Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development is a holistic approach to growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. This concept is integral to innovative engineering practices that aim to minimize negative impacts on the environment while promoting long-term viability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainable development promotes the use of green engineering principles that focus on minimizing harmful environmental impacts throughout the entire lifecycle of products and processes.
2. The life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool used in sustainable development to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction to disposal.
3. Incorporating sustainable practices can lead to cost savings through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and enhanced resource management.
4. Sustainable development relies on interdisciplinary approaches that integrate economics, environmental science, and social equity to address complex challenges.
5. The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet by 2030.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development integrate environmental protection with economic growth?
  • Sustainable development seeks to find a balance between environmental protection and economic growth by promoting practices that ensure resources are used efficiently and responsibly. This includes adopting renewable energy sources, implementing green engineering principles, and fostering innovations that reduce waste and pollution. By doing so, it aims to create economic opportunities while safeguarding ecosystems for future generations.
• In what ways does life cycle assessment support sustainable development initiatives?
  • Life cycle assessment (LCA) supports sustainable development by providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with a product throughout its entire lifecycle. By analyzing each phase—from raw material extraction through production, use, and disposal—LCA helps identify areas for improvement. This enables engineers and businesses to make informed decisions that enhance sustainability by minimizing resource consumption and reducing negative ecological impacts.
• Evaluate the implications of sustainable development on global policies and individual behaviors.
  • Sustainable development has significant implications for global policies as it encourages countries to adopt frameworks that prioritize environmental stewardship while promoting social equity. It influences international agreements like the Paris Agreement on climate change and drives nations to set emissions reduction targets. On an individual level, sustainable development inspires people to make conscious choices about consumption, reduce waste, and support sustainable practices, fostering a culture of responsibility towards the planet.

Related terms

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

Circular economy: An economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources by keeping products, equipment, and infrastructure in use for longer.

Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, typically expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2e).