Worldwatch Paper #167: Sustainable Development for the Second World: Ukraine and the Nations in Transition

September 2003
Viktor Vovk
ISBN: 1-878071-71-8
54 pages

Print Version$9.95Add to Cart

The 27 nations of the Second World—the former Soviet Union and its Central and Eastern European satellites—are undergoing a wrenching transition following the collapse of communism. The process is complicated by the history and legacy of communist rule, including severe economic, governance, and environmental problems. In some of these countries, such as Ukraine, the upheaval has led to a period of predatory capitalism and declining living standards. But the same turmoil offers an opportunity to change course and institute reform according to the principles of sustainable development—the only path that can lead to the twin goals of long-term human and environmental wellbeing.

Summary

Introduction

Development and the Environment Under Communism

The Environment and the Transition

Obstacles and Lost Opportunities

Ukraine: Ten Years After

The Way Forward

Endnotes

Index

Figure 3: Gross Domestic Product per Unit of Energy Use, Selected Countries, 1980 and 2000

Figure 2: Carbon Emissions per Unit Gross Domestic Product, Selected Countries, 1991-99

Figure 1: The Second World

Table 1: Emissions of SO2 and Particulates, Selected Countries, 1990

Sidebar 1: Sustainability, EU Style: Royal Road or Obstacle Course?