Sustainability outlook, findings in society and science

The starting point for the theoretical framework on sustainability in the National Sustainability Outlook is a broad definition of sustainability: the continuity of the currently preferred quality of life. Although welfare economics can to a certain extent be used to tackle the concept of sustainability, extension in three directions is necessary: i.e. toward the goals, toward the means and toward the forms of governance.     

In Dutch society, there are no generally accepted goals for sustainability. Considering the normative character of the concept, we selected some of the indicators through a large survey. The values derived can be used for the development of four world views, each of which contains scenarios, in combination with empirical information on the leading values. The question of continuity is addressed by an assessment of the means suitable for meeting the main goals. In answering this question we were confronted with large knowledge gaps, especially in the sociological domain. Each world view contains risks of failure. More robust and sustainable strategies can be found by risk reduction.