"Sustainable development continues to be the key idea around which environment and development are structured. This extensively revised third edition continues to provide an accessible introduction to the principle ideas behind and practices flowing from the notion of sustainable development with a particular focus on the developing world." "The new edition encompasses greater reflection on the motives underpinning and changes seen in the pursuit of sustainable development. The inherently political and conflicting nature of sustainable development and the difficult challenges it thereby presents for local communities through to multilateral institutions are highlighted. Explicit attention is given to the significance of place and difference in shaping the prospects of sustainability including within the context of a globalising world economy. Progress in the arena of developing indicators is also incorporated." "Containing many new boxed case studies, discussion questions, chapter summaries and guides for further reading, this text provides an invaluable introduction to the characteristics, challenges and opportunities of sustainable development."--BOOK JACKET.