- Quote: "Experts often describe sustainability as having three dimensions (or pillars): environmental, economic, and social..."
The ability to maintain ecological balance and preserve natural resources, while meeting the needs of the present and future generations.
Climate change: The study of the long-term changes in the Earth's climate and the effects of human activities on it.
Renewable energy: The study of sources of energy that can be replenished over time, including solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass.
Sustainable design: The practice of designing products, buildings, and systems that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible.
Water conservation: The study of how to use water efficiently and sustainably, including such techniques as rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and xeriscaping.
Waste reduction: The study of how to reduce the amount of waste produced by individuals, businesses, and industries through recycling, composting, and other methods.
Pollution control: The study of how to minimize the impact of pollutants on the environment through such methods as emissions reduction, waste management, and water treatment.
Ecological restoration: The practice of restoring ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed by human activities, including such techniques as reforestation, wetland restoration, and coral reef rehabilitation.
Sustainable agriculture: The practice of producing food in ways that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible, including such methods as organic and regenerative agriculture.
Biodiversity conservation: The study of how to protect and conserve the Earth's diverse array of species and ecosystems, including such techniques as habitat preservation, endangered species protection, and ecosystem management.
Environmental policy: The study of the laws, regulations, and policies that govern environmental protection and sustainability at the local, national, and international levels, including such topics as climate policy, wildlife management, and environmental justice.
Ecological Sustainability: The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its diversity and function over time.
Social Sustainability: The ability of a society to meet the needs of its members without compromising the welfare of future generations.
Economic Sustainability: The ability of an economy to grow and prosper without degrading natural resources or harming society.
Cultural Sustainability: The ability of a culture or community to maintain its identity and values over time.
Technological Sustainability: The ability of technology to address environmental, social, and economic challenges without creating new ones.
Institutional Sustainability: The ability of organizations and institutions to operate in a way that supports long-term sustainability.
Political Sustainability: The ability of political systems to make decisions that balance the interests of present and future generations.
Environmental Sustainability: The ability of the environment to support life and maintain ecological balance, including the conservation of natural resources and the prevention of pollution and environmental degradation.
Energy Sustainability: The ability of energy production and use to meet the needs of present and future generations without compromising environmental, social, or economic sustainability.
Agricultural Sustainability: The ability of agriculture to produce food and fiber in a way that supports ecological, social, and economic sustainability.
Food Sustainability: The ability of food production and distribution systems to meet the needs of present and future generations without compromising environmental, social, or economic sustainability.
Water Sustainability: The ability of water resources to maintain their quality and quantity over time, ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
Biodiversity Sustainability: The ability to maintain and protect a wide variety of plant and animal species, and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Climate Sustainability: The ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, while also adapting to its impacts.
Health Sustainability: The ability to promote physical, mental, and social well-being for individuals and communities, while also protecting environmental and social systems that contribute to health.
Waste Sustainability: The ability to manage waste in a way that minimizes environmental impact, maximizes efficiency, and promotes resource conservation.
Urban Sustainability: The ability of cities and urban areas to support ecological, social, and economic sustainability, through efficient use of resources, clean energy, and healthy living environments.
Natural Resource Sustainability: The ability of natural resources to be managed and conserved efficiently for the benefit of present and future generations.
Tourism Sustainability: The ability of tourism to promote local economies and cultures, while also preserving natural and cultural resources and minimizing negative impacts.
Green Sustainability: The ability of businesses and industries to operate in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes resource conservation, including the use of renewable energy and sustainable practices.
- Quote: "In everyday use, sustainability often focuses on countering major environmental problems, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, loss of ecosystem services, land degradation, and air and water pollution."
- Quote: "UNESCO distinguishes the two like this: 'Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal...while sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it.'"
- Quote: "The economic dimension of sustainability is controversial...there will always be tension between the ideas of 'welfare and prosperity for all' and environmental conservation."
- Quote: "Indicators consider environmental, social and economic domains...Currently, they include certification systems, types of corporate accounting, and types of index."
- Quote: "Some barriers arise from nature and its complexity...For example, they can result from the dominant institutional frameworks in countries."
- Quote: "These include maintaining ecosystem services, reducing food waste, promoting dietary shifts towards plant-based foods, reducing population growth, promoting new green technologies, and adopting renewable energy sources."
- Quote: "The United Nations agreed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. These set a global agenda for sustainable development, with a deadline of 2030."
- Quote: "This means using fewer resources per unit of output even while growing the economy...reducing the environmental impact of economic growth such as pollution."
- Quote: "Existing global organizations such as the UN and WTO are inefficient in enforcing current global regulations...lack of suitable sanctioning mechanisms."
- Quote: "Business groups have tried to integrate ecological concerns with economic activity...Religious leaders have stressed the need for caring for nature and environmental stability...Individuals can also live in a more sustainable way."
- Quote: "One criticism is that the concept is vague and only a buzzword."
- Quote: "Some experts have pointed out that 'no country is delivering what its citizens need without transgressing the biophysical planetary boundaries.'"
- Quote: "Experts often describe sustainability as having three dimensions (or pillars): environmental, economic, and social..."
- Quote: "In everyday use, sustainability often focuses on countering major environmental problems, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, loss of ecosystem services, land degradation, and air and water pollution."
- Quote: "UNESCO distinguishes the two like this: 'Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal...while sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it.'"
- Quote: "The economic dimension of sustainability is controversial...there will always be tension between the ideas of 'welfare and prosperity for all' and environmental conservation."
- Quote: "Indicators consider environmental, social and economic domains...Currently, they include certification systems, types of corporate accounting, and types of index."
- Quote: "Some barriers arise from nature and its complexity...For example, they can result from the dominant institutional frameworks in countries."
- Quote: "These include maintaining ecosystem services, reducing food waste, promoting dietary shifts towards plant-based foods, reducing population growth, promoting new green technologies, and adopting renewable energy sources."