Sustainability and Development Goals

Human beings for centuries have been adapting to and creating environments to ensure survival and enable the species to flourish. During modernity rapid industrialisation increased the exploitation of raw materials, natural resources and led to different societal arrangements.  The outcomes of these processes led to human expansion with regional differences.  Nonetheless this human development led to the detriment of natural environments and at the expense of other species that co-inhabit the planet. 

In the present century, the recognition of regional development and the resulting inequalities led to the establishment of the Millennium Declaration (2000).  As an international agreement eight measurable development goals were set out to promote human development.  By 2015, the goals were extended to seventeen in total; incorporating sustainability, climate action and life on land and in the water.   The need for collective international and local sustainability responses indicates that workers need to be able to work in different contexts with different groups to work towards fulfilment of the development goals.

This module guides the learner to critically analyse the development goals and other international and local responses advocating sustainability.  It will encourage learners to engage with theoretical frameworks to critically analyse the term sustainability and to make personal judgements regarding the effectiveness of the development goals.  Drawing upon models of practice the learner will develop and apply practical skills to promote sustainability within a local context. 

1. Articulate a broad understanding of theoretical frameworks associated with sustainability  

2. Critically analyse different approaches to sustainable development

3. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of international and national legislative and policies pertaining to sustainability 

4. Devise, facilitate and evaluate a programme that promotes sustainability development