This work explores challenges to sustainable development, identifies various currents of thought in the social sciences that are of potential relevance in the search for strategies to achieve sustainable development, and offers some reflections on the decision processes involved in selecting development strategies. 4 major challenges to sustainable development are identified. In the 1st place, the fundamental equilibrium of the exosphere is menaced by the expansion of industrial activity, with major ecological problem that of nonrecyclable waste which pollute the ecosystem. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 1 example. The irreversibility of some effects of human activity is becoming clearer with time. A 2nd challenge is the arising from the intrinsic risks of scientific and technological development. The examples of nuclear energy and genetic manipulation demonstrate the dangers and ethical problems of allowing technological progress to occur without adequate societal control. A 3rd challenge is that of mastery of the organization and use of knowledge so that technological progress can be marshalled to reduce poverty and inequality. The 4th challenge is that of demographic growth, which accentuates poverty and inequality and aggravates pressure on resources. 3 recent currents of thought in the social sciences, all stressing interdisciplinarity, may contribute to understanding the long term modifications needed for achieving sustainable development. Among systemic approached, the thermodynamic theory of economic processes attempts to take into account the irreversible character of expenditures of energy and raw materials, while other theories examine the complexity of system interactions and the limitations of a purely quantitative approach. Decision theory may become an essential component of reflection on technological choices because of its demonstration that the criteria of rational choice differ in the cases of risk and of uncertainty. This type of analysis has been applied to energy choices. Proponents of an overall development theory consider that analysis and action to meet the challenges to sustainable development must be undertaken for all simultaneously. Protection of the environment, elimination of poverty, fertility control, and socioethical problems related to new technologies are different facets of the reality of a universal development crisis. The systemic approaches and decision theory all agree on the need for integrated solutions. Development choices cannot be left either to science or to technological dynamics in the context of an economy left to itself. Existing information on long term effects of development decisions is scarce and often hidden away in the files of organizations or governments; it needs to be widely available so that optimal decisions can be made and policies set.