Book Reviews

Abstract

Can development be sustained? "Development" implies change, hopefully for the better, and "sustainable" implies forever, or at least for the long term. Can change, for the better, continue forever? At some point we may have to be willing to settle for the long term maintenance of a given level of water resources development, changing only as our technology permits. These issues do not appear to be the subject of this report. The report takes the more conventional view that sustainable development requires a broad, comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to water resources planning, design, operation and management, and an increased emphasis on preserving and enhancing the environment, for us and for our descendants. The report is divided into five chapters. The first chapter reviews the recent history that has reintroduced the term sustainable development and made it a household word among resource and economic development organizations and professionals. It argues for a less sectorial approach to how one addresses water resources problems, and even how one organizes academic and professional bodies.