As the idea of ​​sustainable development has become increasingly current in the political arena, the question still remains whether our modern capitalist economies can preserve their most basic principle of profit maximization, while protecting the environment. The purpose of this essay is therefore to examine this aspect. Compromises can be reached that allow us to protect and conserve the environment without hindering development. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the dominant economic system globally has been capitalism. Private ownership of the means of production, the creation of goods or services for profit in a market, prices and wages are elements of capitalism (Tormey, 2004). This promotes a society where the primary goal is individual economic gain, where levels of supply and demand determine the price of goods and services. While capitalism has undoubtedly brought with it enormous economic benefits, they have come at a price and it has become clear that the planet cannot sustain current methods of pursuing economic growth. With the onset of climate change, increasing population rates, and the depletion of our non-renewable resources, the only solution is to look for ways to develop sustainably. As we can see from this graph there is a direct correlation between economic prosperity and CO2 emissions. Given that the most economically prosperous nations are the main culprits of environmental destruction, it is my opinion that the onus now falls on them to lead the way towards a sustainable future. The theory of sustainable development was first defined in the Brundtland report (also known as Our Common Future) in 1987. The report was the work of the United Nations... half of the document...). “Examples of Projects, Programs and Initiatives - Transportation Planning and Traffic Management” http://archive.rec.org/REC/Programs/Sustainablecities/Transportation.html Accessed: 10/04/2011Chavis, Jason (2011) “What What is Environmental Risk Management?” http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-environmental-risk-management.html. Accessed: 10/04/2011RSC Environmental Health and Safety Committee Working Group (2008). “Environmental Risk Assessment” http://www.rsc.org/images/Environmental_Risk_Assessment_tcm18-122341.pdf. Accessed: 10/04/2011Shell Oil Company (2011) “Environment and society” http://www.shell.com/home/content/environment_society/. Accessed: 10/04/2011Shell To Sea (2011) “Corrib Gas Project Overview” http://www.shelltosea.com/content/overview-corrib-gas-project. Accessed: 10/14/2011 Grubb, M. (July 2003). "The economics of the Kyoto Protocol".