1. There are many definitions of sustainable development. Which one(s) do you find most convincing and helpful, and why? 2. Will the new UN-sponsored ‘Global Goals for Sustainable Development’ lead to sustainable development? a Write a critical review of Pope Francis’s 2015 Encyclical on climate action and environmental values and his remarks to the UN summit on sustainable development goals. Analyse the response to the Encyclical and consider what difference its publication and Francis’s other interventions might make to policymakers, NGOs and public opinion. 4. In your view, what are the implications of sustainable development for our attitude towards future generations? 5. A widespread response to the financial crises since 2007 and the risk of deeper economic recession has been to conclude that radical action on climate change and sustainability must be postponed until better conditions prevail. Consider the implications of the financial crisis for the growth paradigm in economics and for sustainable development strategies in business and government. 6. Offer a critical review of the main outcome document, ‘The Future We Want’, from the UN summit on environment and development at Rio in 2012. Is this vision for sustainable development an advance on Brundtland and Agenda 21? (Download the UN text from http://www.un.orgidisabilitiesidocumentshio20_outcome_document_complete.pdf 7. Are democracies capable of implementing sustainable development? 8. What in your view are the most powerful arguments against conventional ideas of sustainable development? How can they be answered? 9. Can technological advances enable sustainable development without major changes in affluent societies’ lifestyles and values? 10. Do you take a human-centric or eco-centric view of sustainability? Outline and assess the arguments for these positions and put your own view. 11. Is nuclear power a ‘sustainable technology’? Consider and assess the arguments for and against.