Abstract

This paper discusses a component of a current research project that is concerned with what it means for humanity to live sustainably, that is, for there to be a sustainable-world, and how this might be achieved. Specifically, the paper presents the findings of a case study of the South Australian Government's (SAG's) sustainable-world approach. Of the two main sustainable-world approaches evident in the literature – the Reformist approach, which is consistent with mainstream sustainable-development, and the Transformational approach – the SAG's policies, plans, and goals are shown to be, for the most, consistent with Reformism. Two main exceptions are noted, namely the SAG's population and defence industry strategies, both of which are shown to be challenging to reconcile with either the Reformist or Transformational approaches. The findings also show that, from an Ecological-Footprint perspective, the South Australian community is not living sustainably within the global context. Despite the SAG's claims of sustainability leadership, its Ecological-Footprint goal will, even if achieved, see the South Australian community continue this unsustainable way of life.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.