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Sustainable Development
 Websites presented in alphabetical order Amazon Interactive 
 An interactive site for younger students to explore the physical and human geography, environmental, economic, and social issues of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest as well as the indigenous people, the Quichua. An ecotourism simulation game will aid students in learning about ecotourism in this Amazon region. Also included is the research report, Indigenous Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: The Case of Río Blanco, Ecuador on which the activities of the simulation game are based. http://www.eduweb.com/amazon.html Topics: Agriculture, Economics, Environment, Plants, Travel Last updated Dec 1, 2002 Bioneers.org
The Bioneers promote "Visionary and Practical Solutions for Restoring the Earth." The Web site is a portal to a wide variety of social, spiritual, political, agricultural, and environmental individuals and organizations dedicated to improving life on earth. A yearly highlight is the Bioneers Conference for "both professional and general audiences." http://www.bioneers.org/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Aug 5, 2002 Buckminster Fuller Institute
This site is devoted to the "principles articulated by Buckminster Fuller," creator of the geodesic dome and design science. Full text articles and books on alternative living structures, natural resources conservation, and sustainable development are available. There are links to related Web resources on Fuller, design science, domes, energy, hunger, synergetics, international conferences on global ecological issues, and more. http://www.bfi.org/ Topics: Architecture, Environment, Notable People, Notable People: Arts & Humanities, Poverty, Science, Technology Last updated Apr 10, 2009 Center for International Development at Harvard University (CID)
The CID is "Harvard's primary center for research on sustainable international development." The site features working papers back to 1999 and other selected publications, research data sets on topics such as educational attainment and infectious diseases, and links to related materials and organizations. Searchable. http://www.cid.harvard.edu/ Topics: Education, Environment, K-12 Education, Technology Last updated May 5, 2004 Climate Change at the National Academies
"The National Academies provides helpful analysis and advice to policymakers and stakeholders through its expert, consensus reports ...[that] are produced by committees of the nation's top scientists, engineers, and other experts who ... address key scientific and technical aspects of climate change." Site includes current climate-related consensus activities and links to publications on related environmental topics. http://dels.nas.edu/climatechange/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Technology, Weather Last updated Nov 15, 2008 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
This agreement, adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, "establishes three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources." This site contains news and documents related to the convention, a biosafety clearinghouse, and publications, links, and other resources on biodiversity. Searchable. A United Nations program. http://www.cbd.int/ Topics: Biology, Environment, Government, International Governments, International Law, Treaties, & Agreements, Technology Last updated Jun 12, 2007 Desertification
Desertification is "the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas." This site "contains technical and scientific data and information, available at FAO, as well as links to a number of highly informative Web sites on desertification ... [and] on sustainable development and drylands management." Also find a searchable database of maps and statistics, photos, videos, and text documents. Available in several languages. From the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). Note: some dead links. http://www.fao.org/desertification/default.asp?lang=en Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Geography, Photograph Collections Last updated Jun 23, 2005 The Earth Institute at Columbia University
This institute "brings together talent from throughout ... [Columbia] University to address complex issues facing the planet and its inhabitants, with particular focus on sustainable development and the needs of the world's poor." The site features news back to 2001, reports about projects (such as the Millennium Research Village in Mbola, Tanzania, and the Malaria Quick Impact Initiative), video clips, slideshows, and related material. http://www.earth.columbia.edu Topics: Environment Last updated Dec 12, 2007 Engineers Without Borders International
This association of organizations helps disadvantaged communities build "environmentally, equitable, and economically sustainable engineering projects." Resources include a list of sustainable and appropriate engineering solutions, links to appropriate and sustainable technology databases, a bibliography, and related links. Also includes member and event information. Some sections restricted to members. http://www.ewb-international.org Topics: Environment, Science, Science, Technology Last updated Feb 28, 2005 Equal Time
This September 2003 report discusses gender equality in European politics and business. Includes profiles of Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, who was murdered in 2003, and Freya Van den Bossche, Belgian Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Consumer Affairs. Provides statistics on gender equity and related stories. From Time Europe. http://www.time.com/time/europe/gender/ Topics: Business, Environment, Politics by Place, Social Issues, Women Last updated Aug 15, 2004 Global Environment Outlook GEO-4: Environment for Development
Published in 2007 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this lengthy study provides "an overview of global social and economic trends, and the state-and-trends of the global and regional environments over the past two decades." Ten chapters cover the evolution of the concept of sustainable development, atmospheric issues (such as air quality and ozone depletion), land, water, biodiversity, interlinkages, future scenarios, and related issues. Opens directly into a PDF document. http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/GEO-4_Report_Full_en.pdf Topics: Environment Last updated Jul 7, 2008 Global Stewards
"Resources for sustainable living and environmental activism." Eco Tips "provides a wide variety of environmental tips and extensive coverage of current environmental issues." There are environmental and animal rights Petitions and campaigns; a Calendar of world events; many Articles about various aspects of sustainability; and an Action list offers suggestions for "actions that you can take to create a more sustainable lifestyle." http://www.globalstewards.org/ Topics: Animals, Environment, Technology Last updated Dec 13, 2000 Green Jobs: Towards Decent Work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World
This report, released in October 2008, examines definitions and policies, employment impacts, and employment outlook for jobs that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment. Employment sectors discussed include energy supply alternatives, green and energy-efficient buildings, transportation, basic industry, food and agriculture, and forestry. Includes links to a report summary (also in French and Spanish) and press release. From the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). http://www.unep.org/labour_environment/features/greenjobs-report.asp Topics: Environment, Jobs & Work Last updated Jan 19, 2009 HighCountryNews.org
Online edition of print magazine High Country News. Features environmental news, analysis, and commentary on water, logging, wildlife, grazing, wilderness, growth, and other issues affecting the western United States. Includes articles archived back to 1993. Registration (free) required to access much of the current information on this site. http://www.hcn.org/ Topics: Environment, Magazines, Magazines by Place, Technology Last updated Aug 10, 2009 Institute for Appropriate Technology: The Tool Kit
A collection of how-to resources for rural living and self-reliance. Among the guides are instructions on solar and mechanical devices, water systems, practical advice on animal husbandry and farming specific crops, building techniques, killing and dressing venison, cleaning fish, and cheese-making, to name just a few. There are many links to more information, but as of this writing about half of them are dead. Created by a Tennessee environmental organization. http://www.i4at.org/library.html Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Home & Housing, Technology Last updated Jan 21, 2003 InterAction: American Council for Voluntary International Action
A coalition of over 160 relief, development, environmental, and refugee agencies working in over 100 countries. The site includes a membership directory, sustainable development information, disaster response news and reports, advocacy reports and legislative news, refugee information by country, and reports and issues about gender equity in InterAction organization members. Searchable. http://interaction.org/ Topics: Charity & Nonprofit Resources, Environment, Home & Housing, Home & Housing, Poverty, Science, Science Last updated Aug 23, 2002 International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT)
This nonprofit group is "dedicated to fostering and facilitating tourism initiatives which contribute to international understanding and cooperation, an improved quality of environment, the preservation of heritage, and through these initiatives, help to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world." The site features a credo for the peaceful traveler, information about its Global Peace Parks Project and IIPT summits and conferences, and a newsletter back to 2002. http://www.iipt.org Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated May 8, 2007 International Institute for Sustainable Development/Institut International du Développement Durable (IISD)
The mission of this Canadian organization is to advance "policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change, measurement and indicators, and natural resource management to make development sustainable." The site features news and publications on a variety of topics including business, energy, communities, livelihoods, knowledge networks, leadership, and more. Searchable. http://www.iisd.org/ Topics: Economics, Education, Environment, International Trade, Technology Last updated Nov 23, 2003 International Society for Ecology & Culture (ISEC)
This nonprofit organization "is concerned with the protection of both biological and cultural diversity." The site presents a description of programs and projects "promoting locally based alternatives to the global consumer culture," online articles on topics relating to globalization, a list of publications, and a calendar of ISEC events. Searchable. http://www.isec.org.uk/ Topics: Biology, Environment, Technology Last updated Sep 15, 2003 International Year of Planet Earth, 2007-2009
"The International Year of Planet Earth aims to capture people's imagination with the exciting knowledge we possess about our planet, and to see that knowledge used to make the Earth a safer, healthier and wealthier place." Features an online magazine, list of international events, and brochures on themes such as sustainable use of groundwater and building safer cities. A joint initiative by UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). http://www.yearofplanetearth.org/ Topics: Environment Last updated Sep 15, 2008 ISO Online
The International Organization for Standardization site provides information on standards, a FAQ file, news, and specific details on ISO 9000 (management practices) and ISO 14000 (sustainable development practices). http://www.iso.org/ Topics: Business, Business, Environment, Ready Reference & Quick Facts, Ready Reference & Quick Facts, Science, Science, Technology Last updated Nov 4, 2007 Journey to Forever: Hong Kong to Cape Town Overland
The Web site for a "pioneering expedition by a small, mobile NGO (Non-Government Organization) involved in environment and rural development work, starting from Hong Kong and travelling 40,000 kilometres through 26 countries in Asia and Africa to Cape Town, South Africa." Features information about the organization's projects, many related school project ideas, resources on biofuels and small farms, and much more. Searchable. Available in English, Japanese, and Chinese. http://www.journeytoforever.org/ Topics: Agriculture, Business, Environment, Home & Housing, Technology Last updated Aug 6, 2003 Living Lakes: The International Network
"The main purpose of this international initiative is the conservation and protection of ... the drinking water reservoirs of the earth." Site includes information about projects currently under way, activities and campaigns, and international conferences. Also features official publications of the sponsoring organization, the Global Nature Fund, a "non-profit, private, independent international foundation for the protection of environment and nature." http://www.globalnature.org/docs/02_vorlage.asp?id=28219&domid=1011&sp=E&addlastid=&m1=11089&m2=28219 Topics: Biology, Environment, Geography, Water Last updated Mar 19, 2009 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA): Strengthening Capacity to Manage Ecosystems Sustainably for Human Well-Being
The MA "is an international work program designed to meet the needs of decision makers and the public for scientific information concerning the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and options for responding to those changes. The MA was launched by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in June 2001 and was completed in March 2005." Includes a FAQ, reports (in several languages), slide presentations, posters, tables, maps, data, and more. http://www.millenniumassessment.org Topics: Environment Last updated Jun 6, 2005 NextStep
Searchable, browsable access to hundreds of Web sites providing "information, access to resources, opportunities for networking, and inspiration on the topic of sustainable communities." Some resources have a specific Minnesota angle, but many are of general use. The tip sheet, Sustainability 101 , is a good introduction to this topic. http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/ Topics: Communities & Groups, Environment, Technology Last updated Jul 24, 2002 NGO Research Guide Research Guide
A large directory of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Listings include programs that focus on environmentally sustainable development, human rights, and women's rights. Also has links to statistics sources. Maintained by librarian Christof Galli, librarian at Perkins Library, Duke University. http://library.duke.edu/research/subject/guides/ngo_guide/ Topics: Environment Last updated Aug 7, 2007 OneWorld Country Guides
"Learn about developing countries in OneWorld's range of educational Country and Topic Guides. Each Guide provides a 10 minute read to capture the key issues." Features original content and links to articles for countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America (available in Spanish). Guides are written by volunteer editors and then edited by OneWorld. http://uk.oneworld.net/guides/countries/ Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Environment, International Governments, Technology Last updated Nov 4, 2008 OneWorld Radio
This site "offers services and networking for broadcasters and civil society organisations that use radio for human rights and sustainable development." Features online audio content from member organizations in several languages and a membership directory. Searchable by language, member, or topic. Includes special section on AIDS/HIV. http://radio.oneworld.net/ Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Environment, International Governments, Internet, Media, Music, Sports, Recreation, & Entertainment, Technology Last updated Jan 2, 2006 Peace Boat
Founded in 1983, "Peace Boat is a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment. ... [It] carries out its main activities through a chartered passenger ship that travels the world on peace voyages." The site features news, itineraries, and information on shipboard and port activities. http://www.peaceboat.org Topics: Activism, Environment, Social Issues Last updated Sep 29, 2004 Redefining Progress (RP)
RP "works with a broad array of partners to shift the economy and public policy towards sustainability. RP does this in three ways: RP measures the real state of our economy, our environment, and social justice with tools like the Genuine Progress Indicator and the Ecological Footprint. We design policies ... We promote and create new frameworks." The site includes descriptions of programs and projects, downloadable publications, a glossary, references, and links. Searchable. http://www.rprogress.org/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Dec 12, 2008 Rocky Mountain Institute
Articles on energy, transportation, water, economic development, architecture, and land use from a green/sustainable development point of view. Also has archives of the institute's newsletter back to 1995, links to articles about the institute, discussion boards, and a special section for children. The institute is "an entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources." http://www.rmi.org/ Topics: Education, Environment, Technology Last updated Oct 17, 2002 Sapling: The Architecture, Planning & Landscape Information Gateway
"A free-to-access resource aimed at academics, students, professionals, practitioners, and anyone else with an interest in the areas of architecture, planning and landscape. Though based in the UK, Sapling's outlook, coverage and audience is international." From a doctoral student in an architecture, planning, and landscape program. http://www.sapling.info/ Topics: Architecture, Environment, Technology Last updated Feb 17, 2007 SciDev.Net
This searchable site reports on and discusses "those aspects of modern science and technology that are relevant to sustainable development and the social and economic needs of developing countries." Articles, news, opinion pieces, and book reviews are archived to the beginning of this site (December 2001). Sponsored by Nature and Science magazines in association with the Third World Academy of Sciences. http://www.scidev.net/ Topics: Environment, International Governments, Technology Last updated Mar 13, 2002 Shrinking the Carbon Footprint of Metropolitan America
This May 2008 report "quantifies transportation and residential carbon emissions for the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, finding that metro area residents have smaller carbon footprints than the average American, although metro footprints vary widely." Includes profiles of the 100 metropolitan areas, a policy brief, and the full report, which also discusses the role of federal policy. Part of the Blueprint for American Prosperity initiative from the Brookings Institution. http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2008/05_carbon_footprint_sarzynski.aspx Topics: Environment Last updated Nov 1, 2009 Sierra Club: Sustainable Consumption
This website promotes sustainable consumption, "the use of goods and services that satisfy basic needs and improve quality of life while minimizing the use of irreplaceable natural resources and the byproducts of toxic materials, waste, and pollution." Find fact sheets, articles, book reviews, recipes, and other material supporting sustainable food choices. From the Sierra Club. http://www.sierraclub.org/sustainable_consumption/ Topics: Environment, Food & Cooking Last updated May 24, 2006 Smart Communities Network: Creating Energy Smart Communities
This site offers a "menu of information and services on how your community can adopt sustainable development as a strategy for well-being." The site features case studies, links to technical and financial resources, and to model codes and ordinances communities have used to implement sustainable development. Also includes overviews of topics (such as green buildings and transportation) links to online publications, and news. Searchable. From the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Some material in Spanish. http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/ Topics: Communities & Groups, Energy, Environment, Technology Last updated Apr 6, 2004 Smart Growth America
This group "is a coalition of nearly 100 advocacy organizations that have a stake in how metropolitan expansion affects our environment, quality of life and economic sustainability." The site features an image library, data bank, reports, and excerpts and links to articles on housing, the economy, the environment, historic preservation, social equity, transportation, land conservation, health, and more. http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/ Topics: Environment, Government, Government, Social Science, Technology Last updated Oct 6, 2003 Social Criticism Review
A collection of links to selected readings in social criticism by authors who may differ from what is often heard in the mainstream media. They cover many issues: progress, science, technology, protest, sustainable development, economics, globalization, multinationals, environment, war, poverty, media, genetic engineering, individual countries, and much more. http://www.socialcritic.org/ Topics: Economics, Environment, Social Issues Last updated Nov 21, 2000 Sprawl City
"A website about consumption growth and population growth and their roles in the urban sprawl that destroys natural habitat and farmland around U.S. cities." Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Census and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and based on the work of environmentalists Leon Kolankiewicz and Roy Beck, this site presents studies of selected areas as well as charts, graphs, and definitions. http://www.sprawlcity.org/ Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Social Science Last updated Jan 24, 2006 State of Green Business
"How are U.S. businesses doing in their quest to be more environmentally responsible? [The report] introduces the GreenBiz Index, 20 indicators of progress, tracking the resource use, emissions, and business practices of U.S. companies: carbon, materials, energy, and toxics intensity, clean-tech investments, e-waste recovery, paper use, employee commuting, and more." Free, but requires users to complete a survey for access. From GreenBiz, a media company focused on sustainability and competitive business practices. http://www.stateofgreenbusiness.com/ Topics: Business, Environment Last updated Jan 26, 2009 Sustainable Northwest
The Web site for "a non-profit organization dedicated to building partnerships that promote environmentally sound economic development in the communities of the Pacific Northwest. Based in Portland, Oregon [it serves] the five-state region of Oregon, Washington, California, Montana, and Idaho." The site describes local programs, a market-driven collaboration related to forestry, and education and outreach activities. Searchable. http://www.sustainablenorthwest.org/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Sep 10, 2003 Sustaining L.A.
Companion website to a television documentary about four artist/activist projects concerned with sustainability in Los Angeles: Fallen Fruit (maps public fruit trees), L.A. Urban Rangers (offering alternative guided and educational hikes), Farmlab (a multidisciplinary land use investigation), and Edible Estates (converting front lawns to edible landscapes). Features essays about each group, and videos and slideshows from the program. From KCET, Community Television of Southern California. http://kcet.org/explore-ca/web-stories/sustaining/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 24, 2008 UN-Habitat: United Nations Human Settlement Programme
This group "is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all." Most activities are in the least developed countries. The site provides governing documents, information about the group's campaigns (Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure) and programs, facts and figures, articles, and publications. Searchable. Some material available in French. http://www.unhabitat.org/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated May 5, 2004 United Nations Atlas of the Oceans
The United Nations Atlas of the Oceans "is an Internet portal providing information relevant to the sustainable development of the oceans. It is designed for policy-makers who need to become familiar with ocean issues and for scientists, students and resource managers who need access to databases and approaches to sustainability." Browse and search by issues, geographies, and other access points. http://www.oceansatlas.com/ Topics: Environment, Geology, Science, Scientific Themes, Technology Last updated Jun 10, 2002 United Nations Division for Sustainable Development
This United Nations division focuses on "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs." The site features documents, publications, and links to resources on biodiversity, energy, forests, desertification and drought, and other sustainable development issues. Also include national information by country. Searchable. Many items available in several languages including French, Spanish, and Chinese. http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/index.shtml Topics: Environment, International Governments, Technology, War and Peace: Resources on Iraq Last updated Sep 28, 2009 The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM)
This is the "official nonpartisan organization of the nation's ... cities with populations of 30,000 or more." The site provides news, and describes key programs and provides publications in areas such as sustainable development, working families, and homelessness and hunger. Also includes a best practices database and links to websites of member cities. http://usmayors.org Topics: Environment, Government, Poverty, Social Issues Last updated Aug 1, 2005 World Environmental Library
A collection of "400 publications (45,000 pages) of ideas and solutions in the fields of Agriculture, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Impact Assessment, Energy, Health, Natural Resources, Policy, Sustainable Development, Waste Management and Water." Search by word, title, subject, or organization. From the Southern Alberta Digital Library Center, Canada, in collaboration with the New Zealand Digital Library Project. http://nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca/cgi-bin/library?a=p&p=about&c=envl Topics: Environment, Libraries & Archives by Type Last updated Sep 23, 2006 The World Innovation Foundation (WIF)
Website for this mysterious British think tank that fosters scientific collaboration to address issues arising from population growth, climate change, pandemics, energy access and usage, poverty, water resources, and environmental concerns. Features newsletters back to 1997 (the most recent as of January 2008 is the March 2007 issue), and of list of Nobel Prize-winning members. http://www.thewif.org.uk/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Jan 28, 2008 |
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