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On Needs — a Central Concept in the Brundtland Report

In: Towards Sustainable Development

Author

Listed:
  • Wenche Håland

Abstract

Chapter 2 of the Brundtland Commission’s Report, Our Common Future, begins with the following: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts: the concept of ‘needs’, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and he idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organisation on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs (WCED, 1987:43). Further on, it says: Sustainable development requires meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life (WCED, 1987:44). Thus, a central concern for the World Commission is the needs of all contemporary and future human beings. Furthermore, meeting people’s basic needs and their aspiration for a better life is desirable.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenche Håland, 1999. "On Needs — a Central Concept in the Brundtland Report," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: William M. Lafferty & Oluf Langhelle (ed.), Towards Sustainable Development, chapter 3, pages 48-69, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-37879-7_3
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230378797_3
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