Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development refers to a holistic approach that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept encompasses economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, ensuring a balanced and equitable development strategy that addresses global challenges while preserving resources for the future.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainable development gained prominence with the 1987 Brundtland Report, which introduced the idea that development should be both sustainable and equitable.
2. The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, providing a global framework to address issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
3. Sustainable development emphasizes a systems approach, where economic, social, and environmental factors are interlinked and must be considered together.
4. Indigenous knowledge and practices play a significant role in sustainable development by promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use.
5. The concept challenges traditional economic growth models by prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term profits.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development address the interconnectedness of economic growth, social equity, and environmental health?
  • Sustainable development recognizes that economic growth cannot occur in isolation from social equity and environmental health. It advocates for a balanced approach where economic activities provide jobs and enhance livelihoods while ensuring that marginalized communities benefit equitably. Additionally, it stresses the importance of protecting ecosystems and natural resources to sustain both current and future populations. By intertwining these aspects, sustainable development seeks to create a resilient society that thrives on multiple fronts.
• Evaluate the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in promoting sustainable development globally.
  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in guiding international efforts toward sustainable development by providing a comprehensive framework that outlines specific targets across various sectors. By addressing key global challenges such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, clean energy access, and climate action, the SDGs encourage collaboration among nations, organizations, and communities. The SDGs also foster accountability by establishing measurable indicators for progress, motivating stakeholders to work collectively toward a more sustainable future.
• Analyze how integrating indigenous knowledge into sustainable development strategies can enhance environmental resilience.
  • Integrating indigenous knowledge into sustainable development strategies can significantly enhance environmental resilience by leveraging traditional ecological practices that have been developed over centuries. Indigenous communities often possess a deep understanding of local ecosystems and biodiversity, which can lead to more effective resource management and conservation efforts. By valuing this knowledge alongside scientific approaches, policymakers can create more culturally appropriate and effective strategies for sustainability. This integration not only empowers indigenous populations but also fosters innovation in tackling contemporary environmental challenges.

Related terms

intergenerational equity: The principle that ensures fairness in the distribution of resources and opportunities between present and future generations.

renewable resources: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass, which are crucial for sustainable practices.

green economy: An economic framework that aims to improve human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.