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What is a developed country?

A developed country is a place where people enjoy a high standard of living. Most people in developed countries live comfortably, with access to high quality food, medicine, transport, technology, etc. Examples of developed countries are Australia and the United States of America.

What is a sustainable developed country?

It is a developed country where people live in a way that can meet their present needs, without stopping future generations from being able to meet their needs. This especially involves using natural resources in a responsible way to make sure there are enough of these resources for the future.

Are all developed countries living in a sustainable way?

Unfortunately, no. In most of these countries:

• Natural resources are being over-used, even though people know these are going to run out soon.

• More greenhouse gases are being put into the air.

• Global warming is getting worse.

• Landfills are growing.

What are some of the things that governments in these countries could do to make them more sustainable?

• Create transport systems that are cheap and convenient to use.

• Stop treating money as if it is more important than the environment.

• Make sure the ways that factories and farms are run can be continued into the future.

• Create stricter laws about energy saving

What can you do to help?

• Think more about the things you buy and use. Try to buy and use things that meet your needs rather than your wants.

• Re-use and recycle the things you do buy.

• Use less energy, especially electricity, and encourage your family to do the same.

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If we all try to live in a more sustainable way, we can be sure that there will be enough resources for the future.