Black and white portrait of an elderly woman with short, wavy hair and glasses, looking thoughtfully to the side. She wears pearl earrings and a modest outfit, with a calm and composed expression. Her demeanor conveys a sense of wisdom and quiet resilience.
Black and white portrait of an elderly woman with short, wavy hair and glasses, looking thoughtfully to the side. She wears pearl earrings and a modest outfit, with a calm and composed expression. Her demeanor conveys a sense of wisdom and quiet resilience.

Barbara Ward

Historical

Historical

May 23, 1914

-

May 31, 1981

Black and white portrait of an elderly woman with short, wavy hair and glasses, looking thoughtfully to the side. She wears pearl earrings and a modest outfit, with a calm and composed expression. Her demeanor conveys a sense of wisdom and quiet resilience.

Barbara Ward

Historical

Historical

May 23, 1914

-

May 31, 1981

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth and British economist Barbara Ward strongly supported sustainable development. Born in York, England, in 1914, she was a political enthusiast from a tender age and attended Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied politics, philosophy, and economics. Her post-graduate studies in European politics in Paris and Germany also helped her political perception. This was due to the increase of antisemitism and the economic deterioration of Austria and Germany; she started participating in activities with Jewish refugees and the Roman Catholic Church in order to fight against Nazi Germany.

Ward’s career flourished during the Second World War when she worked for the Ministry of Information, wrote for The Economist, and was its foreign editor. She also did several broadcasts on Christian values during the war, boosting her status as a public intellectual. After the war, she supported the Marshall Plan and called for the further integration of Europe. Her book, published in 1962, entitled The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations, showed her increasing concern on the issue of inequality between the two worlds. She particularly called on the Western countries to help the underdeveloped nations.

Ward began concentrating on environmental concerns in the 1960s when she realized that development and conservation of the environment are interrelated. She became one of the first significant figures to call for sustainable development, which holds that economic progress must be achieved without compromising the planet’s health. She co-wrote the book Only One Earth, published in 1972 for the United Nations Stockholm Conference and considered one of the early environmentalist classics.

Ward was an active participant in the formation of policy around the globe and a consultant to such vital figures as U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and World Bank President Robert McNamara. She was also active in the Catholic Church, giving opinions on social justice matters and was the first woman to speak to a synod of bishops. Ward established the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in 1971 to promote sustainable development worldwide. Her last book, Progress for a Small Planet, issued in 1979, contained her ideas about the world’s progress concerning environmentalism and social equality.

She died in 1981, but Barbara Ward left a robust and influential legacy as a theorist of sustainable development, which integrated economics, ecology, and ethics in the pursuit of global justice.

Quotes

“We are a ship’s company on a small ship. Rational behavior is the condition of survival.”

“The careful husbandry of the Earth is sine qua non for the survival of the human species.”

“On the one hand, we are faced with the stewardship of this fragile planet. On the other, we confront the destiny of our fellow man.”

“We must work together for a sustainable future or face the shared consequences of environmental failure.”

“The fate of the planet depends on a balance between meeting human needs and recognizing ecological limits.”

“Without justice, there can be no peace; without sustainability, there can be no future.”

“The inner limits are the rights of humanity, and the outer limits are the boundaries of what Earth can provide.”

“Economic development cannot continue unchecked if it destroys the very resources it depends upon.”

“Wealthier nations have a moral responsibility to assist poorer countries in achieving sustainable growth.”

“Sustainability is not just about conservation; it’s about ensuring a decent standard of living for all.”

“We are stewards of this planet, not its masters.”

“Humanity’s progress must be measured by its care for both people and planet.”

“The economic divide between nations must be bridged, not only for peace but for the survival of our shared environment.”

“Our planet is small, fragile, and finite—its care is not optional but essential.”

“To disregard the planet is to disregard future generations.”

FAQ

What is the significance of Barbara Ward?

Barbara Ward was a leading advocate of sustainable development and economic justice for the world’s poor, particularly interested in the relationship between environmental protection and poverty eradication.

What was Only One Earth all about?

Only One Earth was an early work on environmentalism by Barbara Ward and René Dubos. It called for international cooperation in the stewardship of the world’s resources.

In what way did Ward contribute to sustainable development?

Ward noted that economic development should not be for the sake of the environment. She called for the rational exploitation of resources and conservation, which formed the basis of current environmentalism.

What did Ward do for global policy?

Ward was an economic advisor to world leaders, presidents of the United States, and officials at the World Bank, where he helped set the agenda on poverty reduction, development assistance, and sustainability.

What about the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)?

Established by Ward in 1971, the IIED is a research institution that studies the relationship between development and the environment by promoting sustainable development in global policies.

In what way did Ward connect Christianity to her work?

Written in 1962, the book discussed the differences in the living standards between rich and poor countries and called for implementing measures to help achieve more significant equity in the world economy.

What effect did The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations have?

Written in 1962, the book discussed the differences in the living standards between rich and poor countries and called for implementing measures to help achieve more significant equity in the world economy.

What did Ward do at the Stockholm Conference?

Ward participated in the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, where she contributed to formulating environmental policies and worked on sustainable development.

What makes Ward a pioneer in sustainable development?

Ward was one of the first to define sustainable development, noting that growth must be made without using the Earth’s resources for future generations.

What is Progress for a Small Planet?

This was Ward’s last book, Progress for a Small Planet, where she expanded on the concept.

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth and British economist Barbara Ward strongly supported sustainable development. Born in York, England, in 1914, she was a political enthusiast from a tender age and attended Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied politics, philosophy, and economics. Her post-graduate studies in European politics in Paris and Germany also helped her political perception. This was due to the increase of antisemitism and the economic deterioration of Austria and Germany; she started participating in activities with Jewish refugees and the Roman Catholic Church in order to fight against Nazi Germany.

Ward’s career flourished during the Second World War when she worked for the Ministry of Information, wrote for The Economist, and was its foreign editor. She also did several broadcasts on Christian values during the war, boosting her status as a public intellectual. After the war, she supported the Marshall Plan and called for the further integration of Europe. Her book, published in 1962, entitled The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations, showed her increasing concern on the issue of inequality between the two worlds. She particularly called on the Western countries to help the underdeveloped nations.

Ward began concentrating on environmental concerns in the 1960s when she realized that development and conservation of the environment are interrelated. She became one of the first significant figures to call for sustainable development, which holds that economic progress must be achieved without compromising the planet’s health. She co-wrote the book Only One Earth, published in 1972 for the United Nations Stockholm Conference and considered one of the early environmentalist classics.

Ward was an active participant in the formation of policy around the globe and a consultant to such vital figures as U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and World Bank President Robert McNamara. She was also active in the Catholic Church, giving opinions on social justice matters and was the first woman to speak to a synod of bishops. Ward established the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in 1971 to promote sustainable development worldwide. Her last book, Progress for a Small Planet, issued in 1979, contained her ideas about the world’s progress concerning environmentalism and social equality.

She died in 1981, but Barbara Ward left a robust and influential legacy as a theorist of sustainable development, which integrated economics, ecology, and ethics in the pursuit of global justice.

Quotes

“We are a ship’s company on a small ship. Rational behavior is the condition of survival.”

“The careful husbandry of the Earth is sine qua non for the survival of the human species.”

“On the one hand, we are faced with the stewardship of this fragile planet. On the other, we confront the destiny of our fellow man.”

“We must work together for a sustainable future or face the shared consequences of environmental failure.”

“The fate of the planet depends on a balance between meeting human needs and recognizing ecological limits.”

“Without justice, there can be no peace; without sustainability, there can be no future.”

“The inner limits are the rights of humanity, and the outer limits are the boundaries of what Earth can provide.”

“Economic development cannot continue unchecked if it destroys the very resources it depends upon.”

“Wealthier nations have a moral responsibility to assist poorer countries in achieving sustainable growth.”

“Sustainability is not just about conservation; it’s about ensuring a decent standard of living for all.”

“We are stewards of this planet, not its masters.”

“Humanity’s progress must be measured by its care for both people and planet.”

“The economic divide between nations must be bridged, not only for peace but for the survival of our shared environment.”

“Our planet is small, fragile, and finite—its care is not optional but essential.”

“To disregard the planet is to disregard future generations.”

FAQ

What is the significance of Barbara Ward?

Barbara Ward was a leading advocate of sustainable development and economic justice for the world’s poor, particularly interested in the relationship between environmental protection and poverty eradication.

What was Only One Earth all about?

Only One Earth was an early work on environmentalism by Barbara Ward and René Dubos. It called for international cooperation in the stewardship of the world’s resources.

In what way did Ward contribute to sustainable development?

Ward noted that economic development should not be for the sake of the environment. She called for the rational exploitation of resources and conservation, which formed the basis of current environmentalism.

What did Ward do for global policy?

Ward was an economic advisor to world leaders, presidents of the United States, and officials at the World Bank, where he helped set the agenda on poverty reduction, development assistance, and sustainability.

What about the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)?

Established by Ward in 1971, the IIED is a research institution that studies the relationship between development and the environment by promoting sustainable development in global policies.

In what way did Ward connect Christianity to her work?

Written in 1962, the book discussed the differences in the living standards between rich and poor countries and called for implementing measures to help achieve more significant equity in the world economy.

What effect did The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations have?

Written in 1962, the book discussed the differences in the living standards between rich and poor countries and called for implementing measures to help achieve more significant equity in the world economy.

What did Ward do at the Stockholm Conference?

Ward participated in the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, where she contributed to formulating environmental policies and worked on sustainable development.

What makes Ward a pioneer in sustainable development?

Ward was one of the first to define sustainable development, noting that growth must be made without using the Earth’s resources for future generations.

What is Progress for a Small Planet?

This was Ward’s last book, Progress for a Small Planet, where she expanded on the concept.

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth and British economist Barbara Ward strongly supported sustainable development. Born in York, England, in 1914, she was a political enthusiast from a tender age and attended Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied politics, philosophy, and economics. Her post-graduate studies in European politics in Paris and Germany also helped her political perception. This was due to the increase of antisemitism and the economic deterioration of Austria and Germany; she started participating in activities with Jewish refugees and the Roman Catholic Church in order to fight against Nazi Germany.

Ward’s career flourished during the Second World War when she worked for the Ministry of Information, wrote for The Economist, and was its foreign editor. She also did several broadcasts on Christian values during the war, boosting her status as a public intellectual. After the war, she supported the Marshall Plan and called for the further integration of Europe. Her book, published in 1962, entitled The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations, showed her increasing concern on the issue of inequality between the two worlds. She particularly called on the Western countries to help the underdeveloped nations.

Ward began concentrating on environmental concerns in the 1960s when she realized that development and conservation of the environment are interrelated. She became one of the first significant figures to call for sustainable development, which holds that economic progress must be achieved without compromising the planet’s health. She co-wrote the book Only One Earth, published in 1972 for the United Nations Stockholm Conference and considered one of the early environmentalist classics.

Ward was an active participant in the formation of policy around the globe and a consultant to such vital figures as U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and World Bank President Robert McNamara. She was also active in the Catholic Church, giving opinions on social justice matters and was the first woman to speak to a synod of bishops. Ward established the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in 1971 to promote sustainable development worldwide. Her last book, Progress for a Small Planet, issued in 1979, contained her ideas about the world’s progress concerning environmentalism and social equality.

She died in 1981, but Barbara Ward left a robust and influential legacy as a theorist of sustainable development, which integrated economics, ecology, and ethics in the pursuit of global justice.

Quotes

“We are a ship’s company on a small ship. Rational behavior is the condition of survival.”

“The careful husbandry of the Earth is sine qua non for the survival of the human species.”

“On the one hand, we are faced with the stewardship of this fragile planet. On the other, we confront the destiny of our fellow man.”

“We must work together for a sustainable future or face the shared consequences of environmental failure.”

“The fate of the planet depends on a balance between meeting human needs and recognizing ecological limits.”

“Without justice, there can be no peace; without sustainability, there can be no future.”

“The inner limits are the rights of humanity, and the outer limits are the boundaries of what Earth can provide.”

“Economic development cannot continue unchecked if it destroys the very resources it depends upon.”

“Wealthier nations have a moral responsibility to assist poorer countries in achieving sustainable growth.”

“Sustainability is not just about conservation; it’s about ensuring a decent standard of living for all.”

“We are stewards of this planet, not its masters.”

“Humanity’s progress must be measured by its care for both people and planet.”

“The economic divide between nations must be bridged, not only for peace but for the survival of our shared environment.”

“Our planet is small, fragile, and finite—its care is not optional but essential.”

“To disregard the planet is to disregard future generations.”

FAQ

What is the significance of Barbara Ward?

Barbara Ward was a leading advocate of sustainable development and economic justice for the world’s poor, particularly interested in the relationship between environmental protection and poverty eradication.

What was Only One Earth all about?

Only One Earth was an early work on environmentalism by Barbara Ward and René Dubos. It called for international cooperation in the stewardship of the world’s resources.

In what way did Ward contribute to sustainable development?

Ward noted that economic development should not be for the sake of the environment. She called for the rational exploitation of resources and conservation, which formed the basis of current environmentalism.

What did Ward do for global policy?

Ward was an economic advisor to world leaders, presidents of the United States, and officials at the World Bank, where he helped set the agenda on poverty reduction, development assistance, and sustainability.

What about the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)?

Established by Ward in 1971, the IIED is a research institution that studies the relationship between development and the environment by promoting sustainable development in global policies.

In what way did Ward connect Christianity to her work?

Written in 1962, the book discussed the differences in the living standards between rich and poor countries and called for implementing measures to help achieve more significant equity in the world economy.

What effect did The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations have?

Written in 1962, the book discussed the differences in the living standards between rich and poor countries and called for implementing measures to help achieve more significant equity in the world economy.

What did Ward do at the Stockholm Conference?

Ward participated in the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, where she contributed to formulating environmental policies and worked on sustainable development.

What makes Ward a pioneer in sustainable development?

Ward was one of the first to define sustainable development, noting that growth must be made without using the Earth’s resources for future generations.

What is Progress for a Small Planet?

This was Ward’s last book, Progress for a Small Planet, where she expanded on the concept.

Life and achievements

Early life

Barbara Ward was born in 1914 in Heworth, York. A Quaker father and a Catholic mother raised her. Born in a strict religious family, she was enrolled in a convent school where she was taught the values of discipline and commitment, which she carried throughout her life. Ward received her education from Paris and Germany and then joined Somerville College, Oxford, where she read politics, philosophy, and economics and graduated in 1935. Experiencing the growth of fascism during her study abroad, she became interested in justice and cooperation on the international level, which became her lifelong concern and commitment to the development of the world and its peace.

Ward’s first job was at The Economist, where she was to work her way up to become the foreign editor of the magazine. She wrote mainly on international economic policy and became an expert on world politics. Her book of 1938, The International Share-Out, was a study of the reasons why the more advanced nations should share their wealth with the less fortunate ones, which was a subject that she would develop throughout her writing. Ward was an internationalist in outlook, having travelled widely and worked during the Second World War, broadcasting Christian messages of resistance and optimism during the war.

Legacy

Barbara Ward’s contribution is in integrating economic development with environmental conservation. She was one of the first to introduce the idea of sustainable development, which means that any further growth of the economy should not be achieved at the expense of the environment. It has been possible to identify many current issues in the contemporary world, such as climate change and depletion of resources, and her call for international cooperation is still timely in the discussions on sustainability.

It is not only in her writing that Ward made a mark; she also inspired others in many ways. She served as a counsellor to presidents and governments and influenced policies that supported economic equity and sustainability of the environment. Her establishment of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) put into formal structure her vision through the provision of a forum for further research and policy work on sustainable development. Ward was a devout Catholic, and religion played a significant role in her life and work; she regarded environmentalism and social justice as moral values that informed her public discourse and private conduct.

In her work Only One Earth, published in 1972 with co-author René Dubos, Ward understood the relationship between the economy and the environment, which made her pioneer the sustainable development concept that is popular today.

After she died in 1981, Ward’s ideas are still relevant. The IIED has continued this tradition through the Barbara Ward Lectures, where people such as Gro Harlem Brundtland and Mary Robinson delivered lectures on development. Today, Ward is not only considered an economist and an environmentalist but a woman who was able to envision the present global concerns on how human development can go hand in hand with preserving the environment.

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Your donation today shapes the future of how families and friends connect.
You will become a featured Ambassador.
Learn more ->

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Your donation today shapes the future of how families and friends connect.
You will become a featured Ambassador.
Learn more ->

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Milestone moments

Jul 18, 1962

The series’s first publication is The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations.
Barbara Ward’s The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations, published in 1962, laid the foundation for understanding the rich and the poor.
The book stressed the need for the equitable distribution of wealth across the world and called on developed countries to help less developed countries establish sound economic systems.

The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations became a popular book, applauded for presenting a coherent and persuasive view that economic inequalities threaten the world order.

This milestone can be seen as a significant step in Ward’s career as she continued gaining prominence as an international development advocate.
Her ideas were disseminated among policymakers and other intellectuals worldwide.

This book formed the basis of her subsequent arguments on sustainable development, associating economic equity with environmental conservation.

Mar 14, 1971

Establishment of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
In 1971, Ward established the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) to integrate environmental conservation with development.

The IIED was established to foster research and policy change on sustainable development.
The organization’s key aim was to ensure that development did not negatively impact the environment.

This institute helped set the agenda for international discussions on sustainable development and contributed to significant events such as the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm.

Ward’s establishment of the IIED was a clear indication of her effort to ensure that the concept of sustainable development was well implemented so that others could build on the work she had started.

Mar 30, 1972

Only One Earth was published for the Stockholm Conference.
In 1972, Barbara Ward and René Dubos co-authored Only One Earth: The Care and Maintenance of a Small Planet, a report prepared for the United Nations for the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

Only One Earth pioneered work in environmental conservation and management.
It called for protecting the world’s resources and international cooperation in environmental management.

The report outlined Ward’s concept of development and noted that environmental decay was a major problem affecting the Third World and that the whole world must devise measures to combat environmental pollution.

This milestone reinforced Ward’s position as one of the most influential advocates for environmental causes and influenced the development of international environmental politics for many years.

May 15, 1974

Commander of the Order of the British Empire – Dame Commander.
In 1974, Barbara Ward received the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contributions to economics, the environment, and the development of the world.

This indicated that Ward had played a significant role in formulating policies on the world’s economic development and environmental conservation.

This achievement only boosted her reputation as one of the leading authorities on sustainable development and became the high point in her career as a public figure and an intellectual.

The DBE that Ward received was a formal affirmation of her long-standing as a public thinker, policymaker, and advocate for social justice and environmentalism.

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