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Sustainable Development Series:
The Role of Individuals and Organisations in
Reaching Sustainable Development
by Waterose
Environmental degradation is a global concern and a global change towards sustainability should be a common goal. Sustainable development is a process that needs a universal social value system that cares for the needs of people today and future generations. People need to recognise that social and economic needs are dependent on the environment. The actions of both individuals and organisations working together are necessary to effect a positive change. A key element of achieving sustainability is education and the role of women. The power of the individual and groups of individuals can influence and change the direction of organisations that have the power to implement that change.
The power of the individual to create change can work in two ways; the impact of individual actions combined and/or the action of an individual can initiate change. Firstly, individual actions when combined en masse can have a powerful influence on the decisions of an organisation, whether it is a corporate organisation or a governmental organisation. For example, individual consumers can have a significant impact on product packaging by their consumer purchasing decisions. Individuals can choose the government by their individual voting decisions. The choices of the individual are influenced by education. Education is a strong factor in the changing role of women today. Women are more educated, are active in business and politics, and have a stronger voice in the sustainable development of communities. Women are key players in initiating change on how the environment is valued and the education of future generations. The second way in which the individual can initiate change occurs when the actions of a single individual incite others to change. The most notable example is Rachel Carson, who was a female scientist and author of ‘Silent Spring’. The release of this book triggered public concern about the use of chemicals in the US and is considered to be the beginning of the environmental movement today.
Increased public awareness and education of individuals is not in itself sufficient to achieve change towards sustainability. Change towards sustainability also requires the leadership and support of organisations that have the resources to implement change. These organisations include government organisations, corporate organisations, and social organisations. The government agencies need to implement the changes in procedures that enhance sustainability, from long term planning for future generations to long range accountability with international partners. Governmental agencies have the power to regulate the type and amounts of contaminants that enter the ecosystem and have an impact on future generations. Governmental agencies have to be accountable for contaminants that cross international boundaries and have an impact on other countries. Corporate organisations have the responsibility to provide consumers with environmentally friendly products and to reduce environmental degradation by changing production practises. Social organisations need to provide the public with education and resources to make sustainable choices. Women in all countries should have the right to make informed decisions about family planning, higher education, and career choices.
Women today play an important role as individuals in deepening the values placed on sustainable development by individuals and by organisations. Organisations and individuals must share a common goal to work co-operatively towards sustainable development.
Written for Royal Roads University ES301 Sustainability Lecture Series: From Theory to Reality
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