SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

What is the meaning “sustainable development” and its relationship with our ‘‘environment’’.

Sustainable development has been defined in many ways, but the most frequently quoted definition is from the International Institute for Sustainable Development:

It says "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’’

Also, the National Policy on Environment, “sustainable development” refers to the judicious and planned use of natural resources for equitable development to meet the needs of the present generation without jeopardizing that of future generations.

The Experts Group on Environmental Law, established by the World Commission on Environment and Development, prepare reports on legal principles for environmental protection and sustainable development, and proposals for accelerating the development of relevant international law, for consideration by the World Commission on Environment and Development.

And they give special attention to legal principles and rules which ought to be in place to support environmental protection and sustainable development within and among all states.

So when we talk about Environmental Issues, then matters on desert encroachment, flood disasters, oil spillage, water pollution, climate change, depletion of ozone layer and erosion that threaten human existence, come to our minds.

Other natural and man-made disasters too are parts of environmental issues that have claim millions of lives across the world.

These environmental issues can be monitored and addressed with the use of modern scientific and technological equipment like Space technologies, geographic information system (GIS) and GPRS to facilitate an effective Early Warning System.

Meanwhile, the application of end of pipe and green technologies to reduce industrially induced environmental pollution, have also been found effective in controlling pollution.

The adoption of appropriate strategies to manage both solid and e-wastes (recycling of the wastes and scrap metals in the society) are also means of developing our environment, For example, Lagos state government established organic fertilizer plants that use wastes within the metropolis.

The fertilizer also serves as agricultural input for farmers to boost productivity.

A good environment can only be sustained through the development of creative ideas which will help in improving the state of science and technology in the country with the ability to meet present and future needs of the people.