Sustainable development is not a new idea. Many cultures over the course of human history have recognized the need for harmony between the environment, society and economy. What is new is an articulation of these ideas in the context of a global industrial and information society.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE

The following timeline lists some important dates in sustainable development concerning Craigavon Borough Council

1987
The World Commission on Environment and Development publishes Our Common Future and defines Sustainable Development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

1992
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, more commonly known as the Earth Summit or "Rio", is held in Rio de Janeiro.

1997
A key turning point followed at Kyoto in 1997 where over 160 nations met to discuss climate change and signed up to the Kyoto protocol for limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

2001
The European Union Sustainable Development strategy (EU SDS) was published in 2001 with its six key objectives being to tackle climate change; natural resource protection; sustainable transport; ageing population; public health and the global dimension of sustainable development.

Craigavon's first Sustainable Development action plan "A Programme for Sustainable Development in Craigavon" was published

2006
The first Northern Ireland sustainable development strategy "First steps towards Sustainability" was published