Michael Meimeth Book order

Sustainable development has been on the political agenda for more than two decades and has since evolved into a popular and powerful concept. Sustainability tells the compelling story that economic, environmental and social concerns can be addressed in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner while contributing to inter-generational justice. The particular challenge with regard to the physical and natural environment of a society and the environment’s subsequent impact or feedback onto a society’s economy is by its very nature a long-term policy perspective that is susceptible to short term changes and alterations to the cost-benefit calculations of political actors and social recipients directly and indirectly affected by sustainable development policy impacts. The chapters in this volume explore the comparative nature and character in the US and Europe of the cultural and social challenges to a coherent and effective strategy of sustainable development.

Policy makers globally, particularly in the transatlantic region, face a significant sustainability challenge. This volume presents findings from the first of two transatlantic symposia organized by the ASKO EUROPA STIFTUNG and Texas A&M University in 2008-2009, focusing on political and economic perspectives that influence sustainable development. The eight principal papers included represent various academic disciplines and methodologies, examining what decision makers understand by “sustainable development.” They investigate whether national, European, and American paradigms shape strategies for sustainable development and analyze the political and economic realities surrounding it. The papers address four key questions: (1) Is there a shared European and American perspective on sustainable development? (2) Are there consistent policies and stakeholders influencing sustainable development in both regions? (3) What are the political and economic implications of sustainable development in Europe and the U.S., and how do they compare? (4) What impact does the European and American approach to sustainable development have on the transatlantic relationship? Contributions come from a range of experts, providing a comprehensive overview of these pressing issues.