Discusses "sustainable livelihoods" and "environmentally sound technology" as sub-categories of the general concepts of "sustainable development" and "environmental soundness" drawn up by the Rio Earth Summit. Reviews related literature and considers the operational relevance of these concepts.

Reviews from a comparative perspective the context, mandate, work process, reports, and impact of eleven commissions, including, e.g., the Brandt Commission on North-South cooperation, the Brundtland Commission on environment and development.