'Sustainable development' is the catchphrase of the 1990s. Governments around the world, international institutions, local organizations and NGOs have committed themselves to its principles and have adopted policies to promote it.

But 'sustainable development' is difficult to define - let alone implement - and its proponents and advocates may all interpret it in very different ways.

This introductory guide provides a clear and accurate account of what sustainable development actually is. David Reid gives an overview of the history of the concept and how it has evolved in recent years, describes the obstacles to achieving sustainable development, and looks at recent progress towards implementing it - and at how much we have still to do.