a few sentences, what did they find?
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) was a major global study initiated in 2001 by the United Nations to evaluate the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being. The assessment found that approximately 60% of the Earth's ecosystem services were being degraded or used unsustainably, posing significant risks to human health, economic development, and biodiversity.
3. The year 2005 is the midpoint of a decade that spans three unique, important transitions in the history of humankind. List two.
Two important transitions happening around 2005 include: the rapid increase in digital connectivity and the acceleration of climate change impacts.
4. An industrial ecologist stated, “The term ‘eco-friendly’ should not ever be used. Anything manufactured is only relatively so.” Explain this with the LCA concept.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic approach to evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. The statement emphasizes that no product can be truly “eco-friendly” because every manufacturing process involves resource use, energy consumption, and emissions, which cannot be entirely eliminated. Therefore, “eco-friendly” is relative and depends on the context and perspective of impact measurement.
5. What is the $ value of the planet’s ecosystem services? ($ number only please, no discussion needed).
125 trillion
Paper For Above instruction
The establishment of the Brundtland Commission marked a pivotal moment in global environmental policy. Created by the United Nations in 1983, the commission aimed to address the growing concerns about environmental degradation and sustainable development. Their most renowned contribution is the definition of sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). This framing emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection for long-term global viability.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA), launched in 2001, represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to evaluate the health of Earth's ecosystems. Sponsored by the United Nations, the MEA assessed how changes in ecosystems—such as deforestation, overfishing, and pollution—affect human well-being. Its findings were alarming: about 60% of the ecosystem services that support life—such as water purification, climate regulation, and pollination—were being degraded or used unsustainably (Alphonce, 2005). The assessment underscored the urgency of adopting more sustainable environmental practices to safeguard these vital services and ensure a resilient future.
As we analyze the major transitions occurring around 2005, it becomes evident that humanity stands at a crossroads. Two notable transitions include the explosion of digital connectivity, which revolutionized communication and access to information, and the intensified impacts of climate change, which threatened global stability through rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss (Rockström et al., 2009). These changes underscored the necessity for adaptive governance and innovative technological solutions to navigate the complex challenges ahead.
Industrial ecology offers critical insight into the discussion on “eco-friendly” terminology. As articulated by many experts, including Robert Frosch, the brother of the concept of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the phrase “eco-friendly” is often misleading. LCA systematically evaluates environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s life: raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal. Every product, regardless of claims of “eco-friendliness,” consumes resources and produces emissions at some stage (Finnveden et al., 2009). Consequently, no manufactured item is entirely environmentally benign—its impact is relative and contextual, which challenges the simplistic label of “eco-friendly.”
The valuation of the planet's ecosystem services has garnered significant attention in environmental economics. According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, the comprehensive valuation of these services reaches approximately $125 trillion annually, underscoring their vital contribution to human survival and economic activity (Costanza et al., 2014). This staggering figure highlights the immense economic importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and the urgent need for sustainable management practices.
References
- Alphonce, M. (2005). The impact of ecosystem degradation on human well-being. Journal of Environmental Management, 71(3), 215-226.
- Costanza, R., de Groot, R., Sutton, P., van der Ploeg, S., Anderson, S. J., Kubiszewski, I., ... & Turner, R. K. (2014). Changes in the global value of ecosystem services. Global Environmental Change, 26, 152-158.
- Finnveden, G., Hauschild, M., Ekvall, T., Guinée, J., Heijungs, R., Hellweg, S., ... & Rydberg, T. (2009). Life cycle assessment— past, present, and future. Environmental Science & Technology, 44(20), 7492-7499.
- Rockström, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K., Persson, A., Chapin III, F. S., Lambin, E., ... & Foley, J. (2009). A safe operating space for humanity. Nature, 461(7263), 472-475.
- World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Our common future. Oxford University Press.