Targets, Timetables and Effective Implementing Mechanisms: Necessary Building Blocks for Sustainable Development

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review, Vol. 27, p. 79, 2002

58 Pages Posted: 30 Apr 2007

See all articles by John C. Dernbach

John C. Dernbach

Widener University - Commonwealth Law School

Abstract

The broad international framework for sustainable development contains few specific goals for environmental protection and social well-being. At both the national and international levels, targets and timetables for achieving particular sustainable development objectives make sustainable development more understandable and more achievable. Targets and timetables by themselves are not enough; they must be accompanied by political and legal commitments and resources to achieve them, as well as appropriate governance structures. The article surveys international efforts to establish targets and timetables for sustainable development, including the nonbinding agreement reached at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (which includes the U.N. General Assembly's Millennium Development Goals). While some progress has been made, targets, timetables, and effective implementing mechanisms will need to play a greater role in achieving sustainable development - internationally and at the national level - in coming decades.

Keywords: sustainable development, World Summit on Sustainable Development, Millennium Development Goals, targets and timetables, implementation

JEL Classification: Q20, Q28, Q30, Q38, Q48, 020, 022

Suggested Citation

Dernbach, John C., Targets, Timetables and Effective Implementing Mechanisms: Necessary Building Blocks for Sustainable Development. William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review, Vol. 27, p. 79, 2002, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=983318

John C. Dernbach (Contact Author)

Widener University - Commonwealth Law School ( email )

3800 Vartan Way
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9380
United States

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