Chapter 3： Cultural and Contested Understandings of 

                      Science and Sustainability

This chapter will explore the contested nature of science in the sustainable development process. Key illustrations will be drawn from the debates and controversies over climate change.The cultural and sometimes national context of these debates are also important as the discussion of sustainability.The concept of the precautionary principle and principles of some international organizations will also be examined.The idea that sustainability is not a scientific concept as such, is an underlying assumption of this chapter, even though in practice sustainability, and perhaps science too, is also a political act – but this, as with so much, is a matter for dialogue and discussion.

Therefore, after you have learned this chapter , you can 

1. understand the contested nature of science in the sustainable development process;

2. analyze the climate case related to sustainable development;

3. be familiar with the the precautionary principle and principles of some international organizations concerning sustainable development.