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1. Sample Essay on Sustainable Development in China
Introduction
Sustainable development, increasing population and continuing
industrialization effects on the environment are some of the issues that
have made leaders globally to examine economics and politics
directions that need to be taken in the 21st
century. Evidently, the
current practices should not be allowed to continue and substantive
changes need to be made in terms of uneven development rates in the
countries of the South and North as well as with consideration of the
growing population globally which is placing an increasing demand on
irreplaceable and finite natural resources (Leveness & Primeaux, 2004,
p. 185).
Bundtland Report (World Commission on Environment and
Development 1987) shows that sustainable development is called “Our
Common Future” (Tso, Yau & Yang, 2011, p.93). Sustainable
development refers to the capacity of satisfying the present
generation’s needs without causing jeopardy to this possibility for the
future generations. More attention has recently been paid to regional
or country sustainable development. Tso et al. (2011, p.93) were cited
in the Hoballah (2006), for their summary of the essential factors and
successful experience in relation to the formulation of sustainable
development’s regional strategy for the Mediterranean region.
Munday and Roberts (2006) evaluated the list of the approaches that
Wales considered in monitoring and measuring the progress that has
been made towards the realization of the objectives of sustainable
development that include ecological footprint, tables for environmental
input-output, account of environmental satellite and welfare index of a
sustainable economy.
Sustainable development has many interpretations and these are
confusing. A suggestion of a mapping methodology that would help in

2. making sense of these interpretations was made on the basis of socio-
economic and environmental issues combined. Riordan (1989) is
supported by Hopwood, Mellor, and O’Brien, (2005, p. 3) in his
environmental views’ categorization that has a wide use. This
categorization ranges from strong technocentric to strong ecocentric.
As Riordan (1989) pointed out, these usually combine with the socio-
economic viewpoints ensuring that the tendency of ecocentrics leans
towards economic and social equity as well as redistribution while the
technocentrics are highly likely to support political and economic status
quo. Nevertheless, this does not always happen as pointed out by
Marcuse. Social justice and sustainability do not go together always
(1998, p. 104). Sustainability masks justice or social justice masks
environmental damage (Hopwood et al., 2005, p.5).
In most cases, social and environmental concerns are linked on the
basis of a moral (Hopwood et al., 2005, p.5).The linking can also be
based on a sympathetic outlook instead of considering both as socially
and materially inseparable and related. Useful means of analyzing the
environmental concerns have also been outlined by other scholars
(Merchant, 1992; Dryzek, 1997). Nevertheless, less effort has been put
in mapping different sustainable development viewpoints. To offer a
general view of trends taken by the debate on sustainable
development, the original mapping by Riordan can be broadened to
consider socio-economic and environmental views of two different
axes.
Level of the importance that is given to equality and human well-being
is covered by socio-economic axis. Environment priority from the low
concerns to technocentred and econcentred is covered by
environmental axis. The map has a shaded area at the center which
shows different views raised during the debate on sustainable
development combining environmental and socio-economic issues
(Hopwood et al., 2005, p.6). Some views are not included in this area

3. and these concern either socioeconomic or environmental issues but
they ignore the other.
There are major views regarding the kind of changes that are necessary
in the economic and political structures as well as human-environment
relationships in the society that are necessary for the achievement of
sustainable development as indicated in Development Overlaid of this
map. For sustainable development to be realized with the current
structures -the status quo, fundamental reforms are necessary even
without a complete rupture of the arrangements that exist currently-
reform. As indicated in (Rees, 1995), the problems’ roots are the power
and economic structures in the society and there is a need for radical
transformation (Hopwood et al., 2005, p.5).
Inevitably, this conceptual framework is broad instead of being exact
and precise mapping of the locations that are open for the challenge.
The entire groups’ classification is simplification and debate can be
handled regarding the drawn boundaries and how blurred or sharp they
are. Groups and individuals change views as time goes by. Major
debates in these outlooks also exist. For this mapping to be illustrated
major trends in sustainable development have been outlined.
Environmental impact of wastes
Roberts (2006) notes that Tso et al. (2011, p.94) reviewed the
requirements that are fundamental to sustainable development’s
regional evaluation. They also offered research evidence to indicate the
essence of institutional and procedural innovation. Luken and Hesp
(2007) also assessed the effects of environmental policies for
sustainable development and industrial development in six developing
nations with reference to environmental, social and economic
parameters (Tso et al., 2011, p. 95).
A rational model for sustainable development within Vilnius was
developed by Zavadskas et al. (2007) with special emphasis being put

4. on pollution effects. This model involved an analysis of macro, meso
and micro environmental factors affecting Vilnius’ sustainability as well
as the recommendations for the enhancement of sustainable
development. An evaluation of sustainable development in Turkey was
made by Kizilaslan et al. (2007) in relation to population growth, forests
size, deforestation rate, agricultural development, population density,
urban population and the rate of self-sufficiency. Contextual
background was outlined by Tso et al. (2011, 97) in order to understand
governance issues and sustainable development in the Asian cities.
Policies and methodologies of ensuring and promoting sustainable
development in industries in Rwanda were investigated by Short
(2008). The scholar examined the role of the government in providing a
supporting frame (Tso et al., 2011, p.95).
After making sustainable development comparisons among regions or
countries, multidimensional variables that include environmental, social
and economic variables ought to be considered. There is a need for
sustainable development index (SDI) in order to achieve an objective
comparison and indication. Sustainable development can be measured
in different ways depending on the study’s specified objectives.
Constructing SDI on the basis of the official statistics in order to achieve
a measure that is objective is one way (Tso et al., 2011, p.95). However,
this approach cannot reflect the feelings and opinions of individuals
living in the region where the study is conducted directly. A survey is
another approach. Views of different sub-groups as well as produces
indicators can be measured and the sentiments of the sub-groups
compared using this alternative. The basis of pioneer works is the SDI
construction of Nordhaus and Tobin (1973), Daly and Cobb (1989, p.
115) as well as the survey done recently by Lawn (2003).
Hoffman (2000) developed a root index which serves as the sustainable
development’s measure in the New York City (1990-1995). This index
focused on sustainable economic factors and activities’ foundation
which had long-term effects that included education and infrastructure.

5. The Social Services Council developed Social Development Index in
Hong Kong (Tso et al., 2011, p. 94). There are bi-annual reports that are
published since 2000. This index has 47 core indicators that involve 5
population groups that are disadvantaged and 14 different sectors. The
index construction’s details are in Chua et al. (2010). There was a SDI
with a regional scale that Herrera-Ulloa et al. (2003) developed for the
Baja California Sur in Mexico. This SDI considered institutional,
economic, environmental and social dimensions.
With the use of principle component analysis (PCA), Tarabusi and
Palazzi (2004) developed a sustainable development’s index. This index
structurally considered a balance of different aspects of development
while weighing unbalance negatively. For this index to be developed,
environmental, social and economic aspects of a country’s
development were considered. In application, the index development
process considered sustainable development in 126 countries. This
index was used to rank and to compare these countries (Tso et al.,
2011, p. 97). The adopted sustainable development concept was called
‘sustainable society’. This concept introduced a measurement of
corresponding features so that stability can be developed and
maintained in the society. The overview of the indicators of any
sustainable development that the European Commission adopted
recently in monitoring, assessing and revising the strategy for
sustainable development that Gothenburg adopted in 2001 were
presented by Ledoux et al. (2005).
Additionally, Barrios and Komoto (2006) proposed some of the
approaches to SDI construction for Philippines. Instead of using PCA,
the approaches used sparse principle component analysis (SPCA) in
order to facilitate results’ interpretation. SDI was used in indicating
areas that required improvement in this study in order to realize
sustainable and better life. After 1997, awareness of sustainable
development and continuous growth has increased in Hong Kong which
is seen as a special region of China administration.

6. Environmental sustainability in terms of the Hong Kong housing system
was preliminarily assessed by Chiu (2000) as well as the use of the life-
cycle building model of Bhatti in the development of sustainable
housing policy. The perspective of sustainable development was
applied by Chiu (2002) in investigating whether government and policy
changes’ responses to property market collapse have made
consumption and distribution of resources more equitable in Hong
Kong. In the discussion of Scotland and Hong Kong sustainable
development, Robert and Hills (2002) considered the changing
circumstances’ impact.
Hills (2002) presented a discussion of the recent environmental policy
evolution within Hong Kong, emergence of the agenda of regional
management of the environment, ecological modernization potential as
well as the development basis for a broader environmental
management strategy in relation to Pearl River Delta. As indicated in Lai
et al. (2006), Tso et al. (2011, p. 96) discussed Hong Kong’s sustainable
development model’s Coasian interpretation that incorporated
environmental, societal and economic factors.
Nevertheless, when practicing sustainable development, sometimes
figuring out major concern areas becomes difficult. A systematic
approach is adopted in the construction and development of Hong
Kong Sustainable Development Index (HKSDI) to collect data from the
multi-stakeholders so as to determine vital areas that sustainable
development should address (Tso et al., 2011, p.97). Apart from acting
as the tracking mechanism of the status quo, it also assumes the role of
being the device for building consensus as well as the tool that is used
in creating public awareness. HKSDI development is described in this
paper while presenting its findings between 2003 and 2007. The top
priority areas will be quantified and identified. The paper also offers a
vital reference frame for the government, civil society and businesses
to collaborate in order to address common challenges to sustainability
as well as meeting citizens’ aspirations.

7. The endeavor to make Hong Kong a world-class city was stated by its
Chief Executive in a Policy Address (1999). Fundamental mindset’s
change is required in order to make Hong Kong a comfortable, pleasant
and comfortable home (Tso et al., 2011, p. 98). Bureaus, government
departments, businesses and citizens should start forming partnership
in order to realize sustainable development. There has been progress in
raising sustainable development’s awareness among the public but
fundamental mindset’s change is yet to be achieved. A Sustainable
Development Council was formed by the government in the April of
2003. This council was responsible for leading in the formulation of the
strategies for Hong Kong’s sustainable development. Strategies have
been developed by this council and they address specific issues that
include waste management, renewable energy, urban planning and the
new population policy strategies as well as air quality via public
consultation.
Although these steps are positive, a holistic strategy is required in
addressing different though interconnected issues for enhancing Hong
Kong’s sustainability further instead of strategies for individual topics.
However, for a clearer picture to be brought out regarding areas that
need improvement, an effective means of measuring life quality in
Hong Kong is required. Factors that indicate sustainable development
may help in designing and implementing improvement programs, their
influence on behavior as well as monitoring progress (Tso et al., 2011,
p. 99).
For good policy to continue being developed, a holistic and clear road
map is required in order to enhance life quality including targets and
measurable indicators. As such, HKSDI was established and launched on
the basis of ten priority areas representing the wide array of concerns
of the community in regard to local economy, the environment and
social progress. Workshops of multi-stakeholder engagement that were
held from 2001 to 2003 were used to identify the 10 priority areas that
sustainable development in Hong Kong should address. This index

8. therefore reflects different and relevant social, environmental and
economic issues that track the view of the public on progress that Hong
Kong has made towards a future that is more sustainable.
More than 70 participants with interest in this topic were involved in
the initial workshop that was held in 2001. They included business
operators, government officials, commerce chambers’ members and
environmental consultants (Tso et al., p. 101). Specific questions such
as “what your priorities for Hong Kong’s sustainable society are?” and
“how can you define them as well as what targets can be achieved by
Hong Kong?” among others were asked in order to focus the
discussions of the workshops on the areas of environmental, economic
and social sustainability. Consequently, a consensus was reached by
participants through facilitated, interactive discussions on the list that
comprised of 30 issues of priority that are vital for the realization of
sustainable development in Hong Kong (Tso et al., 2011, p. 102).
The next workshop was a sustainable development’s international
symposium by the government. It reviewed the priority issues that had
been identified after which a consensus was reached for top 10
priorities on Hong Kong’s sustainable development through debates. It
involved different stakeholders’ groups who represented different
sectors such as social and environmental organizations, the
government, academics, business and professionals. This workshop’s
goal was to identify the top 10 priorities that according to participants
should be focused on by the actions that are aimed at achieving Hong
Kong’s sustainable development. A process of consensus building that
was interactive facilitated the realization of the conclusion of ten main
priority areas. Participants formed ten small groups for discussions
during this process. Every group had ten members from various groups
of stakeholders and a facilitator who was independent led the group.
A research by the Education System indicated that health, hygiene and
environmental protection are the most vital areas for the achievement
of quality life in Hong Kong. Life quality is greatly influenced by

9. performance of these areas. The people of Hong Kong were satisfied by
health performance and hygiene for the 5 years taken by the study.
Public concern about hygiene and health was aroused in 2003 by
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak within different
Asian countries as well as Canada. Following this crisis, people are now
aware about the essence of the environment to human health. As such,
Ho et al. (2004) developed a scheme for practical assessment that
assesses hygiene and health performance of Hong Kong’s apartment
buildings.
The government has put more resources and efforts in this sector while
developing more policies that prevent such a disease from occurring in
different ways. The results of the survey suggest that the actions have
been effective. Despite the fact that people are currently satisfied with
this area’s performance, the results of our survey indicate that public
spaces’ cleanliness should be improved further. In this regard, the
made efforts will enhance the achievement of quality life (Tso et al.,
2011, p. 103).
The people are satisfied with the Education System’s performance as
well especially over the past years apart from 2005 when performance
and importance gap in the sector was the largest. The survey indicates
that teaching quality and restructuring of the education system in Hong
Kong are two aspects that require further improvement in order for
quality life to be achieved. Actually, education is a vital issue when it
comes to changing values, behavior, interests and norms of the people.
Educational strategy plays a vital role in shaping culture that a society
practices and this can change the people’s norms while influencing
individual’s behavior. Wong (2003), (Tso et al., 2011, p. 104)
investigated the contribution that continuing leadership empowerment
and education has on sustainable development.
Among the vital areas that should be focused on for quality life to be
achieved is environmental protection. Nevertheless, this area’s
performance has not been satisfying in comparison to others more so

10. after 2003. ANOVA results indicate that a big difference exists regarding
the 2003 performance as well as that of the following years. This survey
shows that air quality was consistently a major aspect that needed
further improvement during the 5 years of the study. Actually, the long-
persisted problem of air pollution in Hong Kong has been recognized
internationally. By 1966, a committee for studying air pollution that is
generated by motor vehicles and industrial activities was set up by the
government. Air quality kept deteriorating regardless of historical
concerns especially during the 1990s. The Hong Kong Environmental
Protection Department reported in 2002 that poor-visibility days had
increased and this was raising awareness of this problem to the entire
public.
The recent air quality crisis came at the history of Hong Kong’s
crossroads. Due to its return in 1997, China is struggling to maintain the
world-class status of Hong Kong as well as the East Asia’s financial
capital. While struggling to maintain its competitive edge, the
importance of air quality has increased. As such, the government as
well as businesses can work together to effectively solve this problem
and this will reinforce Hon Kong’s competitiveness in the global
economy and enable it to achieve quality life. Additionally, ANOVA
results indicated that there has been continuous improvement in
Health Economy area (Tso et al., 2011, p. 106).
Success in the achievement of improvement of the priority area can be
used and summarized as the reference for the other areas. Population
policy’s performance was at its worst between 2005 and 2007.
Specifically, immigration management from Mainland China has been
identified as a major aspect requiring improvement. An investigation
was done by Law and Lee (2006) on the existing relationship between
the economy, citizenship and the social exclusion among the mainland
immigrants within Hong Kong. There are three social exclusion
dimensions that are interrelated in regard to Chinese immigrants within
Hong Kong. These are (1) globalization; (2) strength and nature of the

11. local social identity that is based on place; (3) territorial states’ political
attempts. Usually, Hong Kong is seen as the Chinese immigrants’
society. The control regime for immigration in Hong Kong has changed
as per the economic development.
Various historical periods applied different regimes such as the Touch-
Base policy applied in 1980, the Two-Way Permit, One-Way Permit,
Talents Scheme Admission and the General Labor Importation Scheme
among others. Although these policies helped in Hong Kong’s economic
development through the provision of labor resources at specific
periods, they also created several problems. There were times when
the newcomers were viewed at as aggravating social problems in the
territory because they increased competition for houses, welfare
benefits and jobs. Following the Financial Crisis of Asia in 1997,
economic recession in Hong Kong deepened (Tso et al., 2011, p. 108).
The negative perception that the people of Hong Kong had towards
new arrivals intensified further. As such, there is the need for an
effective population policy. Considering the competition of global cities,
it s important that the government look for the talents of the mainland
Chinese in order to realize economic transformation that will lead to a
metropolis whose basis is knowledge and to enhance Hong Kong’s
competitive status. Therefore, an immigration policy that is more
flexible should be adopted in order to attract talents from the mainland
Chinese to Hong Kong.
Generally, there are many aspects that ought to be considered for
better life quality to be achieved. A cited in Chua et al. (2010), Tso et al.
(2011, p. 108) pointed out that economic and social developments are
inter-connected and equally important. Focusing on one aspect
excessively can harm society’s development. It is important to assign
appropriate weights of importance to economic, environmental,
cultural and social development since these are the cornerstones of
balanced and integrated social development.

12. This study has some limitations. First, the study’s response rate is very
high because of resources that can be afforded in interviewing cost as
well as the questionnaire’s length. A good survey done via the phone
ideally requires a high rate of response. Nevertheless, resources for
interviewing costs as well as time will be necessary for increased rate of
response to be realized from a telephone survey (Tso et al., 2011, p.
108). Second, each respondent provided satisfaction and importance
level’s rating towards the areas of priority. In fact, going by 106 G.K.F
Tso et al. (2012, p. 123) they may refer to various but specific aspects of
the area. However, this is an unavoidable problem in practice since an
individual can have personal concerns for the priority areas.
Conclusion
Among the major factors that determine economic, business and social
development is sustainable development. Nevertheless, several factors
affect sustainable development including the environment and politics.
For effective sustainable development to be achieved, several factors
should be implemented such as a streamlined education system.
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13. References
Hopwood, B., Mellor, M. & O’Brien, G., 2005. Sustainable
Development: mapping different approaches. Wiley-Blackwell.
Leveness, F.P. and Primeaux, P.D., 2004. Vicarious Ethics: Politics,
Business, and Sustainable Development. Journal of Business
Ethics, 51(2), pp. 185-198.
Tso, G.K., F., Yau, K.K., and Yang, C.Y., 2011. Sustainable Development
Index in Hong Kong: Approach, Method and Findings. Social Indicators
Research, 101(1), pp. 93-108.
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