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 integrates environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability to create a balanced framework for progress. It emphasizes the importance of interdependence among economic, social, and environmental systems in promoting long-term health and sustainability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainable development aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social inclusion, addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
2. The concept emerged prominently in the 1987 Brundtland Report, which highlighted the need for sustainable practices to ensure a viable future for humanity.
3. It encourages community involvement and participatory approaches to decision-making, ensuring that diverse voices are heard in planning sustainable initiatives.
4. Sustainable development goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
5. Ecofeminism connects with sustainable development by highlighting how environmental degradation disproportionately affects women and advocating for gender equity in sustainability efforts.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development connect with the principles of ecofeminism in addressing environmental issues?
  • Sustainable development and ecofeminism intersect through their shared focus on addressing both environmental degradation and social inequalities. Ecofeminism highlights how women are often disproportionately affected by environmental issues due to societal roles and systemic inequalities. By advocating for gender equity in sustainable practices, ecofeminism enriches the framework of sustainable development, ensuring that both ecological health and women's rights are prioritized in creating solutions.
• Evaluate the role of community participation in achieving sustainable development goals.
  • Community participation is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals because it fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among local populations. Engaging communities in decision-making processes ensures that development initiatives are tailored to their specific needs and contexts, increasing the likelihood of success. Furthermore, involving diverse stakeholders helps incorporate varied perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions that address environmental challenges while promoting social equity.
• Assess the implications of neglecting social justice within the framework of sustainable development.
  • Neglecting social justice within sustainable development can lead to exacerbated inequalities and social tensions. When economic benefits are not distributed fairly, marginalized groups may suffer from greater vulnerability to environmental hazards while lacking access to resources necessary for resilience. This imbalance undermines the overall goal of sustainability by creating divisions that hinder collective action. Thus, integrating social justice into sustainable development is essential for fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that all members of society can thrive while protecting our planet.

Related terms

Ecological Footprint: A measure of the environmental impact of an individual or community, expressed as the amount of land and water 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 sustainably managed forests.

Social Justice: The fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, which is essential for achieving sustainability in both social and environmental contexts.