Sustainable development 8
and ecological
modernisation
Contents
Sustainable development 208
Spreading the word 208
A complex and contested concept 211
Core principles of sustainable development 218
Sustainable development: reform or revolution? 225
Ecological modernisation: the practical solution? 227
The concept 227
Ecological modernisation as a positive-sum game? 228
Limitations of ecological modernisation 229
Ecological modernisation in practice 233
Conclusion 237
Further reading 238
Key issues
◗ What is sustainable development?
◗ Why is it such a complex and contestable concept?
◗ What are its core principles?
◗ What is ecological modernisation?
◗ What are its strengths and weaknesses?The tension between economic growth and environmental protection lies
at the heart of environmental politics. The concept of sustainable develop-
ment is a direct attempt to resolve this dichotomy by sending the message
that it is possible to have economic development whilst also protecting the