Public and environmental sustainability

Abstract

Environmental sustainability is the ability to meet humanity's current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The goals of sustainability are improved living conditions for all people while maintaining a healthy environment in which natural resources are not overused and excessive pollution is not generated. Nowadays, environmental problems are much more difficult to resolve. Therefore, public awareness and participation is an essential part to achieve environmental sustainability. In general, actions that give public more control over their own environment and lives are the key to move them towards sustainability. Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration for example, encourages each country to have informed citizens who can participate in environmental management. To be added, the doctrine of public participation in environmental law also requires that individuals who are to benefit or suffer from an establishment of any given project in their area should be consulted and involved in the decision-making process of the project at all stages, before, during and after the life of the project. Public are generally concerned about environment, but their concerns do not naturally translate into action. For that reason, the role of the Government, the media, schools and other institutions is important in raising awareness on environmental issues if the public is to understand environmental issues and participate at all levels. With that, the public becomes aware of any environmental problem and triggers discussion of remediation will be making before the problem is clearly identified.