ABSTRACT
In previous chapters, I have tried to demonstrate that human-induced global change combined with globalization has created a new perspective in the approach to world developments. It is indeed sobering to refl ect on the responsibility of the present generation and to realize that our capacity to meet these challenges is limited: global change does not dispense us from managing the short-term problems facing us, both as individuals and as parts of society. However, there is no way to avoid facing this situation; and since we are talking about global threats, they have to be tackled through international cooperation. It is also natural that the United Nations’ system has had a special role to play and that sustainable development has become a major issue for the world organization.
