Sustainable development - historical roots of the concept

Author: Du Pisani, Jacobus

Source: Environmental Sciences, Volume 3, Number 2, June 2006 , pp. 83-96(14)

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Abstract:

This article gives an overview of the origin of the concept of sustainable development by going far back in history to trace its roots. It shows how the idea of sustainability evolved through the centuries as a counter to notions of progress. The historical context in the latter half of the 20th century is outlined, in which a paradigm shift in thinking about development caused sustainable development to occupy the centre stage in development discourses.

Keywords: Sustainable development; sustainability; history; development; progress; economic growth; conservation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15693430600688831

Affiliations: 1: School for Social and Government Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Publication date: 2006-06-01