What is Sustainability? A Journey Towards a Balanced Future
What is Sustainability? A Journey Towards a Balanced Future
Sustainability—what does it really mean? At its heart, it’s all about making smart choices today so that future generations can live well tomorrow. It’s the balancing act between taking care of our planet, growing our economies, and ensuring social fairness.
Sustainability is often defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition, derived from the Brundtland Report published by the United Nations in 1987, is the most widely accepted.
This idea involves balancing three key areas: environmental health, economic growth, and social well-being.
The Three Pillar: Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability
Let’s break it down:
- Environmental Sustainability:
This is about treating our planet with care.
- Conservation: Use resources like water, energy, and raw materials mindfully.
- Biodiversity: Protect the diverse range of life on Earth.
- Climate Action: Cut down on carbon emissions and combat climate change.
- Pollution Prevention: Keep our air, water, and soil clean.
- Economic Sustainability:
Growing the economy without emptying the world’s resources.
- Smart Growth: Encourage economic development that’s both responsible and efficient.
- Efficiency: Make the most out of every resource.
- Innovation: Find new, sustainable ways to produce what we need.
- Fair Trade: Support trading systems that are fair for everyone involved.
- Social Sustainability:
Building a society where everyone thrives.
- Equality: Ensure everyone has access to opportunities.
- Quality of Life: Focus on health, education, and well-being.
- Worker Rights: Protect the rights and safety of employees.
- Participation: Give everyone a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
When these three dimensions work together, we can create lasting solutions that benefit everyone.
A Quick Dive into the History of Sustainability
The Early Days (1960s – 1970s): The seeds of sustainability were planted with books like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962), which exposed the dangers of pesticides. Events like the 1972 Stockholm Conference were pivotal in sparking global conversations about balancing growth with environmental protection.
Laying the Foundation (1970s – 1980s): This period saw the establishment of environmental agencies and the introduction of the famous Brundtland Report in 1987, which officially defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Global Action Takes Off (1990s – 2000s): From the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, global efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development gained momentum.
Recent Years (2010s – Present): The Paris Agreement (2015) and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (2015) have pushed sustainability to the top of the global agenda. The European Green Deal (2019) and ongoing COP climate conferences are driving ambitious targets for a greener future.
Key Milestones in the Sustainability Journey
- 1962: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson sparks the environmental movement.
- 1972: The Stockholm Conference marks the first global environmental summit.
- 1987: The Brundtland Report defines sustainable development.
- 1992: The Rio Earth Summit introduces Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan for sustainable development.
- 2015: The Paris Agreement aims to keep global warming below 2°C.
- 2019: The European Green Deal targets climate neutrality by 2050.
- 2023: COP28 in Dubai reviews progress and pushes forward global commitments.
Why Sustainability Matters
Understanding sustainability isn’t just about learning the buzzwords—it’s about realizing that our choices have long-lasting impacts. Whether it’s adopting greener habits, supporting fair trade, or advocating for policies that protect our planet, we all have a role to play. By working together, locally and globally, we can create a future that’s fairer, healthier, and sustainable for everyone.
Prepared by “Yesim Sarısu”
Reference:
International Sustainability and Circular Bioeconomy Master Program. (2023). Lectures. Rome Business School, October 2023.