Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development is the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes a balanced approach to economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity, recognizing that all three elements must work together for the well-being of individuals and communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of sustainable development gained prominence with the 1987 Brundtland Report, which highlighted the need for a holistic approach to development.
2. Sustainable development aims to create a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity to ensure long-term viability for future generations.
3. The United Nations has set specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
4. Sustainable development encourages practices like using renewable resources, reducing waste, and promoting fair labor practices to protect both people and the planet.
5. Community involvement and local knowledge are crucial for implementing sustainable development strategies effectively, as these approaches must consider cultural and regional specificities.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development integrate environmental ethics into its framework?
  • Sustainable development integrates environmental ethics by emphasizing the responsibility of current generations to preserve natural resources and ecosystems for future generations. It recognizes that human activities impact the environment and that ethical considerations should guide decision-making. By promoting practices that protect biodiversity and reduce pollution, sustainable development aligns economic goals with the moral obligation to care for the planet.
• In what ways does climate change challenge the principles of sustainable development?
  • Climate change poses significant challenges to sustainable development by threatening food security, water resources, and public health. As weather patterns become more unpredictable and extreme events increase in frequency, vulnerable communities often bear the brunt of these impacts. Sustainable development seeks to mitigate climate change through strategies such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and enhancing resilience in communities most affected by environmental changes.
• Evaluate how interreligious dialogue can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.
  • Interreligious dialogue can play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals by fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among diverse cultural and religious groups. This dialogue can help bridge gaps in perspectives on stewardship of the Earth and social justice. By encouraging shared values around sustainability and ethical responsibility across different faiths, interreligious initiatives can mobilize collective action towards achieving common goals while respecting cultural diversity.

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 absorb the waste generated.

Renewable Resources: Natural resources that can be replenished over time through natural processes, such as solar energy, wind energy, and sustainably managed forests.

Social Equity: The fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, ensuring that all individuals have access to basic needs and opportunities for advancement.