Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development
According to World Commission on Environment and Development
(Brundtland Report 1987), development is sustainable where it meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
Companies must be responsible enough to achieve economic growth in a
manner that pursues the protection of both social and environmental systems. This
concept of sustainability is called the Triple Bottom Line.
For me, the 3 pillars (Economic Prosperity, Environmental Quality and
Social Equity) of the Triple Bottom Line are all equally important. Based on
our lecture topic “Sustainable Development” Session 11 of our subject, Lasallian
Business Leadership Through Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibilities, environmental
sustainability without human development is also unsustainable. There are
obstacles in the sustainable development, however they can be overcome through
the following:
1.
Paradigm shifting
2.
Thinking holistically
3.
Respecting the natural world
4.
Valuing People
5.
New perspective on the Economy
In the Book of Genesis of the Bible, it was stated that
God created man to have dominion over all the creatures of the earth. God gave
man life, food and everything that he needs to survive. But in return, God gave
man the duty to cultivate and care the earth. Therefore, we owe our master,
God, the obligation of taking good care of the nature and all natural resources.
But instead, people destroy the environment by polluting the air, water and
soil. In short, people exploit and take for granted what has been freely given
by God. Some cases were caused by human culture, while most are caused by the
desire for higher personal gain/profits. An infamous case of a well-known large
petroleum company in Nigeria and the case of the largest copper mining company
in the Philippines in the 90s are just 2 examples of numerous companies around
the world which constantly destroy the natural environment for the sake of
personal profits. As a result, tons of greenhouse gases are released into the
air that cause global warming and severe climate change. The garbage that
humans throw also comes back as garbage containing more harmful effects to
humans.
So goes the so-called “Environmental
Ethics”. Environment Ethics deals with the approach to the environment that
ought to be taken as well as the approach that is taken. On the point of view
of Utilitarianism, total social cost of production equals the private costs
plus external costs not being borne by the producers. On the point of view of
Rights, people have the right to a healthy environment. Future generations,
unborn humans and nature have the right for access to clean and healthy natural
environment. Justice requires that we hand over to the next generation the
world’s condition that is not worse than the one we received from our ancestors.
Care demands humans to see matters from the perspective of those with whom we
are thus directly related and care for their specific needs.
1.
Generate cost savings
2.
Promote innovation
3.
Command premium pricing
4.
Enhance the brand image
5.
Differentiate from competitors
Perhaps, starting now, at my own
capacity, I will be more selective in choosing the products that I use, making
sure that they are environmental friendly, and dispose them properly. If
possible to recycle, then I shall recycle. That way, even in simple ways, I can
minimize harm to the environment, therefore, practicing sustainable
development.
1. Text
BUS560M SESSION
11.ppt - De La Salle University-Manila
BUS560M SESSION
12.ppt - De La Salle University-Manila
2. Images
BUS560M SESSION 11.ppt
- De La Salle University-Manila
http://florida.sierraclub.org/miami/images/greenhouse_effect2.jpg
posted by Unknown @ 9:48 PM
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