Overview

This is a graduate-level reference documenting the results of two years of research into sustainable development in Scotland, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Global Environmental Change Programme (GEC). Written for a broad audience of scientists, students, and environmentalists, it reflects the growing recognition that current patterns of economic and social development are not sustainable, and that if science is to offer ways of living within the constraints of our ecological systems, alternative paths of ecologically sound economic development must be found. Beginning with simple definitions and principles of sustainable development, it then covers the historical context of Scotland, from the Highland clearances to the present oil-rich days. It continues with examples of measuring sustainable development, environmental indicators, economic and sociopolitical measures in other countries. This is followed by a time series analysis for Scotland, outlining the natural limits to development, the theory of sustainable corridors, and alternative approaches. The authors explain the mathematics of systems dynamics and economic modelling of sustainable development policies. The work concludes with the forward-looking chapter, Towards sustainable societies.

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9781842140086

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This book begins with simple definitions and principles of sustainable development, addresses some of the major questions, and illustrates ways in which patterns of development can be measured and modelled in the search for sustainability. Readers will find the chapters on alternative approaches to modelling sustainable development and on modelling sustainable development using systems dynamics of particular interest as discussion of these approaches is usually confined to mathematical texts. Several theoretically interesting and empirically valid economic activities can be altered to make development more sustainable. A sustainable example of global and national dynamic hierarchical model is given in the book as an illustration of both the potential and the difficulties of the modelling approach. - The International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology This book is certainly interesting and will prove an excellent reference for students doing environmental management or sustainability courses, especially at the postgraduate level. In the twelve chapters the authors provide their definition of sustainable development in terms of economics, environment, equity, and ethics, introduce the concept of Scotland as a case study, and then consider what measures provide a useful and usable index for sustainability. -Bulletin of the British Ecological Society, 2002 it is a useful addition to the bookshelf and one which I will certainly be referring to and recommending to my research students. -Philip James, The International Journal of Environmental Education and Information, 2001

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