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M.S. Swaminathan and Joe Hulse

Our current way of life is seriously threatening the future of humanity, says Joseph Hulse in his new book Sustainable Development at Risk: Ignoring the Past.

“Sustainable development means to satisfy the basic needs of the present without adversely compromising the needs of future generations,” said Hulse. “Those of the present should be prudent that they don’t disturb or disrupt the lives of those who come after them.”

Hulse, a former Vice-President of Research Programs at Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) launched the book in New Delhi, India, on September 13.

The eminent scientist, Professor M.S. Swaminathan, and IDRC Regional Director for South Asia, Stephen McGurk, were among those who attended the event, which was organized by the book’s co-publishers, IDRC and Cambridge University Press.

“It’s a very timely book,” said Prof. Swaminathan. “It’s significant in the contemporary world and talks about climate change and [many other] issues of great importance.”

The book takes an historical perspective on sustainable development and looks at whether we are learning from our past successes and failures in such areas as food security, agriculture, and biotechnologies.

“If you forget sustainable development, you forget your future. That is the message of Joseph Hulse,” summed up Prof. Swaminathan.

Developed nations have to look to developing countries for guidance, added Hulse.

“We have a lot to learn from the traditions of the poor,”said Hulse. “They are far more conservative than we wasteful North Americans who would rather feed automobiles than feed people.”

The book also explores the ethical issues surrounding sustainable development, and the dangers of failing to communicate research results and thus educate others.

Joseph Hulse’s career has included stints as President of the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chair of the Canadian Freedom From Hunger Committee, Assistant Director of Nutrition at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, and President of the International Union of Food Science and Technology.

He is currently Visiting Professor at the University of Manchester, the Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore, India, and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in Tamil Nadu, India.

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