Our Common Future Summary
Our Common Future argues that environmental protection and economic development are inseparable and must be addressed
together. Many global problems (poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and economic instability) are interconnected and
reinforce each other. The report introduces the concept of sustainable development, defined as meeting present needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It emphasizes that poverty is both a cause and a consequence of
environmental damage and must be reduced to achieve sustainability. The report calls for changes in production, consumption,
energy use, and urban development, as well as stronger international cooperations. Sustainable development is presented as the long-
term path that allows human progress withing the planet’s ecological limits.
Into Eternity
Is a documentary about Finland’s Onkalo nuclear waste repository, exploring how radioactive waste can be stored for 100,000 years
and how to warn future generations about its danger.
Sustainable Development Goals
1. End all forms of poverty everywhere. 9. Build resilient infrastructure and support
2. End hunger and ensure access to notorious food. innovation.
3. Ensure healthy lives for all ages. 10. Reduce inequalities within and between countries.
4. Provide inclusive and quality education for 11. Make cities inclusive, safe and sustainable.
everyone. 12. Use resources sufficiently and reduce waste.
5. Achieve equality and empower all women and 13. Take action to combat climate change.
girls. 14. Protect ocean and marine ecosystems.
6. Ensure access to clean water and sanitation. 15. Protect forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems on
7. Ensure access to sustainable energy for all. land.
8. Promote decent jobs and economic growth. 16. Promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.
17. Strengthen global cooperation to achieve the goals
Lectures
Lecture 1: Introduction to sustainable development
Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet
their own needs. It’s based on three pillars; Environmental (Protecting nature and ecosystems), Social (Ensuring equality, health,
and quality of life), and Economic (Creating long-term economic stability). All three pillars must be balanced for development to be
sustainable.
Greenwashing: Refers to products, companies, or policies that appear sustainable, but in reality, they’re not. It’s often used as a
marketing strategy to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Global context before sustainability (1960s)
The 1960s were marked by major political, social and technological changes:
• Economic growth was measured mainly by GDP (Gross Domestic Products), which increased even during war and
pollution.
• John F. Kennedy criticized this model, arguing GDP does not measure well-being.
• Vietnam war increased GDP through weapon production.
• Space race and the moon landing symbolized technological progress.
• Cold war & Berlin wall divided the world politically and culturally.
• Civil rights movements highlighted inequality and racism.
• May 1968 protests challenged capitalism and unequal opportunities.
• OPEC highlighted global dependence on oil (fuel, transport, plastics)
These developments raised questions about whether economic growth alone was a good indicator of progress.
New Environmental Thinking
Several influential works changed how people viewed growth and resources:
• The population bomb (1968) - warned of overpopulation and global famine (food shortage).
• Silent Spring - exposed environmental damage from pesticides and criticized the chemical industry.
• Kenneth E. Boulding - “Spaceship Earth” (1966) - described Earth as a closed system with limited resources.
1
, These ideas emphasizes that the planet has limits.
The Limits to Growth (1972)
A report by the Club of Rome examined the future of humanity using computer models. It focused on; Population growth, Food
production, Industrial output, Pollution, Use of non-renewable resources. The key idea was, that unlimited economic growth is
impossible on a limited planet. Technology may help but cannot remove all limits.
Limited planet vs. Unlimited growth
The core sustainable dilemma:
• Resources regenerate slower than we consume them.
• Environmental damage often appears with delay, making it harder to react in time.
Sustainable development timeline
1970s • 1988: IPCC established to study climate change.
• 1971: First UN resolution on development and 1990s
environment. • 1992: Rio Earth Summit
• 1972: o Agenda 21
o Polluter pays principle (those who pollute o Climate convention (UNFCCC)
must pay) • 1997: Kyoto protocol on reducing greenhouse gas
o UN conference on the human emissions.
environment (Stockholm) 2000s-2010s
1980s • 2000: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
• 1980: Term sustainable development appears in UN • 2015: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
documents.
• 1987: Brundtland Report - Our Common Future →
Gave the classic definition of sustainable
development.
Lecture 2: Introduction to built environment
The built environment refers to all human-made surroundings, as opposed to the natural environment. It includes buildings,
infrastructure, public spaces, and systems that support human activities.
Key chrematistics:
• Human-made, arranged, or maintained
• Designed to fulfil human needs, wants and values
• Mediates between human and the natural environment
• Strongly influences human behaviour, health, and well-being
The built environment can be defined at many scales, from small objects to entire cities and regions.
There is a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Human purposes and values and The built environment we create. We shape
the built environment, and the built environment shapes us (e.g. lifestyle, mobility, health, and social interactions).
Components of the Buil Environment
The built environment can be organised into seven interrelated components, each part of a larger system:
1. Products: Materials, tools, machines, and 5. Cities: Dense groupings of structures and
construction elements that extend human capacity. landscape forming communities for economic,
2. Interiors: Enclosed spaces created by arranging social, and cultural purposes.
products inside of structures (homes, office, 6. Regions: Groups of cities and landscapes sharing
schools). political, social, economic, or environmental
3. Structures: Buildings and infrastructures with characteristics.
internal spaces and external form (bridges, houses, 7. Earth: The largest scale, containing and connecting
dams). alle other components.
4. Landscapes: Planned outdoor areas that support
structures and activities (parks, agricultural land).
Each component is nested withing the next and contributes to the larger system.
Environmental impact
The way cities are built affects Flooding (Impervious surfaces reduce water infiltration), Pollution, and Water scarcity (Shortage).
Urban design choices directly influence environmental sustainability.
Urbanisation
Urbanisation is the process where populations move from rural areas to urban areas, leading to Growth of cities, Higher population
density, and Changes in lifestyles and behaviour. Urbanisation is one of the most powerful forces shaping built environment.
• Urban sprawl: Horizontal, low-density expansion Challenges
of cities into surrounding land. • Environmental challenges (pollution, climate
• Verticalisation: Vertical growth through high-rise impact)
buildings and compact development. • Social challenges (inequality, informal settlements)
Cities often develop using a mix of both. • Economic challenges (housing affordability,
Urbanisation is closely linked to economic growth and infrastructure cost)
environmental pressure. Opportunities
• Access to clean water and sanitation
2
Our Common Future argues that environmental protection and economic development are inseparable and must be addressed
together. Many global problems (poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and economic instability) are interconnected and
reinforce each other. The report introduces the concept of sustainable development, defined as meeting present needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It emphasizes that poverty is both a cause and a consequence of
environmental damage and must be reduced to achieve sustainability. The report calls for changes in production, consumption,
energy use, and urban development, as well as stronger international cooperations. Sustainable development is presented as the long-
term path that allows human progress withing the planet’s ecological limits.
Into Eternity
Is a documentary about Finland’s Onkalo nuclear waste repository, exploring how radioactive waste can be stored for 100,000 years
and how to warn future generations about its danger.
Sustainable Development Goals
1. End all forms of poverty everywhere. 9. Build resilient infrastructure and support
2. End hunger and ensure access to notorious food. innovation.
3. Ensure healthy lives for all ages. 10. Reduce inequalities within and between countries.
4. Provide inclusive and quality education for 11. Make cities inclusive, safe and sustainable.
everyone. 12. Use resources sufficiently and reduce waste.
5. Achieve equality and empower all women and 13. Take action to combat climate change.
girls. 14. Protect ocean and marine ecosystems.
6. Ensure access to clean water and sanitation. 15. Protect forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems on
7. Ensure access to sustainable energy for all. land.
8. Promote decent jobs and economic growth. 16. Promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.
17. Strengthen global cooperation to achieve the goals
Lectures
Lecture 1: Introduction to sustainable development
Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet
their own needs. It’s based on three pillars; Environmental (Protecting nature and ecosystems), Social (Ensuring equality, health,
and quality of life), and Economic (Creating long-term economic stability). All three pillars must be balanced for development to be
sustainable.
Greenwashing: Refers to products, companies, or policies that appear sustainable, but in reality, they’re not. It’s often used as a
marketing strategy to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Global context before sustainability (1960s)
The 1960s were marked by major political, social and technological changes:
• Economic growth was measured mainly by GDP (Gross Domestic Products), which increased even during war and
pollution.
• John F. Kennedy criticized this model, arguing GDP does not measure well-being.
• Vietnam war increased GDP through weapon production.
• Space race and the moon landing symbolized technological progress.
• Cold war & Berlin wall divided the world politically and culturally.
• Civil rights movements highlighted inequality and racism.
• May 1968 protests challenged capitalism and unequal opportunities.
• OPEC highlighted global dependence on oil (fuel, transport, plastics)
These developments raised questions about whether economic growth alone was a good indicator of progress.
New Environmental Thinking
Several influential works changed how people viewed growth and resources:
• The population bomb (1968) - warned of overpopulation and global famine (food shortage).
• Silent Spring - exposed environmental damage from pesticides and criticized the chemical industry.
• Kenneth E. Boulding - “Spaceship Earth” (1966) - described Earth as a closed system with limited resources.
1
, These ideas emphasizes that the planet has limits.
The Limits to Growth (1972)
A report by the Club of Rome examined the future of humanity using computer models. It focused on; Population growth, Food
production, Industrial output, Pollution, Use of non-renewable resources. The key idea was, that unlimited economic growth is
impossible on a limited planet. Technology may help but cannot remove all limits.
Limited planet vs. Unlimited growth
The core sustainable dilemma:
• Resources regenerate slower than we consume them.
• Environmental damage often appears with delay, making it harder to react in time.
Sustainable development timeline
1970s • 1988: IPCC established to study climate change.
• 1971: First UN resolution on development and 1990s
environment. • 1992: Rio Earth Summit
• 1972: o Agenda 21
o Polluter pays principle (those who pollute o Climate convention (UNFCCC)
must pay) • 1997: Kyoto protocol on reducing greenhouse gas
o UN conference on the human emissions.
environment (Stockholm) 2000s-2010s
1980s • 2000: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
• 1980: Term sustainable development appears in UN • 2015: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
documents.
• 1987: Brundtland Report - Our Common Future →
Gave the classic definition of sustainable
development.
Lecture 2: Introduction to built environment
The built environment refers to all human-made surroundings, as opposed to the natural environment. It includes buildings,
infrastructure, public spaces, and systems that support human activities.
Key chrematistics:
• Human-made, arranged, or maintained
• Designed to fulfil human needs, wants and values
• Mediates between human and the natural environment
• Strongly influences human behaviour, health, and well-being
The built environment can be defined at many scales, from small objects to entire cities and regions.
There is a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Human purposes and values and The built environment we create. We shape
the built environment, and the built environment shapes us (e.g. lifestyle, mobility, health, and social interactions).
Components of the Buil Environment
The built environment can be organised into seven interrelated components, each part of a larger system:
1. Products: Materials, tools, machines, and 5. Cities: Dense groupings of structures and
construction elements that extend human capacity. landscape forming communities for economic,
2. Interiors: Enclosed spaces created by arranging social, and cultural purposes.
products inside of structures (homes, office, 6. Regions: Groups of cities and landscapes sharing
schools). political, social, economic, or environmental
3. Structures: Buildings and infrastructures with characteristics.
internal spaces and external form (bridges, houses, 7. Earth: The largest scale, containing and connecting
dams). alle other components.
4. Landscapes: Planned outdoor areas that support
structures and activities (parks, agricultural land).
Each component is nested withing the next and contributes to the larger system.
Environmental impact
The way cities are built affects Flooding (Impervious surfaces reduce water infiltration), Pollution, and Water scarcity (Shortage).
Urban design choices directly influence environmental sustainability.
Urbanisation
Urbanisation is the process where populations move from rural areas to urban areas, leading to Growth of cities, Higher population
density, and Changes in lifestyles and behaviour. Urbanisation is one of the most powerful forces shaping built environment.
• Urban sprawl: Horizontal, low-density expansion Challenges
of cities into surrounding land. • Environmental challenges (pollution, climate
• Verticalisation: Vertical growth through high-rise impact)
buildings and compact development. • Social challenges (inequality, informal settlements)
Cities often develop using a mix of both. • Economic challenges (housing affordability,
Urbanisation is closely linked to economic growth and infrastructure cost)
environmental pressure. Opportunities
• Access to clean water and sanitation
2
