... a way of life that seeks ‘to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations’. (Learning for Our Future, p1)

There are many definitions of Sustainable Development, but they all share the same themes – needs and limitations. Our own current needs and those of ‘the poor’ should be catered for immediately. This scenario, however, should be limited to ensure that the environment's ability to continue to meet present and future needs can be supported by technological advances and social organisation.

‘The past 20 years have seen a growing realisation that the current model of development is unsustainable... In other words, we are living beyond our means. Our way of life is placing an increasing burden on the planet... Globally we are not even meeting the needs of the present let alone considering the needs of future generations.’ (UK Govt)

Scotland’s sustainable development strategy is contained in “Choosing Our Future” and the relevance of this for schools is detailed in “Learning for our Future”.