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Scientific consensus on sustainability: the case of The Natural Step

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  • Paul Upham

    (ARIC, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK)

Abstract

The Natural Step (TNS) is internationally promoted as the basis of a scientific consensus on sustainability. TNS appears potentially consensual because it argues from a position of summary trends that are scientifically informed. However, comparison with other sustainability principles shows that this appearance is unjustified. Firstly, this is because sustainability principles vary widely in their implications and purpose. Secondly, TNS is ambiguous in its approach to risk assessment and controversial in its implied proposal for zero growth in the physical parameters of the human economy, biodegradable material excepted. Two concepts from the sociology of science are used to account for international corporate and public uptake of TNS, despite its ambiguity and highly precautionary message. These are the boundary object and anchoring devices. TNS illustrates how operationalization of sustainability theories unavoidably involves value judgements relating to the choice of features to be sustained, despite any scientific content that those theories may have. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Upham, 2000. "Scientific consensus on sustainability: the case of The Natural Step," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 8(4), pages 180-190.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:8:y:2000:i:4:p:180-190
    DOI: 10.1002/1099-1719(200011)8:4<180::AID-SD143>3.0.CO;2-R
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. F Harvey & N Chrisman, 1998. "Boundary Objects and the Social Construction of GIS Technology," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 30(9), pages 1683-1694, September.
    2. Azar, Christian & Holmberg, John & Lindgren, Kristian, 1996. "Socio-ecological indicators for sustainability," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(2), pages 89-112, August.
    3. John G. Spray & Simon P. Kelley & David B. Rowley, 1998. "Evidence for a late Triassic multiple impact event on Earth," Nature, Nature, vol. 392(6672), pages 171-173, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Geoffrey P. Hammond, 2006. "‘People, planet and prosperity’: The determinants of humanity's environmental footprint," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 30(1), pages 27-36, February.
    2. Karetta Timonen & Anu Reinikainen & Sirpa Kurppa & Inkeri Riipi, 2021. "Key Indicators and Social Acceptance for Bioenergy Production Potential as Part of the Green Economy Transition Process in Local Areas of Lapland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Hammond, Geoffrey P., 2009. "Industrial energy analysis, thermodynamics and sustainability," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 84(7-8), pages 675-700, July.
    4. Geoffrey P Hammond & Hayley R Howard & Andrew Tuck, 2012. "Risk assessment of UK biofuel developments within the rapidly evolving energy and transport sectors," Journal of Risk and Reliability, , vol. 226(5), pages 526-548, October.
    5. Robert Hay, 2005. "Becoming ecosynchronous, part 1. The root causes of our unsustainable way of life," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 13(5), pages 311-325.

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