This webpage is provided for U3As and their members to post reports, comments and ideas on Sustainable Development Projects and Activities that groups of U3A members are undertaking. The aim of this webpage is to enable U3As to share their initiatives with other U3As and encourage as many members as possible to participate in a programme of education and action to further Sustainable Development.
 
Sustainable Development is development that provides for the needs of the present without compromising the opportunities for development by future generations. It is the major problem for Mankind in the 21st Century. It encompasses Climate Change, Over Exploitation of Resources, Biodiversity, Fair Trade, World Health and many other aspects.
 
A letter and pamphlet have been sent out to all U3As requesting participation in a programme of education and action by the U3A movement to support the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.
Aughton and Ormskirk U3A and several other U3As are already fully involved in this programme.
 
Please get involved and let other U3As know what you are doing and thinking about Sustainable Development. 
                                                    

For over 30 years scientists and other specialists have given warning of the consequences of human development on the environments and resources of the planet. World population is rapidly increasing, world resources are being consumed at ever increasing rates, and the adverse impact on environments caused by economic development is increasing to critical levels. As a major response the UN has dedicated 2005-2014 as a Decade of Education for Sustainable Development to raise awareness and positive action by all people and governments to respond to the problems.

Aughton and Ormskirk U3A have, in association with UNESCO, encouraged the Third Age Trust to promote this programme of education in all U3As.

Sustainable Development can be defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising opportunities for future generations. If we over exploit the resources of the planet and degrade its environments what will be the consequences for future generations?
    
Many U3As have already initiated a programme of education and action for Sustainable Development. The Trust is requesting that all U3As join the programme by encouraging groups of members to carefully read and discuss the content of the enclosed leaflet, to consider and implement ways in which members can positively respond to the challenge of the problems, and to share their ideas and reports of their activities and programmes with other U3As. This latter response can be achieved by using the Sustainable Development page on the U3A website: www.u3a.org.uk  to record comments and reports.

For the sake of our grandchildren and future generations we need to be proactive in dealing with these problems. I hope members of your U3A will respond to this initiative.  
 
Jean Goodeve                                                                                                               

22 March 2008