Environmental Sustainability Term Paper

Total Length: 715 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 5

Page 1 of 2

Environmental Sustainability

At this point in time, there is a tremendous difference in European and American approaches to environmental sustainability, with the result being that the U.S. is falling behind Europe in its ability to foster and maintain sustainable development practices. This has a negative impact on American progress, as encouraging consumptive development places the U.S. In a less competitive position than other developed nations, while saddling it with some of the drawbacks of doing business in developing nations. Sustainable development means "meeting the needs of present generations without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs- in other words, a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come" (European Commission, 2012). Sustainable development can be influenced by official policies, so that government and businesses play important roles in helping influence sustainable development, and this official influence seems to be part of why Europe is having more success at implementing sustainable development policies than the United States.

Sustainable development policies require a different approach to business. Rather than placing profit at the top of the priority list, sustainable development means that "economic progress must not compromise the key assets of humanity: the quality of the environment and landscapes, human rights and social equity, cultural diversity and democracy" (Council of Europe, 2012).
This requires a cultural change where the policies of conservation are given priority over the policies of profit. One reason that Europe may be better suited for this societal-level change is the different structure of government in Europe when compared to the United States. Many European Union member nations have a much higher degree of socialist practices and policies, so that thinking about the collective good is already part of their mindset. Furthermore, American culture is very resistant to the type of oversight and top-down planning that characterizes the best practices in sustainable development (European Sustainable Development Network, 2012).

Expanding that type of collective thought to include environmental concerns and issues was a natural next-step for many European countries. The commitment to environment protection "recognises that in the long-term, economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection must go hand….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


Related Essays

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility CSR

around the world have enacted laws and regulations that businesses must adhere to so as to foster community wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Inattention to social and environmental concerns may harm an organization's public reputation or have serious legal ramifications on the organization. WECAREHealth (WCH), a New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company, is facing serious human rights issues and environmental concerns due to its activities in the African nation of Colberia. WCH is one of the most successful pharmaceutical companies in the world, but the company's little or no regard for workers and the environment in its Colberian operations is one of its major shortcomings as far as corporate ethical responsibility is concerned.… Continue Reading...

Business Ethics Practices Compliance Auditing

are in a position uniquely situated to promote environmental sustainability at all levels of business practice (Pedersen, Gwordz & Hvass, 2016). Stakeholders may also respond to ethical decisions by altering their own behaviors, resulting in a domino effect of changing values and social norms. Organizations are in a position to set new standards of behavior among their peers in the industry and between competing stakeholder groups in government, target consumer audiences, and the supply chain. Because of their power, experience, and role, leaders in organizations have a direct impact on improving stakeholder relationships by practicing corporate social responsibility.… Continue Reading...

One Nation Under Walmart Essay

Feeding America in 2009” (p. 23). Moreover, the company has achieved a 60% increase in fuel efficiency in its vehicle fleet since 2005 (Creel, 2011). The company has also taken aggressive steps to improve its overall environmental sustainability in recent years (Orlando, 2012).  Besides the foregoing laudable efforts, the company has also partnered with First Lady Michelle Obama to provide healthier low-cost food alternatives in its retail stores (Shaw). In this regard, Hauter (2014) reports that, “Not only is Walmart promising to sell more organic products than ever before, but the company says it will sell them cheaply” (p. 19). Moreover, even the company’s critics praised Walmart’s efforts to provide humanitarian relief following Hurricane Katrina and environmental sustainability efforts. In this regard, Shaw advises that: Walmart… Continue Reading...

Intelligent Information Systems for Cars and Highways

world, smart technologies enable efficient traffic management that can supplant the need for building new roads, making IVHS ideal for promoting safety, environmental sustainability, and cost savings too (Collier and Weiland, 1994). Traffic congestion also leads to loss of worker productivity and wasted fuel, both of which are readily alleviated when using IVHS (Jurgen, 1991). Vehicles have sensor-driven data like GPS, 360-degree positional awareness, and risk calculation. Not only can vehicles with onboard smart technologies accomplish important safety mechanisms like automatic braking and cooperative adaptive cruise control, the information is also available in the cloud-based infrastructure, communicated to other enabled vehicles on the road. Vehicles communicate with each other, as well as… Continue Reading...

Global Warming in 21st Century

planet is inhabitable in the future -- we must stop clearing forests, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and be more environment-conscious. Achieving environmental sustainability, however, comes at a cost. For us to shift to more sustainable energy sources and more environment-friendly infrastructural designs, as well as reduce our vulnerability to storms and other natural disasters, a price must be paid. Regrettably, a few are willing to pay the price. In as much as we theoretically acknowledge our ethical and moral responsibilities for the planet, we are in practice not making the necessary sacrifices to safeguard the future of our generations. This gap between theory and practice largely stems from differences in contributions… Continue Reading...

sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Environmental Sustainability" (2013, January 08) Retrieved June 5, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/environmental-sustainability-77279

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Environmental Sustainability" 08 January 2013. Web.5 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/environmental-sustainability-77279>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Environmental Sustainability", 08 January 2013, Accessed.5 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/environmental-sustainability-77279