In the waning decades of the 20th century, the world stood at a crossroads, facing the mounting consequences of unchecked industrialization, environmental degradation, and widening social disparities. The relentless pursuit of economic growth had come at a steep cost, exposing the fragility of ecosystems and the inequities embedded in industrial global development. In response, a global agenda for change became imperative, one that reimagines progress through the lens of sustainability, equity, and accountability. “Our Common Future,” the landmark report by the Brundtland Commission, defines sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present while safeguarding the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Environmental taxes, by assigning costs to pollution, resource depletion, and carbon emissions, encourage cleaner production, responsible consumption, and innovation in green technologies, thus fostering a strong inclination toward sustainability.
