Sustainability

Definition

Sustainability refers to the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses a balanced approach to economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and maintained for long-term viability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainability is often framed around the three pillars: economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity, which are interdependent and essential for achieving long-term balance.
2. The concept gained prominence in the late 20th century, particularly after the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987, which emphasized the importance of sustainable development.
3. Challenges to sustainability include climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and social inequalities, all of which threaten the ability to achieve a sustainable future.
4. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to address sustainability by encouraging countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
5. Corporate responsibility initiatives increasingly focus on sustainability as businesses recognize the importance of environmental and social governance in attracting consumers and investors.

Review Questions

• How does sustainability connect to economic growth and environmental protection?
  • Sustainability connects economic growth and environmental protection by promoting practices that allow for ongoing economic development while safeguarding natural resources. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can innovate and grow economically without depleting the environment. This balance helps ensure that future generations can also benefit from both economic opportunities and a healthy planet.
• Discuss the role of international agreements in promoting sustainability among nations.
  • International agreements play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by establishing frameworks for cooperation and accountability among nations. Agreements like the Paris Agreement set binding targets for emissions reductions and encourage countries to adopt sustainable practices. These agreements foster collaboration on environmental issues, enabling nations to share technology and resources while addressing global challenges such as climate change collectively.
• Evaluate the implications of unsustainable practices on global governance and cooperation.
  • Unsustainable practices have significant implications for global governance and cooperation, often leading to conflicts over scarce resources, increased migration due to environmental degradation, and challenges in achieving international agreements. When countries prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, it can create tensions that undermine collaborative efforts. These tensions highlight the need for a unified global approach to address issues like climate change, resource management, and social inequalities, reinforcing the interconnectedness of sustainability in international relations.

Related terms

sustainable development:

A development approach that seeks to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity, ensuring that future generations have the resources they need.

ecological footprint:

A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems, expressed as the area of biologically productive land and water needed to produce the resources consumed and absorb waste generated.

renewable resources: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and sustainable forestry practices.