In what ways is sustainable development different from mainstream modernisation models?

In what ways is sustainable development different from mainstream modernisation models? Despite overwhelming proof that the Western modernisation model will mean the end of planet earth as we know it there remains stubborn resistance to necessary change. Why? What are the major opposition forces to sustainability? Are global cooperation and changing lifestyles feasible? Use the example of one Caribbean country in your answer

To be, or not to be -- that is the age-old question, and civilization today faces its own dire version of it. As the negative social and ecological effects of 150 years of industrialization are becoming impossible to ignore, people are asking whether we can maintain our standards of living in the future. Industrialization without stability has been known to cost society increasing inequality, poor living conditions for the unfortunate, an increasing scarcity of resources and many other negative effects. Mankind is now seeking to achieve sustainable development in all aspects of life, not so much because we want to but simply because we need to.
With an unrelenting increase of global warming and greenhouse gases emissions caused by growth in industrialization the negative impacts according to studies are numerous; extinction of plant and animal species, particularly food production, Timber and fisheries are important for employment and economic activity but upon industrialization a lot of these are lost, but excessive and unsustainable use can lead to losses in the long term. A country could cut its forests and deplete its aquatic life, and this would show only as a positive gain to the economy but a huge loss of capital assets and detrimental effect on the environment and ecosystems. If more economic importance was allotted to sustainability of ecosystems and this were taken into consideration in decision-making, their degradation could be significantly reduced or totally reversed.
This paper hopes to study the economy and environmental issues faced by Trinidad and Tobago and show the relation of these issues and social issues to combating the resistant forces to sustainability.
Modernization Theory according to Rostow claims that rich nations can help poor nations by providing technology to control population size, increase food production and expand industrial and information economy output and by providing foreign aid to pay for new economic development. On the other hand, this definition was given by the Brundtland Report (1987) of sustainable development: “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Though modernization theory is today a promising hope of development for the present generation, it exerts many disadvantages which would affect human development (Child labor) global environment in that because of industrialization, it has significantly altered ecosystems and sometime made such ecosystem slow or impossible to recover from the damage which would then affect the health of the world population. For a society to be built using modernization it must experience Rostow’s five stages of development beginning with the first being the traditional stage where production is largely based around subsistence agriculture, technology is very basic, people are based in small communities with jobs that are passed on through the family line. The second stage: Preconditions for take- off requires technological innovations which should allow produces to become more efficient and generate surpluses which can be sold for profit. The third stage “the take-off” requires the emergences of entrepreneurs willing to reinvest their profits into new forms of technology and new forms of infrastructure. The growing industrialization of the economy in stage 3 will then lead to the drive to maturity (stage 4) where new social and logistical needs such as educated workers therefore requiring the role of the state to expand and investment in new forms of infrastructure including education and healthcare to continue. Finally as counties progress to the age of mass consumption (stage 5) more and more wealth is said to be trickled down to the population as workers wages improve and there is a demand for goods and services which go beyond one’s basic needs.
The term sustainable development itself suggests an emphasis on the dual ecological and economic dimensions of a solution. The definition provided by the United Nations environmental Protection (UNEP) is one that does explicitly incorporate social goals “a green economy is one that results in improved human well being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities based upon a combination of low carbon growth, resource efficiency and social inclusivity” this may approximate the notion of sustainable development. People concerned about sustainable development suggest that meeting the needs of the future depends on how well we balance social, economic, and environmental objectives--or needs--when making decisions today however one must note that many of these objectives may seem to conflict with each other in the short term. For example, industrial growth might conflict with preserving natural resources. Yet, in the long term, responsible use of natural resources now will help ensure that there are resources available for sustained industrial growth far into the future. The simple difference between modernization and sustainable development is that modernization seeks to take from the environment in aid of development whereas sustainable development seeks to put back into the environment so as to continue development of the environment and life itself.
University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) statistics show Trinidad and Tobago produces 53 million tonnes of greenhouse emissions annually, with 80 per cent coming from the petrochemical and power generation Trinidad is one of the wealthiest and most developed nations within the Caribbean with an estimated GDP of 21.12 billion in 2012. It is named the Caribbean’s leading producer of oil and gas as its economy is heavily dependent on these resources. An estimate of the labor force in 2012 totaled 616,500 with 3.8% in agriculture, 12.8% in manufacturing mining and quarrying, 20.4% in construction and utilities and 62.9% in services (2007 estimate). Though industrialization in Trinidad has been blossoming, its whopping effect has caused some environmental turmoil.
The Ecological Impact of the mining of oil and gas reserves in various times and places have led to air and water contamination, oil-spills, socio-cultural impacts, environmental damage and accidents and damage (just to name a few). One of such effects was posted in the Trinidad express dated January 25th 2012 and titled “Quarries are hurting our environment” where writers spoke of how quarrying is weakening the nation 's water security as the rivers become silted and the aquifers are not replenished.
Yet another example titled “Diesel-like source of river pollution” was printed in the Trinidad Express News day Paper dated October 5th 2012 where the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) traced what it called the possible source of a diesel-like substance in the Caroni Water treatment plant to business places in surrounding areas. The country experiences much of the full range of environmental problems, from widespread pollution of its waterways and coastal areas, chemical spills, illegal dumping, deforestation, excessive soil erosion, fisheries and wildlife depletion. These problems are attributed to poor land use practices and an inadequate legal and institutional framework for watershed/water resources and coastal zone management. The watersheds and coastal areas are also under threat from natural disasters (tropical storms, earthquakes, floods and droughts) as well as climate change and rising sea levels.
Despite being a Small Island Developing state (SIDs), Trinidad’s unique economic situation therefore suggests that it would be in the country’s best interest to adopt innovative and creative solutions that would drive the country towards greening. The argument then is that since most of the country’s industrial, commercial and economic activities rely heavily on oil and gas, introducing heavy taxes on these activities is likely to erode economic competitiveness and discourage investment while also probably exacerbating social inequalities. In contrast, integrating cleaner and more modern technology within existing processes would allow the country to continue activities fueled by oil and gas, but in a more environmentally sound and stable manner but for an island rich in culture and tradition there is of course much resistance to change in spite of the insistent recommendations to do so. Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) a group dedicated to saving the environment and marine life of the country, wrote in the Trinidad Express dated September 13th 2012 “Legislation has not stopped the tide of littering and the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste in rivers and along some of our roadways. It is not uncommon to see garbage piled high next to no littering signs” therefore suggesting that more can and should be done to promote a green economy within Trinidad. They went onto add that “Poor environmental regulation and enforcement goes hand in hand with poor workplace safety far more often than not…”
There are many reasons why there is a very high resistance to change for sustainable development. Some would argue that it all begins with education. Consumer awareness on green building is murky. To put it succinctly it is as clear as mud to most. If you ask anybody what going green means to them, they will likely respond, "environmentally friendly, using clean energy, conserving resources." But if you ask somebody how to build a green home you will generally find yourself confronting a blank stare. The relationship between the government of Trinidad and residents is also strained and confused. In many areas, neither have the know-how on what green really is except perhaps what they have read in the paper or seen on TV. Thus local government struggles with how to start or where to begin. For example, should government mandate that all homes must have solar panels or should the consumers demand it up front due to the dramatic rise in energy prices? This is just a simple example of what communities are confronted with when considering going green. A critique to that argument however is that we now live in a world of information, allowing rapid dissemination of all manner of data. Why then are the principles of sustainability not widely understood?
Change to resistance run so high that the world’s top two greenhouse gas emitters, China and the United States never adopted the Kyoto Protocol Treaty, an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which commits its parties by setting internationally binding emission reduction targets. That being the case it is then easier to understand why little interest is shown towards sustainable development within Trinidad especially since the development aim of the country is to get to the age of mass consumption like that of China and the United States. Understanding change resistance requires seeing it as a distinct and separate part of the sustainability problem. Tanya Markvart’s 2009 thesis on Understanding Institutional Change and Resistance to Change towards Sustainability stated that: "It has also been demonstrated that ecologically destructive and inequitable institutional systems can be highly resilient and resistant to change, even in the face of social-ecological degradation and/or collapse.”
The National Conference for Environmental Management in Trinidad (2011) identified the following challenges and suggestions to sustainable development: Lack of legislation and lack of enforcement of existing legislation example Water Pollution Rules 2001, to absolutely restrict quarrying within watersheds and above a designated contour line, Limited role of Ministry of Local Government and associated entities in water resource management within their districts, Lack of civil society involvement in educating the public on, and implement programs to, promote effective watershed management in Trinidad and Tobago these and many others are examples of challenges towards sustainability within the island.
Another resistance to sustainability not just in Trinidad but also around the world is that of economic profit. For a country whose wealth is built on oil and manufacturing it is difficult to abandon this resource as its short term benefit of economic development may seem more important than its long term goal… that of ecological and human sustainability. The key therefore in this case should be to minimize the impact.
Perhaps the argument put forward by Pauli (2010) is the most convincing argument towards the resistance of change towards sustainability within Trinidad. He argued that adopting the concept of a green economy would create an environment of exclusion to the economically challenged and marginalized strata in society since the green economies relies heavily on subsidies, taxes, and higher economic investments which forces or obliges consumers to pay more. A green economy requiring greater investment would therefore be too costly to the poorer individuals in society, potentially resulting in social segregation and isolation.
Despite the above arguments, in order for Trinidad to continue on its path to sustainable development, there must be some changes. A sustainable development policy agenda must be developed; almost by definition, one of systemic changes. This is not to be confused with an environmental policy agenda, which is – or should be – explicitly effect-based, and derived from that, a program of policies and legislation directed towards environmental improvements, relying on specific goals and conditions. The sustainable development policy agenda focuses at least on processes (e.g., related to extraction, manufacturing, transport, agriculture, energy, construction, etc.), and may extend to more cross cutting technological and social systems changes. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago guided by its 2010 Manifesto commitments to the people vowed to all prosperity to all within a sustainable development framework.
The current context for development in Trinidad highlights the current national development policy which is captured in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s Medium Term Policy Framework (MTPF) for 2011-2014. The document entitled “Innovation for Lasting Prosperity” articulates seven connected pillars for sustainable development. Further the MTPF outlines five priority for action over the next three years which it suggests, as stated in the MTPF “sets the foundations for achieving sustainable economic and social advancement of all citizens in the future.” In the context of the inevitable decline in the availability of non-renewable energy resources, the MTPF also notes the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s intent “to shift from the over-dependence of hydrocarbon resources… it is prudent to take decisions now to engineer a policy shift that will result in sustainable growth, in a context in which oil and gas are no longer the mainstay of the Trinidad and Tobago economy”(Sustainable Development – Trinidad and Tobago At The Crossroads, Dr. Marlene Attzs)
To give effect to the Government’s change in development course to the aforementioned “shift” the MTPF articulates, at different point in the framework, plans to build the platform on which the country’s dependence on nonrenewable energy sources will be diversified to more renewable energy sources. These plans include fiscal incentives to encourage the expansion of renewable technologies, a renewable energy policy and specific plans among the various ministries to adopt renewable energy policies and practices. All of these plans are buttress in the context of the realization that the nonrenewable energy rent resources are not sustainable unless the complementary policy and implementation strategies have consistently been in place.
NGO’s too are working on changing people’s attitudes toward recycling but the task is not easy. The article titled “Environmental NGO move to clean up T&T” dated May 26th 2012 and published in “The Guardian” news paper. “It’s up to me Nvironmental” has taken up the mantle with founder and President John Lewis who shared his belief that believes recycling should be everybody’s business, as its name suggests. The NGO, endorsed by the British High Commission, was launched in 2010 with an ambitious goal: to distribute single-stream recycling bins to 150,000 homes in five regional corporations—Diego Martin, San Juan/Laventille, Tunapuna/Piarco and Chaguanas. The recycling industry is growing. Piranha International Ltd, which recycles electronic waste, including mobile phones, computers, refrigerators and microwaves, has been working to make T&T a cleaner place since 2003. Director Brian Allum says the time has come for more public and private-sector partnership if the industry is to reach its full potential. The private Couva-based company receives no funding or assistance from the Government, and Allum says although he has managed to keep it afloat, he runs “a very tight ship.”
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is yet another NGO which assists and promotes sustainable development in Trinidad. Sharing the government’s view that “the energy sector, while vital to T&T’s sustenance now, cannot be viewed as the basis of our sustainability”, the UNDP has support the government in reducing the country’s environmental vulnerabilities through embarking upon a concerted effort of reducing carbon emissions by developing a strategy and its implementation, systematic phasing out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), and by assisting in the development of policy frameworks for sustainable land management and renewable energy alternatives. The UNDP Global Environmental Facility (GEF) has also provided a small grants program that has produced important achievements to deepening linkages with grass roots civil society organizations to advocate and address critical environmental issues and has supported the formulation and implementation of policies and plans for the protection of endangered species (preservation of the leatherback turtle), establishment of marine parks, organic farming, and exploration of renewable energy sources. Thus; the evidence clearly shows that NGO’s within and outside of Trinidad are supportive of the government’s decision to promote sustainable development at any cost within the island.
Can sustainable development truly be achieved in Trinidad? It is commendable that, in moving forward, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognizes the imperative to look to more nonrenewable sources of energy from the basis of development strategies for the country. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the aforementioned plans of the government are only likely to lead to truly sustainable development is there is a related commitment. Economic sustainability is a high priority for the Government; the institutional measures which are already in place include the transformative policy agenda, collaborative institutional planning, strategic regional/global developments, research and technological supportive and enabling mechanisms, and new procurements methods which include green issues. Though this may indicate that the country is well on its way to sustainable development there are still some major challenges which includes finding alternative sources of energy and therefore there is still the heavy reliance on the hydrocarbon sector. Food security is yet another challenge. The global food crisis remains a major challenge and it was widely noted that hunger, malnutrition and lack of food security erode any strides toward sustainable development. In Trinidad and Tobago this issue is engaging the attention of Government as it is considered a high priority. Achievements were reflected in the reduction of the food inflation rate by 6.9% from 29.5% in 2010 to 22.6% as of July 2012 according the Report of the republic of Trinidad and Tobago: Ministry of Planning and Sustainable development.
The transition to a sustainable society is happening too slowly. Although many changes have been introduced in public policies to ensure the greening of industry, these steps towards sustainability are insufficient unless individual households also contribute. A difference in lifestyle, i.e. how we choose to live, be transported and choose our provisions, can have a dramatic impact on the environment and as a result of this individuals are required to change many of the habits and accepted norms they’re accustom to in order for sustainable development to be a success. Some of the initiatives put forward by local government and local NGOs in Trinidad promote a change from the consumerist lifestyle which is seen as one of the major factors driving environmental as well as human and cultural degradation caused by a strong desire of the national middle class of Trinidad to prostitute itself to the joys of Western Consumerism. Ecotourism is yet another measure taken by the government of Trinidad and other countries around the world. The paradigm shift, sustainable development called into question almost everything: from the way to do policymaking (from governing to governance), to the way knowledge should be produced (more or less precautionary), to the way individuals should coordinate in society (through hierarchy, market, networks).
The Ministry of Health and Environment in Trinidad and Tobago has continually supported the use of cycling or walking to work so as to not only promote healthy living but to promote the effort to decrease air pollution
Sustainable Development is primarily an issue of global governance and as a paradigm shift; it requires new modes of social coordination at different scales (among sectors, jurisdictions, governmental actions, geography and time). In the public policy literature, the debate has focused on the alternative between three fundamental forms of coordination, namely hierarchy, market and network. Global cooperation to maintain and promote sustainable development is evidently seen in the Millennium Development Goals which is aimed at reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development. It is seen in the conferences of the United Nations on Environment and Development, in the 1992, at the UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development) "Earth Summit" meeting in Rio De Janeiro, where prescriptions for achieving sustainable development were agreed upon in "Agenda 21", which recognized that the "integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfillment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future.
Other related worldwide efforts to promote sustainable development include:
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), Caribbean Community Climate Change Center and Word Bank efforts in combating climate change and reducing the effects of Disasters such as landslides, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis by promoting sustainable land use, reinforcing land use policy reform and efforts in the fight against land degradation which can be directly related to environmental deterioration in many SIDs.
Again, there is a compelling argument for the need to encourage lifestyle change in order for sustainable development to take place. Understanding the nature of sustainable development is not enough – relatively few people actually undertake practical action. Many obstacles prevent the transition from awareness of sustainable development to doing something about it. Resistance to change first has to begin with education. Awareness of the issue at a tender age is said so likely foster the change of behavior which is necessary for this development process. It is also suggested that the legal system be used to modify behavior… that is to create stronger and effective policies, sanctions and laws which promote sustainable development. Global Corporation can continually be encouraged by the integrating of NGO’s with the government to work together to build a sustainable development. It can also be harnessed by providing new literature which would provide information not simply for the experts but for the common man to understand. Denial is said to have been a hurdle in previous times as some people question the gravity of the situation. Perhaps the most familiar example of this is the availability of petroleum. Because warnings about the finite nature of this resource were first given 30 years ago, and supplies are still available, the facts come into question. Scientific controversies, such as climate change, also result in disbelief by the public. As a result of this, it is therefore imperative that facts be accurately drawn and illustrated.
In conclusion, throughout the history of the Caribbean and other Low-to-Medium-Developed Countries, there have been many theories which suggest ways of improving their development however, the only theory thus far which has proposed and positively works to sustain human life for this and future generations is not the modernization theory, not the dependency theory but that of sustainable development. Much of humankind is vulnerable to natural disasters, extreme poverty, infectious disease and a host of other challenges more so within Trinidad and the rest of the Caribbean than in other parts of the world. The thrust towards economic stability and development of human capital, however, has negatively impacted on the nation’s environment. The environment has often been the trade-off between the advancement of the economy and long term considerations for the society. Although some initiatives have been taken to mitigate and reduce these negative environmental externalities, greater effort is still required to ensure sustainability. In moving forward, cognizance must be taken of the country’s finite natural resource base, the increasing needs of a growing population with more demands and the need to build sustainable capacity to support development which meet the needs of the present but which does not undermine the needs of future generations. Greater emphasis must now be placed on managing Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resource base and protecting the environment as well as human resource especially in an effort to reduce poverty and malnutrition so that development in this area would continue. This does not only require formation of new laws and legislation, but also the strengthening of existing ones with special focus on more stringent enforcement and initiatives to promote a green economy. Yes! Changing lifestyle is feasible, continually supported and in some areas already in effect for sustainable development in Trinidad.
This is the moment when we must come together to save this planet. Let us resolve that we will not leave our children a world where the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands - President Barack Obama (2008)

References
The Stages of economic Grown: A non-communist Manifesto 3rd Edition: W.W Rostow (1990)
Brundtland Report (1987) Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future
Quarries are hurting out environment; Trinidad Express; January 2012
Diesel like source of pollution; Trinidad Express; October 2012
Legislation has not stopped the tide of littering; Trinidad Express; September 2012
Koyoto Protocal Treaty: United Nations Framework on Climate Change; 2012
Understanding instutional change and resistance to change towards sustainability; Tanya Markvart 2009
National Conference for Environmental Management in Trinidad (2011)
Working for sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago; Ministry of Planning and the Economy (June 2012)
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago Manifesto (2010)
“Environmental NGO to clean up T&T”; The Guardian May 26th 2012
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development; The Summit (1992)
Sustainable Development- Trinidad and Tobago at the Crossroads; Dr. Marlene Attzs (2012)
“T&T 2nd highest producer of greenhouse emissions”; Trinidad Express; Feb 1st 2013

References: The Stages of economic Grown: A non-communist Manifesto 3rd Edition: W.W Rostow (1990) Brundtland Report (1987) Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future Understanding instutional change and resistance to change towards sustainability; Tanya Markvart 2009 National Conference for Environmental Management in Trinidad (2011) Working for sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago; Ministry of Planning and the Economy (June 2012) The Government of Trinidad and Tobago Manifesto (2010) “Environmental NGO to clean up T&T”; The Guardian May 26th 2012 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development; The Summit (1992) Sustainable Development- Trinidad and Tobago at the Crossroads; Dr. Marlene Attzs (2012) “T&T 2nd highest producer of greenhouse emissions”; Trinidad Express; Feb 1st 2013