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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: THE ANALYZES OF CHINA’S RAPID

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPACT TO WATER SANITY ISSUE
BASED ON THE PERSPECTIVE OF REALIST AND CONSTRUCTIVIST

ABSTRACT

China has tried to focus on developing their economy and their focus has brought them to
the first rank of the most rapid economic development in the world. Yet, the rapid
development of China in economy has caused environment issue in their country. One of
many environmental issue which they have is regarding water sanity. Extreme decreasing
percentage of water sanity in China has become such a very crucial environmental issue.
Looking at this kind of situation, the implementation of Sustainable Development is
considered as necessary. Yet, the author in this thesis would like to see on how the
implementation of Sustainable Development upon the issue of water sanity in China based
on the perspective of Realism and Constructivism.

Keywords: China’s Rapid Economic Development, Water Sanity in China, Sustainable

Development, Realism, Constructivism

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

While the modern concept of sustainable development is derived most strongly from the
1987 Brundtland Report, it is rooted in earlier ideas about sustainable forest
management and twentieth century environmental concerns. As the concept developed, it
has shifted to focus more on economic development, social development and environmental
protection. Sustainable development has been described in terms of three dimensions,
domains or pillars. In the three-dimension model, these are seen as "economic,
environmental and social" or "ecology, economy and equity"; this has been expanded by
some authors to include a fourth pillar of culture, institutions or governance.1

It has been suggested that because of rural poverty and overexploitation, environmental
resources should be treated as important economic assets, called natural capital. Economic

1(Ezez. 2016)
development has traditionally required a growth in the gross domestic product. This model
of unlimited personal and GDP growth may be over. Sustainable development may involve
improvements in the quality of life for many but may necessitate a decrease in resource
consumption

As early as the 1970s, the concept of sustainability was used to describe an economy "in
equilibrium with basic ecological support systems." Scientists in many fields have
highlighted The Limits to Growth, and economists have presented alternatives, for example
a 'steady-state economy'; to address concerns over the impacts of expanding human
development on the planet. In 1987 the economist Edward Barbier published the study The
Concept of Sustainable Economic Development, where he recognized that goals of
environmental conservation and economic development are not conflicting and can be
reinforcing each other.

There are many initiatives in favor of sustainable development. However, these initiatives
are often scattered, sometimes not well known (in particular, there is little exchange
between the public and private sectors), and not well promoted. These initiatives, which are
rarely part of a long-term plan, are conducted by a wide variety of players: private and
public-sector companies, associations, NGOs, territorial authorities, educational
institutions, healthcare facilities, public bodies, etc.

All these initiatives sometimes constitute a local knowledge base that must be exploited,
promoted, and shared. The various ministries must increasingly provide the driving force
and co-ordinate, promote, and encourage all stakeholders involved in sustainable
development initiatives. In view of the size of the task, sustainable development requires
co-ordinate action by all of the economic actors and the public authorities

THE ISO 26000 standard published on 1st November 2010, this is an international standard
which is by definition for voluntary application and which gives the main guidelines
concerning social responsibility with regard to sustainable development. This is the first big
step towards CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), and it proposes a method for its
adaptation and implementation in an organization. It provides an international behavioral
framework for any type of organization (companies, communities, NGOs, unions, etc.)
irrespective of size or field of activity.
The ISO 26000 standard observes the major international founding texts, such as the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the articles of the International Labor
Organization, etc. It clarifies, explains, gives additional information, and prevents
misunderstandings or arbitrary situations. It was drawn up by consensus, which means that
it cannot favor the interests of a limited group of players; on the contrary, it favors the
greatest possible number of players.

The ISO 26000 standard is thus a common international tool for any player wishing to build
‘responsible’ legitimacy. It invites organizations to express their approach according to
seven central questions in order to define the scope of their responsibility to society: the
governance of the organization, human rights, working relationships and conditions,
the environment, best business practice, questions concerning consumers and the societal
commitment. These central questions aim to identify the relevant areas of action the
organization will be able to focus on to set its priorities and implement its own actions.2

In the field of sustainable development, there are many major challenges to be addressed.
They require us to re-think our economy and our growth in favor of a society that is more
economical in its use of raw materials and energy. Some of these challenges include:
climate change, energy consumption, waste production, threats to public health, poverty,
social exclusion, management of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and land use. In
this context, sustainable development approaches are now essential obligations.

Even though China has successfully increased its economic, China has something to be
paid for their economic advancement. What China does in economic development, has
sacrificed its environment very much. Air pollution in Beijing is emblematic of China's
many environmental problems. China's environmental crises seem to arise on a scale as
sweeping and epic as the vast nation itself: Thousands of dead, bloated pigs floating down
the river that supplies Shanghai with its drinking water.3The condition of water in China
has become very hazardous and undrinkable. In several region in China, the water is
literally undrinkable and they have to survive with this kind of condition.4

1.2 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

2(Johnston 2015)
3 ("Chinas Top 6 Environmental Concerns | China Environment" 2013)
4 (Schmitz/Marketplace 2016)
The issue of economic development and environment is sometimes back-clashing each
other. It happens in China as aforementioned in previous sub-chapter. The author of this
thesis would like to see on how actually the idea of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
is based on the perspective of Realism and Constructivism. Meanwhile, the case of China’s
rapid economic development and its affect to water sanity issue is going to become a tool to
the author in this thesis

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

“How is the Realist and Constructivist going to see the issue of China’s rapid economic
development which affect to water sanity in China and the implementation of Sustainable
Development towards it?”