- "Experts often describe sustainability as having three dimensions (or pillars): environmental, economic, and social"
Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves finding ways to use resources efficiently, reduce waste, and promote social equity and economic prosperity.
Climate change: Refers to the significant changes in the Earth's climate as a result of human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and transportation.
Renewable energy: Refers to energy sources that are sustainable and considered cleaner than fossil fuels, such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal.
Sustainable agriculture: Refers to farming practices that aim to produce food while preserving the integrity of the ecosystem and protecting the environment.
Green buildings: Refers to sustainable construction techniques that focus on energy efficiency, conservation of resources, and reducing waste and pollution.
Waste management: Refers to the responsible and sustainable management of waste through recycling, reducing, reusing and disposing.
Water management: Refers to the sustainable management of water resources through conservation, protection, and restoration of natural systems.
Biodiversity conservation: Refers to the protection of species, ecosystems and natural resources, including the genetic diversity of species.
Sustainable transportation: Refers to sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, cycling or walking, public transportation.
Sustainability reporting: Refers to the disclosure of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and impacts in a transparent and consistent manner.
Circular economy: Refers to a system where resources are reused, recycled, and repurposed with the aim of reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Environmental policy: Refers to regulations and guidelines implemented by governments, organizations or institutions to protect the environment.
Social sustainability: Refers to the integration of social and cultural values into sustainable development practices.
Corporate responsibility: Refers to the responsibility of companies to consider and act upon their impact on the environment, society, and stakeholders.
Life cycle assessment: Refers to a methodology that assesses the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle - from raw materials extraction to manufacturing, use, and disposal.
Environmental education: Refers to the promotion of environmental awareness and education to inspire action and changes in attitudes and behaviors.
Ecological sustainability: This type of sustainability emphasizes the need for ecosystems to remain healthy and functional, preserving biodiversity and ensuring that natural resources are available for future generations.
Social sustainability: This type of sustainability focuses on ensuring that human societies are able to meet their needs without consuming resources that would be needed by future generations. It also highlights the importance of social equity and justice.
Economic sustainability: This type of sustainability emphasizes the need for economic growth and development that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It also focuses on the importance of responsible resource management and efficient use of resources.
Cultural sustainability: This type of sustainability focuses on preserving traditional knowledge, customs and practices that are essential for maintaining social and ecological sustainability.
Political sustainability: This type of sustainability emphasizes the need for a strong and stable political system that is capable of making wise and thoughtful decisions about natural resource management and environmental protection.
Psychological sustainability: This type of sustainability focuses on the psychological well-being of humans and their ability to cope with environmental stress and changes.
Spiritual sustainability: This type of sustainability emphasizes the importance of spiritual and ethical values in guiding human interactions with the environment.
Technological sustainability: This type of sustainability focuses on promoting the development of technologies that contribute to sustainable development and avoid contributing to environmental degradation.
Energy sustainability: This type of sustainability emphasizes the development and use of renewable and sustainable energy sources that reduce the negative impacts of fossil fuel use and promote energy security.
Water sustainability: This type of sustainability focuses on the preservation and efficient use of freshwater resources, promoting equitable access to water and ensuring that water sources remain healthy and functional for future generations.
- "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"
- "The idea of sustainability can guide decisions at the global, national, and individual levels"
- "A related concept is sustainable development, and the terms are often used to mean the same thing."
- "The economic dimension of sustainability is controversial. Scholars have discussed this under the concept of 'weak and strong sustainability.'"
- "maintaining ecosystem services, reducing food waste, promoting dietary shifts towards plant-based foods, promoting new green technologies, and adopting renewable energy sources"
- "The United Nations agreed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. These set a global agenda for sustainable development, with a deadline of 2030."
- "This means using fewer resources per unit of output even while growing the economy. This reduces the environmental impact of economic growth such as pollution."
- "Existing global organizations such as the UN and WTO are inefficient in enforcing current global regulations."
- "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."
- "The concept of sustainability has faced various criticisms."
- "One is that the concept is vague and only a buzzword."
- "Some experts have pointed out that 'no country is delivering what its citizens need without transgressing the biophysical planetary boundaries'."
- "Indicators consider environmental, social and economic domains. The metrics are evolving."
- "Some barriers arise from nature and its complexity. Other barriers are extrinsic to the concept of sustainability, such as the dominant institutional frameworks in countries."
- "there will always be tension between the ideas of 'welfare and prosperity for all' and environmental conservation, so trade-offs are necessary."
- "reducing population growth by cutting fertility rates"
- "Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal (i.e. a more sustainable world), while sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it."
- "there will always be tension between the ideas of 'welfare and prosperity for all' and environmental conservation"
- "Some experts say there is no evidence that it is happening at the required scale."