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The Century Ahead: Searching for Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Paul D. Raskin

    (Tellus Institute, 11 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA)

  • Christi Electris

    (Tellus Institute, 11 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA)

  • Richard A. Rosen

    (Tellus Institute, 11 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA)

Abstract

The global future lies before us as a highly uncertain and contested landscape with numerous perils along the way. This study explores possible pathways to sustainability by considering in quantitative detail four contrasting scenarios for the twenty-first century. The analysis reveals vividly the risks of conventional development approaches and the real danger of socio-ecological descent. Nonetheless, the paper underscores that a Great Transition scenario—turning toward a civilization of enhanced human well-being and environmental resilience—remains an option, and identifies a suite of strategic and value changes for getting there. A fundamental shift in the development paradigm is found to be an urgent necessity for assuring a sustainable future and, as well, a hopeful opportunity for creating a world of enriched lives, human amity, and a healthy ecosphere.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul D. Raskin & Christi Electris & Richard A. Rosen, 2010. "The Century Ahead: Searching for Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(8), pages 1-26, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:2:y:2010:i:8:p:2626-2651:d:9336
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ulrich Hoffmann, 2011. "Assuring Food Security In Developing Countries Under The Challenges Of Climate Change: Key Trade And Development Issues Of A Fundamental Transformation Of Agriculture," UNCTAD Discussion Papers 201, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
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    11. Aikaterini Papapostolou & Charikleia Karakosta & Kalliopi-Anastasia Kourti & Haris Doukas & John Psarras, 2019. "Supporting Europe’s Energy Policy Towards a Decarbonised Energy System: A Comparative Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-26, July.
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    14. R.A Zhukov, 2021. "Assessment of the Balanced Functioning of Hierarchical Socio-Economic Systems," Journal of Applied Economic Research, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University, vol. 20(1), pages 84-109.
    15. Hideki Kobayashi & Masahiro Kato & Yukishige Maezawa & Kenji Sano, 2011. "An R&D Management Framework for Eco-Technology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 3(8), pages 1-20, August.
    16. Roope Husgafvel, 2021. "Exploring Social Sustainability Handprint—Part 2: Sustainable Development and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-35, October.
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    18. Ryan Bergstrom, 2018. "Defining Sustainability in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem," Journal of Sustainable Development, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(1), pages 1-32, January.
    19. Weiser, Annika & Bickel, Manuel W. & Kümmerer, Klaus & Lang, Daniel J., 2020. "Towards a more sustainable metal use – Lessons learned from national strategy documents," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    20. Dexter V. L. Hunt & D. Rachel Lombardi & Stuart Atkinson & Austin R. G. Barber & Matthew Barnes & Christopher T. Boyko & Julie Brown & John Bryson & David Butler & Silvio Caputo & Maria Caserio & Rich, 2012. "Scenario Archetypes: Converging Rather than Diverging Themes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-33, April.
    21. Mohajan, Haradhan, 2015. "Sustainable Development Policy of Global Economy," MPRA Paper 82815, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 30 Mar 2015.
    22. Hauschildt, Verena & Schulze-Ehlers, Birgit, 2014. "An Empirical Investigation into the Adoption of Green Procurement Practices in the German Food Service Industry," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 17(3), pages 1-32, September.
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    24. Stephen Sterling, 2016. "A Commentary on Education and Sustainable Development Goals," Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, , vol. 10(2), pages 208-213, September.

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