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Coherent features Sample Student Text Thesis statement and concise essay map Whilst the topic of sustainable development has been existent for many years, only recently has the issue received widespread attention within Australian society. Although widely debated and open to interpretation, sustainable development is perceived by the majority to mean ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’, (Brundtland Commission, ***). This essay supports the view that sustainable development is not achievable in Australia, examining its ecological, economic and social environments to argue that Australian society cannot foster sustainability. Topic sentence links to thesis and introduces first topic area -ecological Moving towards sustainable development requires the achievement of a healthy and stable human society. Many facets of human life, either directly or indirectly, are dependent on environmental quality (Beder, 1996, p.9). In recognition of this, several measures have been taken on both local and national scales to improve the physical environment through community education and cooperation, such as the annual Clean Up Australia Day and “Say NO to Plastic Bags” campaign. Logical sequence of paragraphs. Continuing on with ecological arguments Despite such activities, statistics accurately depict that the negative consequences of daily human activities over bear any positive impacts these environmental strategies possess. For example, Australia is the third-largest consumer of energy per person (Eamus, 2002). This data undermines the efforts of state governments like Queensland to introduce and expand the use of renewable sources of energy through implementation of rebate schemes (Qld EPA, 2004). Similarly, despite the fact that recycling rates have improved following the efforts of local councils, most household waste still goes to landfill than is recycled (ABS, 2003). Such information, along with statistics from the NSW Parliament that reveal increasing trends in Australia’s production of pollution, salinity and deforestation, suggests that sustainable development is not likely to be achieved in Australia. Explicit links in topic sentence to previous paragraphs. Moves on to second main topic area - -economic Another element of sustainable development is the pursuit of economic growth, which may be defined as the improved material well-being of individuals. Economic growth is deemed important to the achievement of sustainable development since only as the needs of a nation’s residents are met may environmental concerns be addressed (Columbia University, n.d.). That is, only as people obtain their requirements may resources be directed towards the achievement of sustainable development. Use of linking word clearly signals relationship of this paragraph with previous one Conversely, improved material well being is often accompanied by accelerated environmental damage and depletion of natural resources. Increased standards of living often foster increased consumption, and in order to meet non-essential wants and profit targets, environmental concerns are often overlooked. According to Rae, despite predictions that the quality of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity will continue to decline with business activities, Australia will only address its environmental concerns when communities come under immediate impact or threat (2005). Similarly, governments often neglect their environmental responsibilities in the pursuit of favourable economic growth rates for trade and investment purposes. A prime example of this is the Howard government’s refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Overlooking potential benefits to the environment, the Australian government views the protocol as an impediment to the achievement of economic goals (Gittens, 2005). In Australia’s increasingly consumer based, profit-driven society, such trends seem impossible to reverse, hindering its ability to achieve sustainable development. Topic sentence clearly introduces the third main topic area: social environment The third principle of sustainability is social equity, which involves achieving an egalitarian society. This principle is considered to be equally important “… since the well-being of individuals and stability of society are crucial to creating a sustainable [country].” (Columbia University, n.d.) With effective laws conferring the same rights upon all, and absence of dramatic racial, religious or political divides and the existence of relative poverty as oppose to absolute poverty, Australia’s social environment may facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices. Introduction Logical and sequential continuation of discussion of social issues However, despite a relatively high GDP per capita, Australia suffers ecologically, a fact contrary to a conclusion of the Brundtland Commission; that poverty is a major cause of environmental problems (Beder, 1996, p.12). Alternatively, some claim that Australia’s environmental problems stem from its population size, arguing that Australia’s current population over 20 000 000 (ABS, 2004) is living beyond its means. In order to achieve and maintain sustainability, it has been suggested that Australia reduce its population size (Eamus, 2002). Similarly, it has been argued that societal attitudes need to be altered so that society can adopt more environmentally responsible behaviour. This change could come through education, which is deemed to be “… critical for achieving … attitudes, skills and behaviour consistent with sustainable development…” (UNESCO, 2002, p.2) However achieving such a change seems impossible amidst a culture of consumerism and materialism, and as a result, Australian society may not be considered viable for the achievement of sustainable development. Conclusion clearly restates thesis As the Brundtland Commission into sustainable development concluded, a nation’s ecological, economic and social environments are inseparable elements in striving to achieve sustainability (Columbia University, n.d.). After examining these elements within an Australian context, it is evident that the current pace of change towards sustainable behaviours has been inadequate, and if we continue on at this speed, sustainability will be impossible to achieve. However, from the large number of initiatives under way, it is evident that there are many individuals striving for a sustainable world, and with increased integration of environmental, social and economic activities across government, industry and community sectors, a sustainable future may be possible (NSW, Dept. of Environment and Conservation, 2003). Table 4: Sample student text from environmental science with coherent features highlighted