News Release

August 26, 2002

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World Already on Course Toward Sustainable Development
Additional policies to promote sustainability are unnecessary as resources have become abundant

WASHINGTON -- Although global leaders convened today in Johannesburg, South Africa for the start of the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development, concerns about a lack of natural resources have been exaggerated as the world is already on a glide-path for sustainable development. Jerry Taylor, Cato's director of natural resource studies, argues in a new policy analysis, "Sustainable Development: A Dubious Solution in Search of a Problem," that those who favor central planning as a prerequisite for sustainable development in effect make environmental protection more expensive and even exacerbate problems.

"A review of data concerning resource availability and environmental quality clearly illustrates that the developed world is on an eminently sustainable path -- resources are becoming more abundant, environmental quality is improving, and per capita incomes are rising," writes Taylor, who has done extensive research on national environmental policy.

According to Taylor, sustainable development are merely buzz words for economic central planning -- in this case, to protect the planet from an alleged insatiable demand for resources. However, by citing recent data and studies, Taylor debunks the positions held by those who see a more active role for government to promote sustainability.

For example, although some would argue that there is a correlation between higher per capita income and increased pollution levels, Taylor says that evidence shows just the opposite is true: Economic growth is necessary to protect the environment.

"Society has managed to `sustain' development now for approximately 3,000 years without the guidance of Green state planners," Taylor concludes. "The result is not only a society that is healthier and wealthier than any other in history, but a society with more natural resources at its disposal than ever before."

Petroleum reserves, for instance, are 15 times larger today than when record keeping began in 1948 and 40 percent larger than in 1974.

"Sustainable Development: A Dubious Solution in Search of a Problem"