出版社：Institute of Landscape Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences
摘要：Sustainable development was defined back in 1987 in the report by the World Commission on Environment and Development called "Our Common Future". However, attempts to reconcile needs of economic development with environmental concerns were suggested earlier, i.e. by the World Council of Churches or the Science Council of Canada. The roots of European civilization are (among others) Judaism and Christianity. Also in the Bible, namely in Genesis, we can find numerous references to human seeking harmony with Nature. In the 20th century the environmental issues became truly global. Beginning in the second half of the 20th century, individuals, NGOs and countries are increasingly involved in efforts to address the unfavourable trends. The 21st century brings yet new global challenges, e.g. climate change, peak oil, or terrorism. Whether we will be able to address these challenges still remains open. Our most precious resource now is the time that we have to attempt to reverse the contemporary unsustainable trends. Individuals – outstanding personalities – always play a crucial role in the process of change. In Middle Ages it was Francis of Assisi (today’s patron saint of environmentalists) who helped to reform the church and called all of creation – human neighbours, all living creatures and even the Sun and Moon his brothers and sisters. At the end of the 20th century in former Czechoslovakia there was a personality of similar qualities – the former Minister of the Environment Josef Vavrousek. The life paths of these two men were different but at the same time similar in many aspects. They both kept up the hope in their hearts, which gave them strength to do their best. They can both be our inspiration for life in the 21st century.
