Latest comments posted about Sustainable development 20 years on on ChinaDialogue en-gb http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/868-Sustainable-development-2-years-on http://staging.chinadialogue.net/images/cdlogo.gif http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/868-Sustainable-development-2-years-on The results of a study following statistical data for cancer patients in China and abroad, carried out by a molecular biology research institute, showed that in the past ten-plus years, the incidence of cancer cases and mortality are quite shocking. The vast majority of the occurrence of cancer cases are very closely related to the environment. Large amounts of data prove that the deterioration of the environment has created an explosion in cancer cases. For a long period extending into the future, cancer rates will continue to increase. These new cases will still be closely linked to environmental pollution. Some human products that contain certain harmful chemicals and are released into the environment are now seriously threatening humans' survival and development, as well as eroding humans' rights to survival and development. If we cannot recognize and analyze the problem from this perspective, the so-called constitutional principle to “respect and protect human rights” becomes impossible to follow. The factors threatening human survival and lives are also important factors that have encroached upon human rights. Scientific technology and advancements have given modern humans great power, and a large scope of possibility for changing the environment. This necessitates a responsible and cautious approach to using our own power to “respect and protect human rights”. Before taking any action, we must first evaluate the possible consequences, and we must first consider the long-term impact on respecting and protecting human rights. Seeking short term gain and going against scientific rules of “development” will necessarily result in paying a horrible price. If we ourselves are not forced to bear the burden of this price, that means we should endeavor to bear the burden for the sake of our children; this is a grievous insult to later generations. Therefore, the environmental crisis absolutely is not just an issue in the fields of biology or hygiene. It is more a problem of respecting and protecting humans' right to life. Every level of government must take it seriously and take appropriate action to prevent and address the root of this kind of “silent killer”, this destruction of human rights. Unfortunately, very few local governments recognize the havoc wreaked by these “silent killers”, but it is the citizens being directly harmed who have no recourse. Is it that their life is not as valuable as officials' lives, or is it that their civil rights are not as valuable as officials' power? As incident after incident of environmental pollution become public; can our “public servants” really remain uncaring and indifferent? Who is it giving tacit approval and provocation, who is neglecting their responsibilities with no punishment? In comparison with the financial crisis, the consequences of the environmental crisis are much more serious and the effects longer-lasting. Although the environmental crisis is not directly expressed as a confrontation, every issue can become a major source of indifference toward and even violation of human rights. Therefore, the government's view of respecting and protecting human rights must first be expanded – expand from merely looking at environmental protection to respecting and protecting citizens' right to survival, development, and health, and truly integrate environmental protection into every facet of the government's economic policies, societal development and production, consumption and circulation systems. This would truly implement the respect and protection of human rights. We must lead society from consideration of the consequences of modern technology to establish a new global ethic of respecting and protecting human rights. The respect and protection of human rights is largely determined by the lifestyle and way of consumption our society has chosen. In order to save our world from its environmental crisis, we must first strengthen our concept of protecting human rights. -Hero Translated by Tiffany Gray Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:22:36 +0000 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-9626 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-9626 Indeed sustainable development has become familar to us. We live in the earth. The environment has an closely relationship with us. To live an happy life, even for our generations, we must protect our earth. It is every person's resposbily to do so. Mon, 28 May 2007 13:04:36 +0000 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-3753 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-3753 In response to the last comment: Surely this is all the more reason to study the term 'sustainable development' and engage with it - as this article attempts to do - to see what it really means and maybe to reclaim it from corporate (and government) PR campaigns. Numerous terms and concepts are hi-jacked every day, by every conceivable cause. But if the underlying sentiment is noble there is every reason to keep using the concept. Ultimately, we should be attempt to hold accountable those who use the term, saying: "You claim to act in the name of sustainable development. Now let's see what that really means..." Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:39:37 +0000 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-3232 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-3232 One can't help thinking that the term 'sustainable development' is now meaningless. It has been utterly co-opted by corporate PR departments. Used over and over again as a means of avoiding action whilst sounding impressive. Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:50:53 +0000 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-3229 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-3229 Perhaps. But sustainable development is, for all its apparent conceptual nobility, still intrinsically wedded to dated ideas of industrial development, consumption, and growth. Isn't it instead time to develop a new form of bright green capitalism. Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:45:04 +0000 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-3233 http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/summary/868#comment-3233