A Practitioner’s Challenge in Sustainable Development
(Section Summary)

Sustainable development evaluations, as a preventative approach to environmentally and socially regrettable undertakings, is seen as a means of expanding the emphasis of considerations in decision-making that provides a more comprehensive assessment of the many multi-dimensional problems society faces today. But, the central principles of sustainability are not always well elaborated or applied. This is in part because we are just beginning and in part because seeking sustainability means challenging conventional assumptions and practices. The time has come for professionals to learn about and implement a multi-dimensional way of thinking about a future for our children in which environmental, societal, and economic concerns are considered equally, and at the same time, in the pursuit of an improved quality of life for everyone. The challenge for practitioners is to begin to conceptualize sustainability in the context of interdisciplinary scientific understanding and promote the taking of action that reaches across boundaries, disciplines, and cultures.

Therefore, as more of society becomes focused on sustainability and its philosophical foundation, new understanding is called for in the sustainability practitioner. The concept and recognized need for sustainable development in a global arena has matured to the point that society expects practicing sustainability professionals to act as responsibly in advancing socio-economic progress, protecting human health, and conserving natural resources as other licensed professionals. Emphasis needs to be placed on how the sustainability practitioner can implement a new social contract for science that encourages greater interaction in the conduct of citizen science, adopting a much more inclusive approach that engages many different sectors assertively in discussing the meaning and usefulness of science to advance sustainable societies.

Cross disciplinary training can enhance the professional's awareness of issues and methods beyond their own disciplinary enquiry, enabling them to explore the interrelations of these issues and methods, and encouraging professionals to regard their own practice in a broader social and ecological perspective. Professionals must be able to demonstrate a reorientation to their experience and practice that includes: (a) principles, skills, perspectives, and values related to sustainability; (b) continued learning that is appropriate and relevant; (c) the ability to integrate environment, economy, and society concerns; and (d) learning the knowledge, tools and assessment of values that will guide and motivate people to participate in a democratic society and live in a sustainable manner. .......... read more!

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