Sustainable development - how to bridge the knowledge-action gap?

Sustainable development has been on the political agenda for more than two decades and has since evolved into a popular and powerful concept. Sustainability tells the compelling story that economic, environmental and social concerns can be addressed in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner while contributing to inter-generational justice. The particular challenge with regard to the physical and natural environment of a society and the environment’s subsequent impact or feedback onto a society’s economy is by its very nature a long-term policy perspective that is susceptible to short term changes and alterations to the cost-benefit calculations of political actors and social recipients directly and indirectly affected by sustainable development policy impacts. The chapters in this volume explore the comparative nature and character in the US and Europe of the cultural and social challenges to a coherent and effective strategy of sustainable development.