The concept of 'sustainable development' was first introduced at the time of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, where over 170 heads of state signed a plan of action for the 21st century - Agenda 21. Agenda 21 sets out a proposal for sustainable development that combines several goals: preservation of the environment, social equity and economic efficiency, aiming to ensure the well-being of the world's people without compromising the future of generations to come.

This Atlas proposed an unprecedented 'reading' of the global situation, supported by socio-economic, geopolitical and...