Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development refers to a development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes the balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity, aiming for long-term viability and harmony with natural ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of sustainable development gained global prominence with the 1987 Brundtland Report, which highlighted the importance of addressing environmental issues alongside economic growth.
2. Sustainable development incorporates three pillars: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social sustainability, which must work together for effective implementation.
3. The United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
4. Local communities play a critical role in sustainable development through practices like community-based resource management and participation in decision-making processes.
5. Challenges to sustainable development include climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, necessitating innovative solutions and collaboration across sectors.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development aim to balance economic growth with environmental protection?
  • Sustainable development seeks to create a harmonious relationship between economic growth and environmental protection by promoting practices that allow for resource use without depleting them for future generations. This includes implementing technologies and strategies that reduce waste and pollution while fostering economic activities that support both human well-being and ecosystem health. By integrating environmental considerations into economic planning, sustainable development aims to ensure that current and future needs can be met without compromising the planet's ecological integrity.
• What are the implications of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for global cooperation on environmental issues?
  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a framework for international collaboration on pressing global challenges, including climate change, poverty alleviation, and inequality. By establishing specific targets and indicators for progress, the SDGs encourage countries to work together towards common objectives that promote sustainable practices. This cooperative approach fosters knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and innovative solutions across borders, ultimately aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
• Evaluate the role of local communities in advancing sustainable development initiatives and their impact on global goals.
  • Local communities play a crucial role in advancing sustainable development initiatives by implementing practices that directly address their unique environmental, social, and economic contexts. Their involvement ensures that solutions are culturally relevant and effective in meeting local needs while contributing to broader global goals such as those outlined in the SDGs. By engaging communities in decision-making processes and empowering them with resources and knowledge, sustainable development becomes more grounded and impactful, leading to lasting change at both local and global levels.

Related terms

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

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

Social Equity: The fair distribution of resources and opportunities among individuals and communities, ensuring that all members of society can benefit from sustainable development efforts.