How to Achieve Sustainable Development Local Actions for Global Change

PART I Unsustainable Pasts

1.Introduction: silo breakers.

2.“Business-as-usual is no longer an option”.

PART II Changemakers

Part II Overview

3.Governance and policymaking.

4.Economy and finance.

5.Individual and collective action.

6.Science and technology.

PART III Transformation Hotspots

Part III Overview

7.Sustainable, local food systems.

8.Just economies.

9.Human capabilities.

10.Inclusive urban-rural development.

11.Green energy access.

12.Regeneration of nature.

PART IV Change is Local

13.How change leads to transformation.

14.Focus I: gender inequality.

15.Focus II: resilience.

PART V Outlook beyond 2030

16.Where do we go from here?.

17.Your role in achieving sustainable development.

Biography

Samuel T. Ledermann is an Associate Professor of Practice in the International Development Studies program at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, USA. He is an economic geographer with an extensive background in sustainable agricultural development in Africa.

“Ledermann's How to Achieve Sustainable Development is a manual for change designed for students intent on thoughtfully fostering a better world. This inspiring text not only helps one comprehend our daunting global challenges, but offers well-reasoned strategies for pursuing various forms of sustainability without sinking into jingoistic activism, token behavior or charity. With a rich array of illustrative case studies, from sustainable local food systems to just economies, this book is a very welcome addition to interdisciplinary sustainability studies.”

William G. Moseley, DeWitt Wallace Professor of Geography, Macalester College, President of Association of American Geographers (2026), USA

“Prof. Ledermann’s How to Achieve Sustainable Development offers a clear, cohesive narrative on sustainability’s societal dimensions and the key changemakers. This essential textbook provides valuable insights and practical real-life experiences, benefiting students and concerned individuals alike.”

Juha I. Uitto, Environmental Law Institute, and Past-Director, Independent Evaluation Office, Global Environment Facility

“In How to Achieve Sustainable Development, Professor Ledermann presents an inspiring vision for action that at once skillfully untangles the knots of interacting and complementary development priorities—these include, inter alia, climate, agriculture, energy, water, health, and poverty-- while offering useful entry points for changemakers, rooted in real world experience and scientific research. Valuable to both students and practitioners, this book reads refreshingly like a how-to manual, not a dry textbook.”

Dr. Mesbah Motamed, Lead Economist, Millennium Challenge Corporation, US

“This book fills a critical gap in sustainability education, namely how to support and foster student engagement with transformative change. Arguing that “business as usual” is no longer an option, the book provides a compelling framework and numerous case examples that show how to advance sustainable development goals. This is an ideal text for courses in sustainability, particularly those that emphasize sustainable development in practice.”

Dr. Robin Leichenko, Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, US

“I wholeheartedly endorse this groundbreaking textbook, which serves as an essential resource for anyone committed to fostering sustainable development in their community and across the globe. Let it be your companion in the quest for a viable future and in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and beyond for transformative change."

Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, Member of Parliament, Tanzania, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanzania and Ambassador to the UN and the USA, Tanzania

“The comprehensive overview of sustainable development laid out in this impressive book is informed by a wealth of research results, from the natural and social sciences, as well as derived from development practice experience. It clearly shows that better governance and policy-making as well as our individual and collective actions are indispensable to keep the development process inside planetary boundaries.”

Andreas Sicks, CEO Liechtenstein Development Services, Liechtenstein