Comparative trend analysis shows striking improvements in all major societal indicators as electricity becomes available to developing nations. Discusses the linking of electrical grids between countries and across continents and the ramifications for standards of living, sustainable development, and world peace. (PVD)

Distinguishes among three types of relationships between developed and developing nations: hierarchical relationships in which developed nations are paternalistic or authoritarian, undifferentiated partnerships, and partnerships involving solidarity and social transformation. Discusses values and assumptions in economic and educational…

The relationship between the concepts "full employment" and "sustainable livelihoods" was examined in the context of international efforts to promote economic development and eradicate poverty worldwide. After a comparison of the very different economic problems facing developing nations and the nations of Eastern Europe and…

The roots of environmental problems at local, national, regional, and global levels lie in factors associated with a very low level of economic development and insufficient environmental awareness caused by a lack of education. Environmental education becomes a cornerstone of public awareness about the environment and the solution and prevention…

Disturbing global trends show that human activity continues to threaten our ability to meet current human needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability will become more inaccessible without a dramatic change in our current mindset and behavior. As the primary centers of teaching, research, and…

An intergovernmental council on sustainable development in the Arctic discussed decision making, planning, protected areas, healthy communities, governance, assessment, and the role of youth. Recommendations included measuring scientific knowledge against the benchmark of traditional knowledge, establishing an Arctic university, allowing…

Argues that understanding how all things on the planet are connected and how one action affects many aspects of an intricate web can contribute to the ability to make informed choices that help to ensure quality of life. Presents background information and resources for learning about the new paradigm of Education for Sustainability. (Contains 19…

Tourism in Indian Country is a valuable economic development strategy, but must be sustainable. Issues of community impact, cultural appropriateness, and environmental impact are best blended with economic feasibility by educated tribal employees and Indian entrepreneurs. Better institutional tribal support of Indian entrepreneurs is needed. Four…

If a new and effective rural policy is to be crafted, policymakers must realize that rural America has changed a great deal in recent years. To be sustainable, rural policy must be flexible enough to accommodate continuing changes in global structure; be sufficiently targeted to address the unique concerns found in diverse rural situations;…

This paper suggests that current paradigms and world views guiding research for social action are inadequate for directing rural community change in a high-tech, global community. For several generations, the agrarian and industrial paradigms have been accepted as appropriate for guiding social change and development. However, there are problems…

There are clear signs that community learning is the way to a more sustainable future for Australian communities, especially rural ones. There are also indications that policymakers now recognize that the people who live in communities should play an important role in determining the future of their own communities. Policy must use the best…

Social work is inadequately focused on an individual deficit view of social problems. Consideration of global social problems such as environmental degradation and poverty requires fundamental shifts in thinking about economics and our cultural history. Possibilities for social work intervention, based on transformational thinking about the…

The cooperation of indigenous peoples with international collaborations such as the Arctic Council is unique because it has both national and regional dimensions, and internal and external perspectives. Subjects important to the Saami people relative to sustainable development include conservation, fisheries, housing, reindeer-herding, creation of…

This paper examines the impending crisis of depletion of natural resources and explores the development of alternative resources for use. The topic of energy education needs to be included in the social studies curriculum. The program must focus around the following three principles: (1) the coming transition from fossil fuels to some other energy…

An eight-nation intergovernmental council concerned with sustainable development in the Arctic conducted workshops on ecosystem health, youth, alternative energy, housing, transportation, and waste management. Seven themes emerged that included community involvement in decision making, consideration of local capacities, development of information…