Sustainable Development : Linking Economy Society Environment This book takes a careful look at the concept of sustainable development. What does it mean How is it affected by production consumption and globalisation How it can be measured and what can be done to promote it The OECD produces data research and policy recommendations on many issues related to sustainable development including climate change co operation with developing countries and corporate social responsibility. OECD Insights: Sustainable Development draws on that expertise. It argues that to be sustainable development has to be based on progress in three areas at once: the economy society and the environment.