Bilen, biffen och bostaden - Regeringen

Summary
In December 2004, I submitted my interim report “Sustainable
burdens – consumption for a brighter future” (SOU 2004:119) to
the Government. The basis of the assignment, criteria, facts,
statistics and a series of preliminary proposals in the three key areas
– transport, foodstuffs and housing – are presented in the report.
My own and the inquiry website www.supersize.nu, which was
created by public relations students at Södra Vätterbygden’s Folk
High School in Jönköping, illustrates some of the discussion initiated
by the inquiry.
Sustainable development – what is it?
Despite a number of positive global trends, there is still some cause
for concern about the future of the world and of mankind.
Is the supply of oil about to run out? Will there be enough fresh
water? Will there be enough food for everyone? Can we stop the
spread of HIV/AIDS and malaria, as well as welfare diseases such
as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity? How is current
climate change affecting the world economy and peace? When will
absolute poverty finally be eradicated?
Aggregate production and consumption today is estimated to
exceed the earth’s long-term ecological sustainability by about
25 per cent. The richest 14 per cent consume 56 per cent. Using
today’s technology, another three or four planets would be needed
to provide the whole world with an average material standard of
living at European or American level.
Current development is, in other words, totally absurd in some
respects. This must change and development must be made sustainable,
globally, nationally and locally. The World Commission
on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission)
convened by the United Nations summarises thus:
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