Sustainable Development

Definition

Sustainable development refers to a holistic approach that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity, ensuring that progress in one area does not negatively impact another.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainable development aims to address global challenges like climate change, inequality, and resource depletion through integrated strategies.
2. The United Nations established the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 to guide countries toward a more sustainable future by 2030.
3. A key principle of sustainable development is the concept of 'intergenerational equity,' ensuring that resources are available for future generations.
4. Sustainable development requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities to implement effective policies and practices.
5. Incorporating local knowledge and perspectives is crucial for successful sustainable development initiatives, as it fosters community engagement and ownership.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development address the interconnections between environmental sustainability and economic growth?
  • Sustainable development recognizes that environmental sustainability and economic growth are interconnected. It emphasizes that healthy ecosystems provide essential resources for economic activities while also mitigating climate change impacts. By promoting practices like renewable energy use and sustainable agriculture, sustainable development seeks to create economic opportunities that do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment. This integrated approach helps ensure long-term economic viability while safeguarding ecological health.
• Discuss the role of sustainable development in mitigating threats to biodiversity and its importance in conservation strategies.
  • Sustainable development plays a critical role in addressing threats to biodiversity by promoting land use practices that conserve habitats and protect species. It encourages responsible resource management that reduces habitat fragmentation and supports ecosystem integrity. Conservation strategies rooted in sustainable development advocate for the protection of natural areas and biodiversity hotspots while allowing for human activities that do not compromise ecological balance. This approach fosters resilience in ecosystems and enhances their capacity to adapt to changes.
• Evaluate how the principles of sustainable development can be integrated into environmental impact assessments to enhance decision-making processes.
  • Integrating sustainable development principles into environmental impact assessments (EIAs) enhances decision-making by ensuring that potential environmental, social, and economic impacts are considered holistically. By evaluating long-term implications of proposed projects on natural resources, community well-being, and ecological integrity, EIAs can promote more informed choices that align with sustainability goals. This integration encourages stakeholder engagement and transparency, ultimately leading to outcomes that support both development needs and environmental protection.

Related terms

Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass, which are essential for promoting sustainability.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product, highlighting the impact on climate change and resource use.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, which are vital for sustaining human life and well-being.