Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development is a holistic approach to growth that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity, aiming for a harmonious coexistence among these elements. It plays a crucial role in transnational activism and global governance institutions by promoting policies that support long-term ecological balance and social justice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainable development gained prominence after the 1987 Brundtland Report, which highlighted the need for an integrated approach to development that considers environmental sustainability.
2. Transnational advocacy networks often play a significant role in pushing for sustainable development goals by influencing international policies and mobilizing grassroots support.
3. The United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, comprising 17 goals aimed at addressing various global challenges while promoting sustainable practices.
4. Global governance institutions, such as the UN and World Bank, actively promote sustainable development initiatives through funding, research, and policy recommendations.
5. Sustainable development emphasizes the importance of stakeholder participation, ensuring that local communities are involved in decision-making processes related to their resources and environment.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development influence transnational activism, particularly regarding environmental issues?
  • Sustainable development significantly shapes transnational activism by providing a framework for activists to address global environmental challenges. Activists use the principles of sustainable development to advocate for policies that promote ecological integrity while ensuring social equity. This approach fosters collaboration among diverse groups, allowing them to unite under common goals such as climate action, biodiversity conservation, and equitable resource distribution.
• In what ways do global governance institutions support sustainable development initiatives on an international scale?
  • Global governance institutions like the United Nations and World Bank support sustainable development initiatives by establishing frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide guidelines for member states to follow. These institutions offer funding, technical assistance, and policy advice to countries seeking to implement sustainable practices. They also facilitate dialogue and collaboration among nations, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to address pressing global challenges collectively.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable development as a strategy for addressing both environmental degradation and social inequality.
  • Sustainable development has proven effective in addressing environmental degradation while also tackling social inequality by promoting integrated solutions that consider both ecological health and human well-being. By prioritizing initiatives that balance economic growth with social inclusion and environmental stewardship, this strategy fosters resilience within communities. However, its effectiveness can be hindered by insufficient political will, unequal resource distribution, and lack of local engagement, which can undermine progress toward achieving its objectives.

Related terms

Agenda 21: A comprehensive plan of action adopted by the United Nations at the Earth Summit in 1992 aimed at promoting sustainable development globally.

Eco-efficiency: A principle that encourages businesses to create more goods and services while using fewer resources and generating less waste and pollution.

Global Citizenship: The idea that individuals are part of a worldwide community and have a responsibility to address global issues such as inequality, poverty, and environmental degradation.