Economics and Ethical Issues Journal #3 Global Sustainable Development

In class we discussed governmental issues, the use of technology, and consumer behavior as issues that currently impact sustainable development in developed countries. In my opinion, the focus needs to be turned to developing countries. I had a videoconference at Skidmore with two members of the UN from Pakistan and one from Venezuela. The view the members from Pakistan have, which is very interesting to me, is that sustainable development is not an option for them. Developing countries have to develop to survive and when the choice is between survival for their families or saving some trees, the decision is obvious. The UN conference informed me that some of these developing countries want to get to the economic level that the US is at now, and since the US polluted so much, developers feel as though they have that right as well. The issues of technology, government involvement and consumer behavior is being focused on developed countries, but the main issues of sustainable development needs to be looked at in developing countries. Developing countries are increasing tourism and production rapidly and without the right incentives and regulations, sustainable development will not be reached. The goals of Rio and Johannesburg need to move past the main developed countries and into countries that don’t have the option right now to be sustainable. Educating these countries, and having a top down incentive for them to focus on sustainability is the main way I believe that change will be enacted globally, not just in a few locations.