Understanding Sustainable Development

Definition of Sustainable Development

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

Key Concepts of Sustainable Development

• Needs, particularly the essential needs of the world's poor, which should be given overriding priority.
• Limitations imposed by technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs.

Origin of Sustainable Development

• The concept of Sustainable development was first conceived in 1970 to preserve natural resources.
• The term "Sustainable" was first used by the Club of Rome in 1972 in its report "Limits to Growth".
• It was discussed in the Earth Summit (1992) under Agenda 21 for Sustainable Development.

Objectives of Sustainable Development

• Protect biodiversity.
• Prevent soil erosion.
• Slow down population growth.
• Increase forest cover.
• Reduce emissions of CFC, SOx, NOx, and CO2.
• Reduce waste generation.
• Eliminate poverty and deprivation.
• Ensure benefits for all.

Understanding Sustainability and Development

• Sustainability relates to the "carrying capacity of the earth", without considering social issues.
• Development implies continual economic growth, ignoring ecological constraints.

Factors of Sustainable Development

• Natural resources should be continuously available for human activity.
• Scientific and technological achievements should improve the comfort and quality of life.
• Social disparities and inequalities should not increase.
• Sustainable development should ensure the preservation of ecological diversity and stability.
• Sustainable development should not reduce human health and happiness.

Conditions for Achieving Sustainable Development

• Social Equity: equilibrium within and between nations (intra generation equity) and between two different generations (inter generation equity).
• Economical Equity: equity in economic growth to narrow the wealth gap between countries.
• Ecological Security: protecting biodiversity, decreasing soil erosion, and increasing forest cover.

Importance of Sustainable Development

• Achieving a balance and equal distribution of natural resources is necessary to fulfill the basic needs of each living being.
• Sustainable development can provide a safe and good environment for future generations.