v
The different aspects of sustainable development are treated in an evergrowing number of publications. Since the approach here is geographically
most comprehensive, this book, issued in the Springer series of Sustainable
Development Goals, is a welcome addition to that rich library. An advantage
and novelty of the geographers’ approach is that he has an overview of the
operation of the total Earth system, including the geospheres from the core to
the stratosphere, and not overlooking the intricate trade-offs between human
activities and the global environment. The contents of the book are arranged
according to this approach: following basic information on general systems
theory and the brief description and evaluation of Earth models, the environmental systems are presented starting with endogenic effects on society. Then
the main issues of human transformation of the pedosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere and the operation of the anthroposphere are investigated in the
concept of systems theory.
A major step towards the scientific foundation of sustainable development
was the formulation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United
Nations for 2030. In Chap. 6 of the volume, the difficulties involved in the
implementation of some of the goals (for instance, the reduction of social and
economic inequalities, the provision of affordable food, water, energy to all
and others) are examined. The small steps necessary towards reaching these
goals are outlined. The authors constantly confront their own views with the
opinions of a whole range of international experts engaged in the study of the
future of humankind. Emphasis is laid on raising the level of environmental
awareness through education—both within the walls of its institutions and
employing any channel useful for the shaping of public opinion.
Experts are aware of the fact that the global environment is in critical condition. The exceedance of several planetary boundaries (biogeochemical
flows of nitrogen and phosphorus, genetic diversity and possibly climate
change) has been proven by scientists. The disproportions in the balance of
demand and supply have been pointed out for several resources (land, water,
food). The scientific basis of sustainable use of (conditionally) renewable and
non-renewable resources as well as the reduction of pollution has been established and it is solid. However, it is primarily the responsibility of decisionmakers who rely on scientific findings in designing and implementing
long-term development plans. Although many threats to sustainable development are enumerated and analysed in various chapters, the authors are convinced that a transformation of the system of political institutions is inevitable
Foreword
The different aspects of sustainable development are treated in an evergrowing number of publications. Since the approach here is geographically
most comprehensive, this book, issued in the Springer series of Sustainable
Development Goals, is a welcome addition to that rich library. An advantage
and novelty of the geographers’ approach is that he has an overview of the
operation of the total Earth system, including the geospheres from the core to
the stratosphere, and not overlooking the intricate trade-offs between human
activities and the global environment. The contents of the book are arranged
according to this approach: following basic information on general systems
theory and the brief description and evaluation of Earth models, the environmental systems are presented starting with endogenic effects on society. Then
the main issues of human transformation of the pedosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere and the operation of the anthroposphere are investigated in the
concept of systems theory.
A major step towards the scientific foundation of sustainable development
was the formulation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United
Nations for 2030. In Chap. 6 of the volume, the difficulties involved in the
implementation of some of the goals (for instance, the reduction of social and
economic inequalities, the provision of affordable food, water, energy to all
and others) are examined. The small steps necessary towards reaching these
goals are outlined. The authors constantly confront their own views with the
opinions of a whole range of international experts engaged in the study of the
future of humankind. Emphasis is laid on raising the level of environmental
awareness through education—both within the walls of its institutions and
employing any channel useful for the shaping of public opinion.
Experts are aware of the fact that the global environment is in critical condition. The exceedance of several planetary boundaries (biogeochemical
flows of nitrogen and phosphorus, genetic diversity and possibly climate
change) has been proven by scientists. The disproportions in the balance of
demand and supply have been pointed out for several resources (land, water,
food). The scientific basis of sustainable use of (conditionally) renewable and
non-renewable resources as well as the reduction of pollution has been established and it is solid. However, it is primarily the responsibility of decisionmakers who rely on scientific findings in designing and implementing
long-term development plans. Although many threats to sustainable development are enumerated and analysed in various chapters, the authors are convinced that a transformation of the system of political institutions is inevitable
Foreword