Sustainable Development Essay example -- Environment Ecology Essays Pa

Sustainable Development Sustainable development was defined in the Bruntland Report in 1983 as â€Å"development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.† (Dresner, 31) This is a satisfactory definition for most people, however, when it comes down to the policies of sustainable development, the definition given proves dangerously vague. Interpretations that stem from it can range from ‘do not touch any of the earth’s natural resources ever again’ to ‘use them up as quickly as possible.’ There are three main philosophies behind sustainability: weak, strong, and environmental. Weak sustainability states that the total capital of the earth must not decrease. That means that the natural capital (oil, coal, forests, etc.) can decrease as long as the sum of physical (produced means of production; technology) and human (people’s physical ability to do work) capital increase at the same rate or higher. Thus, this approach assumes that most, if not all, natural capital can be substituted by technology. Strong sustainability differs from this in that it assumes that very little natural capital can be substituted. It deems human-made capital and natural capital separate entities, thus the natural capital must not decline. Economists have trouble with this idea because it seems like it is hindering the current generation in order for future generations to become vastly more wealthy assuming that the physical capital will increase with time. While they might furrow their brow at this theory, any self-respecting economist gets short of breath at the thought of environmental sustainability. This approach calls for natural resources to be left alone. It says... .... â€Å"Education is the catalyst for helping everyone understand the dynamic nature of the interrelationship† of ecology/environment, economy/employment, and equity/equality. (Edwards, 23) The environment is to be preserved as much as possible while still strengthening the economy and achieving the sense of community that goes along with controlling population and energy use with equity. Works Cited Beckerman, Wilfred. A Poverty of Reason: Sustainable Development and Economic Growth. Oakland, CA: The Independent Institute, 2003. Dresner, Simon. The Principles of Sustainability. London: Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2002. Edwards, Andres R. Sustianability Revolution: Portrait of a Paradigm Shift. Canada: New Society, 2005. Smith, Lee. "The Next Big Thing." Fortune 25 Dec. 2006: 24. Stronberg, Joel B. "More Than Solar." Solar Today Sept. 2005: 8.

Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms While Countering Terrorism Essay

1. Reaffirms that States must ensure any measure taken to combat terrorism, complies with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law not limited to, A. Torture, punishment and any other methods in which the condition of prisoners is worsened, B. Abuse of women and the use of child soldiers in order to create more man power; 2. Expresses serious concern at the occurrence of violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as of international refugee and humanitarian law, committed in the context of countering terrorism. 3. Also reaffirms the obligation of States, in accordance with article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to C. Respect certain rights as non-derogatory in any circumstances, recalls, in regard to all other Covenant rights, D. That any measures derogating from the provisions of the Covenant must be in accordance with that article in all cases, E. Underlines the exceptional and temporary nature of any such derogations, and in this regard calls upon States to raise awareness about the importance of these obligations among national authorities involved in combating terrorism; 4. Urges States, while countering terrorism: F. To fully comply with their obligations under international law, i. In particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, ii. With regard to the absolute prohibition of torture and cruelty, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment; G. To take all steps necessary to ensure that persons deprived of liberty, regardless of the place of arrest or detention, benefit from the guarantees to which they are entitled under international law, including the review of the detention and other fundamental judicial guarantees; H. To treat all prisoners in all places of detention in accordance with international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law; I. To protect all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, bearing in mind that certain counter-terrorism measures may have an impact on the benefits of these rights; J. To ensure that laws criminalizing acts of terrorism are accessible, formulated with precision, non-discriminatory, non-retroactive and in accordance with international law, including human rights law; K. To shape, review and implement of all counter-terrorism measures in accordance with the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination; 5. Welcomes the entry into force of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, L. The implementation of which will make a significant contribution in support of the rule of law in countering terrorism, M. Including by prohibiting places of secret detention, N. Encourages all States that have not yet done so to consider signing, ratifying or acceding to the Convention; 6. Calls upon the United Nations entities involved in supporting counter-terrorism efforts to continue to facilitate the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as due process and the rule of law, while countering terrorism; 7. Urges States, while ensuring full compliance with their international obligations, to ensure the rule of law and to include adequate human rights guarantees in their national procedures for the listing of individuals and entities with a view to combating terrorism; 8. Calls upon States and other relevant actors, as appropriate, to continue to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which, inter alia, reaffirms respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism; 9. Calls upon international, regional and sub-regional organizations to strengthen information-sharing, coordination and cooperation in promoting the protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law while countering terrorism; 10. Urges relevant United Nations bodies and entities and international, regional and sub-regional organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, within its mandate related to the prevention and suppression of terrorism, to step up their efforts to provide, upon request, technical assistance for building the capacity of Member States in the development and implementation of programs of assistance and support for victims of terrorism in accordance with relevant national legislation; 11. Encourages relevant United Nations bodies and entities and international, regional and sub-regional organizations, O. In particular those participating in the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which provide technical assistance, upon request, consistent with their mandates, related to the prevention and suppression of terrorism, P. To step up their efforts to ensure respect for international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, as well as the rule of law, as an element of technical assistance, including the adoption and implementation of legislative and other measures by States; 12. Hopes to be actively engaged in this matter.

The Media Image Of Women - 1129 Words

Over the past couple of months, there has been debate over the Caitlyn Jenner story, a media icon that has recently transitioned from being male to female. Although she is, in fact, the most famous trans person of our time, the media’s portrayal of her as a naturally glamorous trans woman, distorts the image of what it actually is like to be transgender. The trans community have expressed their opinion on the topic stating Jenner is not an accurate example of the lifestyle experienced by most trans women. The National LGBTQ Task Force states that transgender people are twice as likely to be unemployed and four times more likely to live in poverty compared to the general population and even more so for trans women of colour. While†¦show more content†¦Not every woman, trans or not, has access to the kind of plastic surgery procedures or glamorous lifestyle afforded Jenner. The term â€Å"the personal is political† was an important argument used by the second w ave feminists in the late 1960s. It was brought to attention that although our personal lives have a historical and cultural location, they also have a political dimension and are gendered. Most people would consider transitioning from a male to a female as a very personal decision. However in the case of Caitlyn Jenner that was entirely to the contrary, her high profile and wealth have created political impact and her image creates an unrealistic and, for most people, unattainable image of what it means to be transgender or even female. Her status in the media has deflected our attention from the alarming amount of discrimination the trans community and women face regularly. Lee describes â€Å"the personal is political,† as â€Å"...gender plays a role at every level of expectation, action and conflict...If gender influences the formation of ideas...to our concepts of the real, the rational, the ethical, and the beautiful, then it cannot fail to be central to the ways in w hich those ideas have informed our present attitudes and values.† (p. 6) How we understand institutions like the military, families and the economy is shaped by our values, privilege and gender. Personal choices reveal economic