The Brundtland Commission, formally known as the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1983. The commission was named after Gro Harlem Brundtland, the former Prime Minister of Norway, who was appointed as its chairperson. The WCED’s primary objective was to study the impact of human activities on the environment and to propose policies for sustainable development. The commission released its report, called the Brundtland Report, in 1987, which has since become a cornerstone of global sustainable development efforts.
Who was Gro Harlem Brundtland?
Gro Harlem Brundtland was a Norwegian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Norway three times, from 1981 to 1986, 1986 to 1989, and 1990 to 1996. Brundtland was a medical doctor by training, and during her political career, she championed public health and environmental issues. In 1983, the United Nations appointed her as the chairperson of the newly established World Commission on Environment and Development.
The Establishment of the Brundtland Commission
The establishment of the Brundtland Commission came at a time when environmental concerns were gaining significant attention globally. The commission was formed in response to the urgent need for action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. The commission was tasked with examining the complex interrelationships between economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
The Brundtland Report and the Popularization of Sustainable Development
In 1987, the Brundtland Commission released its report, titled “Our Common Future.” The report defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The report stressed the need for a holistic approach to development, which considers environmental, social, and economic factors. The Brundtland Report was widely influential and became a defining document of sustainable development efforts.
The Legacy of the Brundtland Commission
The Brundtland Commission’s legacy is significant, as its work played a crucial role in shaping the global sustainable development agenda. The commission’s report helped to popularize the term “sustainable development,” and its definition has become widely accepted. The concept of sustainable development has been incorporated into numerous international agreements, including the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The commission’s work also led to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme and the adoption of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. The Rio Declaration, which was adopted at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, articulated principles for sustainable development, including the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.