Suchergebnisse

Following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the 2002
World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, and the
2012 Rio+20 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, sustainable development has
become a widely accepted concept. World decision makers are seeking a
more sustainable development path through the ongoing UN Post-2105
Agenda discussions, which includes key themes like the Green Economy
(GE) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). They are hoping to
find integrated solutions to many critical problems, including
traditional development issues (such as energy scarcity, economic
stagnation, poverty, hunger, and illness), as well as newer challenges
(like climate change and globalisation). Energy is critical for
sustainable development. Sustainable energy development (SED) is an
operational framework involving the harnessing of energy resources for
human use, in a manner that supports lasting development [Munasinghe
(1995)]. We begin with a review of sustainable development itself,
before describing the key role of energy. The World Commission on
Environment and Development originally defined it as "development which
meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs", and there have been many
subsequent redefinitions.

Background to structural adjustment
The oil price increases of the 1970s, the worldwide recession, and developing country debt crisis of the 1980s, led to the adoption of so-called structural adjustment policies (SAPs). These economic reform packages which included stringent monetary and fiscal measures, sought to restore conditions for growth and development by a combination of short-term 'stabilization' and more medium-term 'adjustment' policies for the macro-economy. SAPs have not always achieved their economic goals, for a variety of reasons. Of greater relevance is the fact that even where economic gains have been realized through structural adjustment, both
environmental and social problems have persisted in several countries. The growing sustainable development literature is seeking to identify and remedy development strategies that lead to the unsustainable use of natural resources and the environment. One key question is whether the very economic policies being prescribed to alleviate economic problems are perhaps undermining the environmental resources and social fabric on which the long-term development of nations will ultimately depend.

A review of the progress made in developing countries toward provision of clean water & adequate sanitation in cities & rural areas since 1970, with focus on the International Water Supply & Sanitation Decade, 1981-1990. Only indicative estimates are presented due to variation in data sources & wide differences in populations. Given the uncertainty regarding these & other factors, a systematic flexible approach for analysis & decision making concerning water issues is proposed. The key elements of the Integrated Water Resources Planning (IWRP) framework are economic evaluation of water projects & programs, optimization of water supply systems, water environmental & demand analysis, & policy instruments for water management. Effectiveness of IWRP is dependent on national objectives & a feasible financing plan, engineering & technical standards, an institutional framework for water supply, & proper maintenance & follow up in the field. Typical characteristics of institutional frameworks are illustrated, utilizing the examples of Cyprus, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Uruguay, Yemen, & Zaire, whose problems of finance, government interference, & lack of technical staff show that strategies for water supply & sanitation must be planned according to sound economic & environmental principles. 6 Tables, 1 Figure, 28 References. Adapted from the source document.