5
Oct, 2023
The Sustainable Development Goals Through the Perspective of the Bible and Christian Faith (Part 2)

Unlocking Sustainable Development: Your Vital Role

The Essence of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the crucial path forward for our planet and future generations. In this article, we’ll explore what sustainable development means, why it’s vital, and how you can be an essential part of this journey toward a more sustainable world.

Defining Sustainable Development

Sustainable development seeks harmony between environmental protection, economic growth, and social progress. It aims to meet today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. This concept, often summarized as “people, planet, profit,” underpins global efforts to address pressing global challenges.

Environmental Protection: Our Shared Responsibility

Preserving the environment is a cornerstone of sustainable development. It involves reducing emissions, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices. By safeguarding the environment, we secure clean air, water, and a stable climate for the future.

Preserving Our Natural World

One of the central pillars of sustainable development is environmental protection. This means not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also preserving the Earth’s rich biodiversity. Sustainable development recognizes that the natural world is not just a backdrop but a foundation of our well-being.

Ensuring a Livable Planet

Environmental protection isn’t a distant goal. It’s about ensuring that our planet remains habitable for future generations. It’s about securing the foundations of life itself. As stewards of this planet, it’s our responsibility to take actions that protect and rejuvenate the environment.

Balancing Economic Growth for All

Economic growth is another pillar of sustainable development. It doesn’t mean sacrificing progress. Instead, it encourages responsible business practices, fair trade, and green investments. When done right, economic growth reduces poverty and enhances the quality of life.

Economic Growth with a Purpose

Sustainable economic growth isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s about creating businesses that consider their impact on the environment and society. It’s about fair wages, ethical sourcing, and investments in renewable energy and green technologies. Such growth benefits not only shareholders but also employees, communities, and the planet.

Lifting All Boats

Balancing economic growth with sustainability is not just an idealistic notion. It’s a pragmatic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of our global economy. By investing in sustainable industries and practices, we can create jobs, drive innovation, and ensure that prosperity is shared among all segments of society.

Promoting Social Progress: Equality for All

Social progress is equally important. Sustainable development aims to create inclusive societies by reducing inequality, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and promoting gender equality. It seeks to build communities where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background.

Inclusive Societies

Inclusivity lies at the heart of social progress. Sustainable development is about creating societies where opportunities are available to all, regardless of their socio-economic background, race, or ethnicity. It’s about reducing disparities and providing equal access to essential services like education and healthcare.

Gender Equality Matters

Gender equality is a crucial aspect of social progress. When women and men have equal opportunities and representation, it not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the overall well-being and resilience of societies. Sustainable development recognizes that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a pathway to a more just and sustainable world.

Why Sustainable Development Matters to You

Unlocking Sustainable Development: Your Vital Role

Your life is intricately linked to the global ecosystem. Sustainable development ensures a better quality of life for you and future generations. It guarantees clean air, water, and a stable climate.

Connected to the Global Ecosystem

So, why should you care about sustainable development? Well, the simple answer is that it affects all of us. Whether you live in a bustling city or a remote village, your life is connected to the global ecosystem. The food you eat, the air you breathe, and the water you drink are all impacted by the choices we make as a society. By embracing sustainable development, we can ensure a better quality of life for ourselves and future generations.

Quality of Life

Sustainable development isn’t just an abstract concept. It’s about improving your quality of life. It’s about having access to clean air and water, nutritious food, and a stable climate. It’s about living in a society where opportunities are available to all, regardless of their background.

Taking Action: Practical Steps for Sustainable Living

Now, let’s get practical. How can you contribute to sustainable development in your daily life? Here are some simple steps you can take:

  1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cut waste by recycling materials, reusing items, and minimizing single-use plastics. Every little bit helps!
  2. Save Energy: Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, use energy-efficient bulbs and appliances, and consider installing solar panels if possible.
  3. Support Sustainable Products: Choose eco-friendly, ethically sourced items with a lower environmental footprint.
  4. Use Public Transportation: Opt for public transport, carpool, bike, or walk whenever you can to reduce your carbon footprint.
  5. Conserve Water: Fix leaks, install water-saving fixtures, and be mindful of water use at home.
  6. Eat Sustainably: Reduce meat consumption, support local and organic producers, and reduce food waste.
  7. Advocate for Change: Get involved in local and global efforts to promote sustainable policies and practices. Join community groups or participate in environmental campaigns.
  8. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about environmental issues and the latest developments in sustainable technologies and practices.
  9. Vote Wisely: Support political leaders and policies that prioritize sustainability and climate action.

Remember, sustainable development isn’t just the responsibility of governments or large corporations. It’s a collective effort that involves each and every one of us. By making conscious choices in our daily lives and advocating for positive change, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

The Challenges and Rewards of Sustainable Development

Challenges include overcoming entrenched interests and changing habits. However, the rewards are immense: a world with clean air, water, reduced poverty, and opportunities for future generations.

Overcoming Challenges

It’s important to acknowledge that the path to sustainable development is not without its challenges. It requires overcoming entrenched interests, changing long-standing habits, and making difficult choices. However, the rewards are immense. A sustainable world is one where we can enjoy clean air and water, where poverty and inequality are reduced, and where future generations have the opportunity to thrive.

The Enormous Rewards

The challenges of sustainable development may seem daunting, but the rewards are enormous. A sustainable world is a world where we can breathe clean air, drink safe water, and enjoy the beauty of a biodiverse planet. It’s a world where prosperity is shared, and no one is left behind. It’s a world where future generations can inherit a planet that’s just as vibrant and abundant as the one we know today.

Our Collective Journey

To wrap things up, sustainable development isn’t just a concept; it’s a vital journey for all of us. By embracing sustainable practices in our daily lives and advocating for positive change, we can create a world where people, planet, and profit are in harmonious balance. Your role is crucial on this journey toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where people, planet, and profit are in harmonious balance.

27
Oct, 2022
Global Warming

How to Explain Global Warming to Children

There are indisputable facts, and there are embellished facts for children. Many adults don’t know how to talk about global warming with young children. When words are lacking, then the right gestures must be passed on because they often explain better than words.

After years of neglect and opulence, we are living in a world of transition where ecology is now taking an important place. Our children will be the first generation to suffer the consequences of our actions. As such, they need to know and understand what global warming is and what it does. Here is how to talk to them about the ecological emergency.

Don’t scare them, but make them understand the magnitude of things.

Are they aware of the current situation? How do they live it?

Fires are blazing all over the planet; drought is getting more intense every summer; storms are becoming more and more numerous; icebergs are melting in plain sight… Children see it and suffer from it too.

Talking about the end of the world or the extinction of the human race does not make sense. Indeed, to make a child panic will only frighten him and probably make him do nothing. On the contrary, explaining that there are simple steps to take is essential. The ones you already practice in your daily life, for example. Please explain why you sort your waste, why there is so much plastic in the ocean, why it is crucial to avoid single-use plastic, etc.

Books to help parents find the right words

Some parents think that children are too young to understand the importance of global warming. On the contrary, they will be the first to be concerned and must understand the situation’s stakes very early on.

Far from demonizing things, global warming is explained with accurate and straightforward words. Hearing about disasters all the time can also quickly worry children in the wrong way. Positive communication is the key. They respond better to a message, even if it is disturbing when explained with plenty of solutions.

How will you do this?

Global Warming

Tell a story. Ideally, this is the best way to capture their attention and help them put together the puzzle between real life and fiction. For example, you can start by explaining to children the importance of ecosystems. The fact that even though they are different, they work together to create a real balance.

Older kids tend to take it to the next level by directly asking the question, “What is global warming? “. To illustrate, tell them that the Earth is sick and has a fever. So is he when he is in the same situation. The planet has a temperature, so it is scorching; this is called global warming.

It’s a safe bet that the next question will be, “Why?” Again, the answer is to explain that it’s mostly our fault because our lives generate too many greenhouse gases. You won’t have to do a monologue. Children understand very well and often lead the questioning. You have to find stories and metaphors to picture things in their minds.

Reassure children, but make them aware that their behavior is important.

After painting a rather bleak picture of the situation, it’s time to explain that they have a role to play in remedying this and healing the planet.

They also must be reassured that adults and children worldwide are working together to improve things and protect the planet. There are things we can do on our own and things that need to be done on a more significant level.

Drawings to express their feelings

Many children express their thoughts and feelings through drawings. It is, therefore, essential to let them express themselves through this medium.

Remember to set a good example.

Children adore their parents and often take them as an example. In this sense, show them the model to become a superhero of the planet. Sort, compost, limit car trips, pick up paper from the ground, buy less plastic, etc.

23
Mar, 2022
parents

Sustainability As A Parent

If you’re reading this, you probably live a life that prioritizes intentionality and sustainability. Perhaps you’ve just received the wonderful news that you will be a parent. While becoming a parent is a fantastic experience and one of life’s most joyous milestones, it is not without stress and worry. And just as there are numerous methods to teach little children about self-sufficiency, there are also numerous ways to be a sustainable parent to a newborn. You may think you’ve got it all figured out, but luck is on your side if you’re prepared.

 

So, it’s a good start if this checklist verifies what you previously planned to do as a first-time parent or uncovers a few things you hadn’t considered.

 

Pregnancy, Couple, Love, Pregnant, Woman

Home Birth

While every new parent must accept that even the best-laid intentions do not always come to fruition, they can still be hoped for and prepared for. With that in mind, if you’d like to give birth at home rather than in a hospital, it’s worth considering. If you’ve ever visited a hospital, you’re well aware of the numerous gloves, cups, paper towels, and other thrown items. Sure, they’re essential in a hospital setting, but you may not believe a hospital is necessary for your delivery. Many individuals choose to have their babies at home for reasons other than sustainability, although it is an incentive for many.

 

Cloth Diapering

While you’re overjoyed, you’ll notice that you’re also fatigued practically immediately after bringing your bundle of joy home. It takes a lot of time and works to raise a child, especially first. You’re up and down and all overdue to unpredictable sleep cycles and breastfeeding. While the convenience of store-bought diapers is appealing, their environmental effect is significant. According to research, cloth diapers are better for the environment but better for your newborn’s fragile skin.

People, Man, Adult, Hands, Child

 

The Textiles You Use

You should consider this with your baby’s clothing in the same way we should think about it with our clothes because of its environmental and humanitarian implications. You want to utilize as many natural materials as possible, from their swaddle blankets and crib sheets to the baby jumpsuit they wear on their first nature walk. The ideal fabrics for these things are 100% cotton and linen. They’re not only gentler on the baby’s sensitive skin, but they’re also more breathable. Because babies’ skin is delicate, they are susceptible to heat rash, pimples, eczema, and other skin conditions; therefore, choosing sustainable materials is good for the environment and health.

 

Speaking Of Skin

Because their sensitive bodies are prone to various skin problems, it’s a good idea to consider what you’ll be using on them for bathing, moisturizing, and treating any issues that may arise. While some parents choose to manufacture their baby creams or shampoos, there are numerous natural goods on sale that are both environmentally friendly and safe for your child. During your pregnancy, spend some time researching companies and the substances they utilize. It’s critical to choose products that reflect your beliefs and use ingredients you can trust. If you have friends with kids who share your beliefs about living sustainably, ask them for advice.

 

Utilize Your Village

It is said that it takes a community to raise a child, which is surely true! However, use your village to recycle stuff that they may no longer need for your infant. You don’t have to go out and buy a brand-new crib, changing pad, or whatever else you think you’ll need when your friends or family members may have them sitting in their attic collecting dust. While buying a new car seat and stroller is a smart idea for safety, reusing other products saves you money and helps the environment!

 

Congratulations! Although becoming a new parent can be frightening at first, it is the most gratifying job you will ever have. Investing in your children and future generations is as vital as investing in the planet you’ll leave them on. So, apply the suggestions above to make this world a better environment for your little one. Let us know in the comments how are you willing to cope living efficiently while being a parent…

Green-washing Alert: What is Bamboo Fabric, and is it Sustainable?

With pollution and climate change on the rise, people are trying to be mindful of our resources. We’ve sounded the alarm too many times, and it seems that now is the time to change our destructive habits before it’s too late. Many brands have responded to the cry for help, but some unscrupulous brands are taking advantage of the situation. They merely see sustainability as a trend or a label they can plaster everywhere to increase sales. The worst part is that some of them don’t even change their production to fit into the sustainability category but just label their product as such. Let’s find out what greenwashing is and why bamboo is not sustainable in the fashion industry…

Bamboo…

bamboo trees during day
Bamboo Are A Sustainable.

Lately, we’ve been experiencing a real bamboo craze. We have toothbrushes, straws, and even cutlery made of bamboo. The reason for this new obsession is that bamboo is a very sustainable material…. but does the same applies to bamboo fabrics?

Did you know that the textile industry is one of the top five most polluting industries in the world? People are rushing to find solutions to make the fashion industry more eco-friendly and reduce its impact on the environment, but some brands take advantage of this situation to increase their profit margins.

Greenwashing…

If you’ve never heard of greenwashing, let me introduce you to the concept. Brands that claim to be sustainable, but are only partially sustainable, or not at all, engage in greenwashing. Environmental issues give our marketers ideas; terms like “green”, “eco,” or even “natural” are thrown at any product to increase sales. Do some customers believe that something that is natural is automatically sustainable, but is this really the case?

Is Bamboo Eco-friendly?

Bamboo fiber Raw Bamboo Fibre, for Textile Spinning,Yarn, Packaging Type: Loose, Rs 500 /kg | ID: 21391530997

Brands that use bamboo rely on true facts: Bamboo is the fastest growing plant, as it grows up to ninety centimeters per day, and it also removes pollutants from the soil and purifies the air. However, all manufacturers have pounced on this material, leading to great demand and the destruction of bamboo forests- not something that is sustainable in any sense of the word. 

Bamboo is one of the biggest businesses in China, worth more than $60 billion. Research has shown that bamboo is not grown or harvested ethically, defeating the whole project from the get-go.

If the harvesting is unsustainable, what of the production side of things? There are two ways of producing textiles from bamboo: bamboo rayon and closed-loop.

Bamboo rayon is not sustainable at all, and producing it resembles the way synthetic fibers are made. A lot of energy and chemicals are used in its production, and there is so little bamboo in the final product that it cannot be called sustainable.

Closed-loop is closer to the sustainable side. Ethical companies try to replace toxic chemicals with much less toxic ones. It’s not perfect, but it’s better.

Should You Buy Bamboo Fabric?

I guess you’re all waiting for a clear and direct answer, but I don’t know. I would have waited until I was sure the raw material was grown and harvested sustainably, but if you want to try it out as is, that’s fine, and I have some tips for you.

When buying, try to ask the seller about the fabric to avoid buying bamboo rayon or bamboo viscose. Pay attention to the production method and look for the closed-loop production process used to make the Lyocell bamboo fabric. Ensure there are fair trade certifications and that the bamboo producer is organic (look for FSC certification).

Sustainable production of fabric has a long way to go, so we will have to be patient. Let us know in the comments what you think of bamboo fabrics…

11
May, 2021

Corporate Social Responsibility: 7 Steps of an Environmental Audit

Corporate Social Responsibility: 7 Steps of an Environmental Audit

Summary

 – Environmental audit: definition

 – Characteristics of the environmental audit

 – Environmental audit: steps

An environmental audit is an internal or external evaluation of the practices implemented by a company to respect the environment. It is a strategic approach of the company that is conducted in 7 steps. 

 Environmental audit: definition

An environmental audit, or environmental diagnosis, is an evaluation of the policies put in place in a company to preserve the environment.

Good to know: it is about understanding how companies integrate issues related to sustainable development.

The definition of an environmental audit is “a periodic, systematic, documented and objective evaluation of the organization, management systems and the performance of the equipment put in place to ensure environmental protection.” 

 It would help if the company carries out an environmental audit with a standard (e.g., ISO standard), a regulation (e.g., EMAS regulation “Eco-Management and Audit Scheme.”

Example: mandatory use of low consumption light bulbs. 

It is also a commercial argument that companies can put forward to stand out from the competition. 

Characteristics of the environmental audit

Forms

An environmental audit can be internal, i.e., carried out by a company’s department, or external, i.e., carried out by a firm outside the company.

Content

The environmental diagnosis evaluates many aspects of environmental preservation. Some examples are:

 – greenhouse gas emissions,

 – discharges into the aquatic environment,

 – soil contamination,

 – the use of energy,

 – all kinds of nuisances,

 – risks of environmental accidents,

 – transport of goods and people, etc.

Example: noise, odors, vibrations, dust, visual nuisances, etc.

Environmental audit: 7 steps

An environmental audit is a precise procedure that is divided into 7 steps:

  1. The opening meeting: this first meeting sets the framework for the intervention of people concerned by the audit, both the audited and the auditors.

2. Technical execution: this is the phase during which the auditors carry out their investigations.

3. The audit team’s meeting: the people in charge of the audit meet to share the results of their different investigations.

4. Meeting with the management of the audited company: the team that conducted the audit transmits its observations and recommendations to the management.

5. Closing meeting: this meeting allows the strengths and weaknesses of the company in terms of environmental protection to be presented.

6. The audit report: all observations, investigations, measures, and recommendations are summarized in an audit report.

7. The follow-up of the audit: the follow-up allows to ensure the implementation of the corrective measures requested.

 

Hope you have liked this post. Please leave your comments in the section below. 

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28
Apr, 2021

Green Museums in the World

Today, like many buildings, museums are also following the latest trends of sustainability. And by adopting eco-friendly practices, green museums do not only provide opportunities for us to look back at the beautiful historical past but can also protect our future. So, from Russia to France, here are some astonishing green museums!

State Hermitage Museum – Saint Petersburg, Russia

Hermitage, Saint Petersburg, S, Petersburg, Russia

Founded in 1764, the State Hermitage Museum was initially the main residence of Russian Tsars. Unknown to a few but loved by many, this museum is the second-largest art museum in the world, housing some of the most prominent art collections. For instance, it includes artworks of Picasso, Van Gogh, Caravaggio, Gaugin. Matisse and Cezanne.

The museum can also be considered as the third greenest museum in the world. Why? Well, you will be surprised to learn that this whole architectural structure has managed to decrease its overall energy consumption by about 60 %. And this was accomplished by only replacing the traditional light system with energy-saving light bulbs.

What an innovative strategy to turn a magnificent building into a green museum!

The State Hermitage Museum is an example to prove how even ancient buildings can play a role in the protection of the environment.

The Parisian Quai Brainly Museum – Paris, France

Paris - Musée du Quai Branly | Gros-Caillou | Quai Branly Th… | Flickr

Just a short stroll from the Eiffel Tour and you will get the chance to visit the most exotic museum in Paris, the Quai Brainly Museum. Opened in 2006, the museum symbolizes 200 years of history, enrichment, study and conservation of public collections. The museum houses approximately 370 000 works originating from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Near East and the Americas and these works depict the richness and cultural diversity of non-European indigenous civilizations from the Neolithic period.

However, the museum is not only famous for its representation of indigenous art and cultures but also for its green architecture.

  • Firstly, one of the significant green features is the stunning 800mq vertical garden.
  • And, by itself, the green wall is said to improve the air quality and also reduce thermal dispersion during both winter and summer.
  • The museum also consists of a renewable energy system that is based on solar and geothermal energy.

Undoubtedly, this museum displays its green commitment towards environmental sustainability.

California Academy of Sciences – San Francisco, California

California Academy of Science | Thomas Hawk | Flickr

This natural history museum and research institute found in San Francisco would have definitely received the gold medal among the greenest museums in the world. This scientific structure combines perfectly scientific research with awareness-raising of environmental issues.

With more than 11 buildings, which consist of an aquarium, a natural history museum, a planetarium and a big rainforest exhibit, it is known as one of the largest museums of natural history in the world.

Completely rebuilt in 2008, you will be surprised to discover the extent to which this museum is committed to sustainable development and environmental protection.

  • Designed by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect, and completed in 2008, its green “living” roof can provide energy, control wastewater and nourish various plant specimens (and I am not talking about only a few, but more than 46 million). In addition, it can also reduce the building’s energy requirements by keeping the museum cooler.
  • The air conditioning system of the museum was replaced by openable windows.
  • Solar panels are used as the main energy source for lightning.
  • Metal structures are made up of nearly 90 % recycled material.

This seems like a huge step to the promotion of sustainability, isn’t it?

Jeongok Prehistory Museum – Yeoncheon County, South Korea

Heady Mix: Cité du Vin in Bordeaux by XTU Architects - Architectural Review

Did you know that the Jeongok Prehistory Museum was built on a site of archaeological significance in South Korea, where an Archeulean hand axe was found for the first time in East Asia?

The museum was built with the aim of creating a space that brings the prehistoric past alive for visitor and this is why it also known as the “door to prehistoric age.” It is a perfect archeological learning place where people can experience the amazing evolutionary trace of humanity through a model of human bone fossils and the reproduction of cave paintings. Besides, the museum offers great programs and activities such as children’s cave painting activities and excavation programs. As a result, it became the center of tourist attractions of the Northern Gyeonggi area.

Let us now take a look at the building’s green features:

  • The museum was built between two elevated points, hence placing it seamlessly with the natural environment.
  • The soft edges and curvy structure evoke the natural flowing water and, together with the prehistoric garden, makes a perfect natural landscape.
  • The exterior of the structure was constructed in a way to regulate the temperature in order to minimize energy waste.

Do you want to visit these places? Please share your comments below!

 

 

 

1
Mar, 2021

The Rio Declaration – Part 2

In the first article, we discussed the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and the objectives behind the conference. We also briefly touched on the Rio Declaration. Today, let’s take a closer look at the first fifteen principles of the declaration.

Principle 1

Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.

Principle 2

States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles 13 of international law, the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental and developmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.

Principle 3

The right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitable meet developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations.

Principle 4

In order to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered in isolation from it.

Principle 5

All States and all people shall cooperate in the essential task of eradicating poverty as an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, in order to decrease the disparities in standards of living and better meet the needs of the majority of the people of the world.

Principle 6

The special situation and needs of developing countries, particularly the least developed and those most environmentally vulnerable, shall be given special priority. International actions in the field of environment and development should also address the interests and needs of all countries.

Principle 7

States shall cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the earth’s ecosystem. In view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation, States have common but differentiated responsibilities. The developed countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command.

Principle 8

To achieve sustainable development and a higher quality of life for all people, States should reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and promote appropriate demographic policies.

Principle 9

States should cooperate to strengthen endogenous capacity-building for sustainable development by improving scientific understanding through exchanges of scientific and technological knowledge, and by enhancing the development, adaptation, diffusion and transfer of technologies, including new and innovative technologies.

Principle 10

Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, shall be provided.

Principle 11

States shall enact effective environmental legislation. Environmental standards, management objectives and priorities should reflect the environmental and developmental context to which they apply. Standards applied by some countries may be inappropriate and of unwarranted economic and social cost to other countries, in particular developing countries.

Principle 12

States should cooperate to promote a supportive and open international economic system that would lead to economic growth and sustainable development in all countries, to better address the problems of environmental degradation. Trade policy measures for environmental purposes should not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade. Unilateral actions to deal with environmental challenges outside the jurisdiction of the importing country should be avoided. Environmental measures addressing transboundary or global environmental problems should, as far as possible, be based on an international consensus.

Principle 13

States shall develop national law regarding liability and compensation for the victims of pollution and other environmental damage. States shall also cooperate in an expeditious and more determined manner to develop further international law regarding liability and compensation for adverse effects of environmental damage caused by activities within their jurisdiction or control to areas beyond their jurisdiction.

Principle 14

States should effectively cooperate to discourage or prevent the relocation and transfer to other States of any activities and substances that cause severe environmental degradation or are found to be harmful to human health.

Principle 15

In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.

What do you think of the above principles? Please share your comments!