The economic growth generated by intense industrial development and rapid urbanization has seriously compromised the sustainability of the earth's natural resources. The planet is being abused and can no longer sustain the same level of production. This is where the question of sustainable development comes into play. How can we continue to satisfy the needs of all of inhabitants of the earth (production) without destroying the foundation that serves as the basis for this production and more important, how can we make sure it will be there for future generations?

Environmental analysis consists in the awareness of the destruction incurred on the earth as a result of human activity. In most instances this destruction is not clearly visible on the short term, for the depletion of resources takes a long time occur: soil degradation, misuse of the land, fewer genetic varieties, climactic change... Ecology calls for a long term approach.

Traditional forms of economy are more sensitive to the short term and to immediate profits. The environmental crisis we are experiencing today is due in part to this traditional concept of the economy (and in part, to the lack of knowledge of the long term effects of certain practices). A true ecological approach critiques the present economic system and opens new objectives and new norms that must be set in place for production activities.

The most serious environmental problems are:

- desertification due to deforestation and the poor management of grazing lands and water reserves..

- the diminished quality of water and air that have resulted in serious repercussions on health, the ozone layer and U.V. rays.

- the degradation of urban space: slums, unhealthy neighborhoods.

- the management of household, industrial and nuclear waste.

- the risks related to large industrial sites, particularly chemical (Bhopal) and nuclear (Chernobyl) sites.

- industrial acid rain and oil spills.

However, the worst degradation is still caused by the state of poverty and unemployment imposed upon us by the economic system, because of the negative impact they have on the dignity of the person. The environmental issue is much larger than a question of forest preservation and the protection of the flora and fauna. It is a question of calling to task the style of development practiced by the rich countries.

By insisting on the relationships that sustain life, ecology places the focus on the chain that links all forms of life. The destruction of the flora and fauna has a direct impact on bio-diversity (therefore on the possibility to improve agriculture), on the climates, on the quality of the soil... Ecology invites us to work at creating a more harmonious relationship between human life and plant and animal life... for they too, in a special way, are God's creation.

Ecology also brings us to the awareness that all countries are dependent on one another, that there is only one planet common to all men and women. An environmental disaster that takes place in one country affects all of the others, (ex. the destruction of the Amazon Forest changes the climates of the world, affects the ozone layer...). We are all on the same journey where the interests of one affect the interests of the other. The survival of the rich countries is just as linked to that of the poor countries as is the opposite.

The Brundtland Report, commissioned by the World Bank, placed great emphasis on the fact that these issues are of common interest for the entire planet, that care for the environment and development are inseparable. The Report dealt with the relationship between development and the environment and insisted on the fact that priority be given to sustainable development, that is to say, development that is non-destructive towards the environment.

At the World Conference on the Environment held in Rio the delegates studied themes such as bio-diversity, the relationship between production and nature, climactic change, forest management... In reality, the impact of the Conference has been minimal, for we see little or no change in practices and governing policies, although there has been considerable heightened awareness as to what is at stake.

Theological Christian reflection on the environment, particularly in the Catholic church, has hardly been developed. The oriental religions, on the other hand, are very concerned not only with human life but life in general. Because of their belief in reincarnation they are more sensitized to the bond between vegetable, animal and human life and the harmony that should exist between humanity and the cosmos...

Christian theological reflection on the environment is necessary because it situates us in our responsibility as humans for the future of the planet and God's plan for humanity. The meetings held in Bâle and then Seoul, made us aware of the potential role of the Churches in this area and to be more specific about God's desire for Creation and our role and responsibility as humans in the unfolding of this Plan. This theological research provides us with an ecumenical exchange on the topic which in turn will generate accrued interest in the question.

John Paul II, in chapter 34 of his encyclical Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, pushed Catholic reflection in the right direction when he highlighted the importance of the relationship that exists between the different forms of life, the quality of life and the limited nature of our natural resources. He concludes by writing:

" a true concept of development cannot ignore the use of the elements of nature, the renewability of these resources and the consequences of haphazard industrialization - three considerations which alert our conscience to the moral dimension of development.

John Paul II takes each of these themes and develops them in detail in his message on the World Day of Prayer for Peace, on January 2, 1990 entitled:"Peace With God Creator, Peace With Creation."

RIO DECLARATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT June 1992 (extracts) Principle 1 Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. Principle 3 The right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitably meet developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations. Principle 4 In order to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered in isolation from it. Principle 5 All States and all people shall cooperate in the essential task of eradicating poverty as an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, in order to decrease the disparities in standards of living and better meet the needs of the majority of the people of the world. Principle 7 States shall cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystem. In view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation, States have common but differentiated responsibilities. The developed countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command. Principle 8 To achieve sustainable development and a higher quality of life for all people, States should reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and promote appropriate demographic policies. Principle 9 States should cooperate to strengthen endogenous capacity-building for sustainable development by improving scientific understanding through exchanges of scientific and technological knowledge, and by enhancing the development, adaptation, diffusion and transfer of technologies, including new and innovative technologies. Principle 10 Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, shall be provided. Principle 12 States should cooperate to promote a supportive and open international economic system that would lead to economic growth and sustainable development in all countries, to better address the problems of environmental degradation. Trade policy measures for environmental purposes should not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade. Unilateral actions to deal with environmental challenges outside the jurisdiction of the importing country should be avoided. Environmental measures addressing transboundary or global environmental problems should, as far as possible, be based on an international consensus. Principle 14 States should effectively cooperate to discourage or prevent the relocation and transfer to other States of any activities and substances that cause severe environmental degradation or are found to be harmful to human health. Principle 15 In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. Principle 20 Women have a vital role in environmental management and development. Their full participation is therefore essential to achieve sustainable development. Principle 21 The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized to forge a global partnership in order to achieve sustainable development and ensure a better future for all. Principle 22 Indigenous people and their communities and other local communities have a vital role in environmental management and development because of their knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and duly support their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the achievement of sustainable development. Principle 24 Warfare is inherently destructive of sustainable development. States shall therefore respect international law providing protection for the environment in times of armed conflict and cooperate in its further development, as necessary. Principle 25 Peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and indivisible.

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