Literature review
LITERATURE REVIEW
1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the concepts of sustainability and the important roles that institutions of higher education play in this arena. The literature review is important as it sets the context for the research and provides framework for the methodology. The general topics to be covered include: defining sustainability, an analysis of sustainability, the role that sustainability plays in higher education, environmental literacy, citizen participation and finally the rationale behind conducting the research at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU).
Sustainability
1.1 Definitions
The term sustainability has been used for decades. However, there has not been a clearly defined explanation as to what it actually is (Alberti, 1996). Whereas, practitioners in the field of planning understand sustainability, the verbiage varies. Nevertheless, the Burtland Commission’s definition of sustainability is the most widely common and used definition. The Commission describes sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of the current generation” (Alberti, 1996).
Other definitions of sustainability are: “The possibility that human and other forms of life will flourish forever,” “sustainability should be enough for all, forever,” “human social and economic systems should operate within the limits of the natural system in which they depend” (Willard, 2012). Additionally, it is described as an account of “the relationship of the current generations and projects for future generations” (Norton).
Having a clear and concise definition of what sustainability means is of the utmost importance to this research project. This definition will dictate the flow and direction of the project. Additional to the definition is to understand the application of the term.
1.2The Three E’s
Sustainability is divided into three implementation
1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the concepts of sustainability and the important roles that institutions of higher education play in this arena. The literature review is important as it sets the context for the research and provides framework for the methodology. The general topics to be covered include: defining sustainability, an analysis of sustainability, the role that sustainability plays in higher education, environmental literacy, citizen participation and finally the rationale behind conducting the research at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU).
Sustainability
1.1 Definitions
The term sustainability has been used for decades. However, there has not been a clearly defined explanation as to what it actually is (Alberti, 1996). Whereas, practitioners in the field of planning understand sustainability, the verbiage varies. Nevertheless, the Burtland Commission’s definition of sustainability is the most widely common and used definition. The Commission describes sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of the current generation” (Alberti, 1996).
Other definitions of sustainability are: “The possibility that human and other forms of life will flourish forever,” “sustainability should be enough for all, forever,” “human social and economic systems should operate within the limits of the natural system in which they depend” (Willard, 2012). Additionally, it is described as an account of “the relationship of the current generations and projects for future generations” (Norton).
Having a clear and concise definition of what sustainability means is of the utmost importance to this research project. This definition will dictate the flow and direction of the project. Additional to the definition is to understand the application of the term.
1.2The Three E’s
Sustainability is divided into three implementation