248 



In agriculture, in manufaciuring processes, in consumer prtulucis, 

 and in almost every other sector of the economy, new technologies will 

 give the United States a competitive edge as well as a healthier environ- 

 ment. The worldwide market for such technologies will continue to 

 grow as the connections between environmental and economic well- 

 being become more apparent. The economic potential of trade in sut.li 

 technologies is no secret; Japan and Germany, among others, have- 

 already moved aggressively into this field. If America moves ahea<l in 

 this technology race, it will be because our country has at last uiulcr- 

 stood that we need a technological revolution, not just another techni- 

 cal fix. 



Along with dramatic economic opportunities, a commitment lo 

 sustainable development could bring timely new political opportuni- 

 ties, particularly in foreign affairs. With the end of the Cold War and 

 the Communist threat, the bond that held the United States and its 

 allies together for half a century has loosened. The international com- 

 munity is breaking into national or (at best) regional groupings pursu- 

 ing their own narrow self-interests. Prospects for sustainable develop- 

 ment could shatter in such a divided world. We are convinced that the 

 urgent need to put the world on the road to sustainability provides a 

 common purpose that can and must unite the global community. 



While the principal thrust of this report is to recommend measures 

 for putting Americas environmental house in order, the United States 

 has a huge stake in effectively addressing global environmental prob- 

 lems. As Barbara Ward and Rene Dubos said, all of us have two coun- 

 tries — "our own and Planet Earth." The threat of global climate change, 

 for example, requires national initiatives in the United States, but the 

 problem really can be addressed only through a common worldwide 

 effort. The destruction of forests will exacerbate global warming ami 

 accelerate the loss of species and ecosystems, foreclosing medical, recre- 

 ational, and trade opportunities for the United States as well as dimin- 

 ishing the worlds shared biological heritage. The great potential fi>r 

 expanding trade with developing countries will not l>e realized unless 

 these nations achieve sustainable development. U.S. national security 

 interests depend increasingly on achieving a level of international stabili- 

 ty that can come only from sustainable development. 



'I'he most critical need facing the world is the control of humnii 

 numbers. Continued global |H)pulaiion growth of the current ni;igiii 



( 'JIISIS ANI I ( )m mil INI lY XVII 



