Pierce, John T. 1992. "Progress and the Biosphere: The Dialectics of Sustainable Development." The Canadian Geographer 36 (4): 306-20.

Thesis:

Pierce states, "This paper explores the necessity for change in the relations between economic and environmental systemsThe core of the paper considers the dialectical relations between forms of economic development and changes to natural capital. An attempt is made to reconcile some of the more pronounced differences in the interpretations of and prescriptions for sustainable development" (Abstract, p. 306).

Summary:

Conflict between environment and economy (see p. 307-310):

Resources and economic growth: Pierce reviews Norgaard's (1987) characterization of Western thought: there is an emphasis on useful or applied knowledge; this knowledge can be universalized; the world can be understood from a reductionist perspective in which atomistic parts can be isolated and known independently; and finally, parts of the whole can be related to each other systematically.

Market imperfections and distortions: Neo-classical economics utilizes this "atomistic mechanical worldview." There are increasing numbers of reports which show this worldview to be imperfect.

Logistics of growth and development: The concept of ecological succession has been applied to changes in economic development. Pierce describes, "the concept of ecological succession deals with complexes of plants which develop over time and space after some disturbance" (p. 309). This concept can be used as a model and example for analyses of development.

Interpretations of sustainability (see p. 310-313):

Pierce identifies two general perspectives of sustainability:

a narrow concept preoccupied with sustainable use or utilization of the resource base

a broader concept concerned with sustainable development in all of its manifestations, see Figure 1: Themes in the changing appraisal of the human environment (p. 311)

Sustainable development as a contextual process (see p. 313-317):

Pierce argues, "uneven economic development, within and amongst countries, is the product of differences in economic geography, comparative advantage, colonialism, access to capital/technology, and a host of social, cultural, and political factors" (p. 313).

Progress redefined (see p. 317-318):

Pierce argues, "to reduce disparities in living standards and to narrow the development gap between 'haves' and 'have nots' within and between countries, will require more economic growth and elevated levels of consumption for the latter" (p. 317).

Keywords: dialectical relations, economic development, sustainability