What Is Sustainable Development? (2024)

A look at the ideas behind this concept

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Definition

The official definition in the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report ‘Our Common Future’ states that:

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts:

  • the concept of ‘needs’, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and

  • the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.

Let me pause here and examine an assumption raised by this definition. In one of the two key concepts put forward, the environment is limited in its ability to provide for the needs of the present and future. That is, resources on earth are finite. This assumes that the idea of resources is a zero-sum game, in the sense that one person’s gain is another’s (in this case, the environment’s) loss.

However, is this really the case?

What Is Sustainable Development? (2024)

FAQs

What is a simple definition of sustainable development? ›

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

What are examples of sustainable development? ›

Examples of Sustainable Development
  • Wind energy.
  • Solar energy.
  • Crop rotation.
  • Sustainable construction.
  • Efficient water fixtures.
  • Green space.
  • Sustainable forestry.

What is the main goal of sustainable development? ›

Section navigation. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to transform our world. They are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity.

Which of these is the best definition of sustainable development? ›

Final answer: Sustainable development is development that ensures the long-term protection of the environment by balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social development.

What is a simple example of sustainability? ›

Climate action: Acting now to stop global warming. Life below water: Avoiding the use of plastic bags to keep the oceans clean. Life on land: Planting trees to help protect the environment. Responsible consumption and production: Recycling items such as paper, plastic, glass and aluminum.

What is sustainable development best described as? ›

Sustainable development is broadly defined as: 'development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.

What is sustainable development in a sentence? ›

Examples from Collins dictionaries

Yet, on almost every front - sustainable development, climate change, poverty relief, health reform - the summit ended in disappointment. The government introduced a program of sustainable development.

How can we achieve sustainable development? ›

The 10 ways to achieve sustainable development are as follows:
  1. Embrace Renewable Energy. ...
  2. Promote Sustainable Transportation. ...
  3. Practice Waste Reduction and Recycling. ...
  4. Support Sustainable Agriculture. ...
  5. Advocate for Conservation. ...
  6. Educate and Raise Awareness. ...
  7. Promote Ethical Consumerism. ...
  8. Empower Women and Girls.
Nov 15, 2023

What are the five concepts of sustainable development? ›

The Five Principles of Sustainable Development include Population Management, Sustainable Development, and Conservation of Biodiversity, Ecosystem, and Human Resources. These are the principles that are the principles that guide the idea of sustainable development.

What is the main point of sustainable development? ›

Sustainable development is how we must live today if we want a better tomorrow, by meeting present needs without compromising the chances of future generations to meet their needs. The survival of our societies and our shared planet depends on a more sustainable world.

What are the three main focuses of sustainable development? ›

Sustainability is an essential part of facing current and future global challenges, not only those related to the environment. Here's what's involved.

What is the main mission of the sustainable development? ›

What are the Sustainable Development Goals? The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

What is sustainable development simple words? ›

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

What is sustainability in simple words? ›

Sustainability is ability to maintain or support a process over time. Sustainability is often broken into three core concepts: economic, environmental, and social.

Why do we need sustainable development? ›

It allows us to preserve the environment, protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change, eradicate poverty, promote social inclusivity, and foster long-term economic growth. The earth has enough resources to meet our present and future needs for development if we use them economically.

What is sustainable in layman terms? ›

In the broadest sense, sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. In business and policy contexts, sustainability seeks to prevent the depletion of natural or physical resources, so that they will remain available for the long term.

What is the definition of sustainable development in an essay? ›

What is a sustainable development essay? A sustainable development essay explores the concept of sustainable development, which focuses on achieving economic growth while preserving the environment and meeting the needs of present and future generations.

What is the old definition of sustainable development? ›

The original, and best-known, definition of SD comes from the Brundtland Report: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising. the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What is sustainable economic development very short answer? ›

Sustainable economic development is the process in which the exploitation of natural resources, the direction of investment, the orientation of technological development, and institutional change or reform are all in coordination and harmony and enhance both the current and future potential for meeting human needs.

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