Introduction

There is a Native American proverb that states, 'we did not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors we borrowed it from our children.' The statement implies that we must past the Earth on to our children in the end. But the question must be asked; what state will the Earth be in when we give it to them?

What is Sustainable Development?

There are many different definitions of Sustainable Development. The most popular one is 'development which meets the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. In other words creating a society in which we make prudent use of, conserve and invest in our most important resources- people and our natural environment. Consequently we must create a society in which we do not overstep environmental, social and economic limits. Sustainable Development is simply
using resources efficiently, living within the Earths limits and using our resources in a manner that ensures a decent quality of life for us and our children. At the moment we failing to do that and in doing so we are failing the next generation.

Sustainable NI

UK Government Sustainable Development

Sustainability - Agenda 21

Sustainable Development Commission

Craigavon Borough Council's priorities.

• Energy and climate
• Consumption and Production
• Natural Resource Protection
• Sustainable communities
• Governance of Sustainable Development
• Learning and communication.
  

It is a blinding truth that we only have one planet, yet in N Ireland we are living of the resources of THREE planets.

N Ireland's contribution to Global warming.

• At Present our resource efficiency is 65%
• We produce over 11 million ton of CO2 emissions each year
• We would need 3 planets to continue to live the way we already do.
• We travel over 17.5 billion miles each year, 76% of which is by car
• We are the worst offenders in Europe when it comes to wasting energy.
• Over 80% of our waste is sent to landfill.
  (Source : Northern Limits Report)

Each of us have a shared responsibility in this, and each of can make a difference.