UNDERSTANDING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE PERSPECTIVES OF ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DEBATE

Abstract

This chapter is based on developing a conceptual understanding of Sustainable Development through a critical appraisal of the debate between environment and development. In the process of writing the chapter, first a conceptual build up has been done to clearly demarcate an understanding of what shall stand for development and how it is related to the aspect of environment. Then in the second part of the chapter, emphasis is given on understanding sustainable development and how did it become an appealing choice for environmental protection. Finally the chapter discusses about the debate focusing on the project of ‘ecological modernization’ through the process of institutionalization, marginalization and ‘political economy of truth’ in order to establish how the debate had churned the definition of what we understand by ‘Sustainable Development’.