Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development is the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes a balanced approach that integrates economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection to ensure long-term resilience and viability of both human societies and natural ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of sustainable development gained global prominence after the 1987 Brundtland Report, which highlighted the need for an integrated approach to economic, social, and environmental policies.
2. Sustainable development seeks to reduce poverty and inequality while promoting economic growth in a way that conserves natural resources for future generations.
3. One of the key goals of sustainable development is to achieve environmental sustainability, which involves protecting ecosystems, maintaining biodiversity, and managing natural resources responsibly.
4. The United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, a collection of 17 global goals aimed at addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030.
5. Successful sustainable development requires collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to create policies and practices that promote long-term sustainability.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development aim to balance economic growth with environmental protection?
  • Sustainable development seeks to harmonize economic growth with environmental protection by promoting practices that ensure resources are used efficiently and responsibly. This involves implementing policies that encourage renewable energy use, reducing waste, and fostering sustainable industries. The goal is to create an economy that not only supports current needs but also preserves the environment for future generations.
• Evaluate the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in guiding global efforts toward sustainability.
  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in shaping global strategies for sustainability by providing a comprehensive framework for addressing interconnected challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and ecosystem degradation. Each of the 17 goals includes specific targets and indicators that help countries measure progress and encourage collaboration across sectors. The SDGs serve as a collective commitment to achieving a more sustainable future by 2030.
• Analyze how implementing sustainable development practices can lead to social equity and improved quality of life in communities.
  • Implementing sustainable development practices promotes social equity by addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all community members have access to resources and opportunities. By focusing on inclusive economic growth, sustainable education systems, and equitable distribution of environmental benefits, communities can improve overall quality of life. For example, investing in renewable energy projects can create jobs while reducing pollution, leading to healthier living conditions for all residents.

Related terms

Renewable Resources: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass.

Environmental Justice: A social movement aiming to address the inequities in environmental protection and the distribution of environmental benefits and burdens among different social groups.

Ecological Footprint: A measure of the environmental impact of an individual or community, calculated by the amount of land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and absorb the wastes generated.