Sustainable Development: 1987 to 2012 - Don’t Be Naive, it’s not about the Environment

Purpose:In this paper we explore the concept of sustainable development through the lens of two United Nations publications. The documents, published 25 years apart, highlight how the understanding and enactment of sustainable development has changed over the course of that time. We highlight how sustainable development has been portrayed as an: epic adventure, the right and only choice, a challenge to categorical thinking, and a story of economic growth for human survival. While the tone of both documents differs, what is clear is from the publications is that sustainable development will not be achieved unless it is part of mainstream economic debate, supported by a holistic understanding of the entwined relationship between humanity, the environment and the economy. Design/Methodology/Approach: As a discussion document the paper uses existing literature. Findings: Sustainable development is a concept that is about perpetuating economic growth, but doing so through a non-categorical understanding of humans and nature relationships.