Concept of Sustainability and Sustainable Development PDF

**[Concept of sustainability and sustainable development]** Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as the development that involves** "meeting the need of present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."** Sustainable development ref...

**[Concept of sustainability and sustainable development]** Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as the development that involves** "meeting the need of present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."** Sustainable development refers to the utilization of the resources available to meet the current human needs, preserving and conserving the resources without comprising the ability of meeting the needs for future generation as well. The word **"sustainability"** is derived from the latin "sustinere" (tenere = to hold; sus= up). Dictionaries provide more than ten meanings for sustain, the main ones being to "maintain", "support", or "endure". Therefore, **Sustainability refers to a process which can be continued indefinitely without depleting the resource base on which it depends**. Therefore, it is the practical goal towards which our interaction with the natural world should be directed. The guiding principles of sustainability cut across ecological, economic, social and cultural dimensions. The **concept of sustainable development** has been emerging as a strong alternative model of development after a long debate and discussion since Rio Summit in 1992. Sustainable development means different things to different people. The discipline of economics is mainly concerned with growth, efficiency and the optimum use of resources. On the other hand, sociologists mainly focus on human needs and on concepts like equity, empowerment and social cohesion. Ecologists show their greatest concern for preserving natural systems, for living within the carrying capacity of the environment, and for dealing efficiently with pollution. It is important to uphold sustainable development as an ideal goal toward which all human societies need to be moving. For example, policies and actions that reduce infant mortality, increase the availability of family planning, improve the air quality, provide more abundant and pure water, preserve and protect natural ecosystems, reduce soil erosion and reduce the release of toxic chemicals to the environment, all move a society in the right direction -- toward a sustainable future. **To achieve this desired goal, societies have to make certain transitions which are very much essential:** **A demographic transition:** from a continually growing population to one that is stable. **A resource transition:** to an economy that is not solely obsessed with growth, rather relies more on nature's income and protects ecosystem capital from depletion. **A technological transition**: from pollution-intensive economic production to environment friendly processes. **A political/sociological transition** **Priority Areas for Achieving Sustainable Development** Slow Down Population Growth; Reduce Poverty, Inequality and Third World Debt, Improving health, longevity and literacy, increasing employment etc. This is important for curbing the loss of species, the extent of land degradation and water pollution. Make Agriculture Sustainable: This includes reducing soil erosion and decreasing the use of harmful agricultural practices. This is important for curbing the loss of biodiversity, land degradation and pollution. Protect Forests and other Habitats: This includes reforestation and afforestation of wastelands, protection of other living resources, control greenhouse gases and ozone layer depletion. This is important for reducing air pollution, land degradation, depletion of energy and minerals Make Water and Energy Use Sustainable: This includes improved energy efficiency, conserving energy and developing renewable energy resources. This is important for reducing air pollution, land degradation, depletion of energy and minerals. **Sustainable Development Goals** The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the theme "**Transforming our World:2030 Agenda"** was adopted by all United nations members states in 2015 in order to provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity of the people, now and into the future. It Sustainable Development Goals to transform our world consist of 17 Goals: Goal 1: No Poverty Goal 2: Zero Hunger Goal 3: Good Health and Well being Goal 4: Quality Education Goal 5: Gender Equality Goal 6: Clean Water and sanitation Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Goal 10: Reduced Inequality. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communication Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Goal 13: Climate Action Goal 14: Life below Water Goal 15: Life on Land Goal 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institution Goal 17: Partnership to Achieve the Goal. All 17 Sustainable Development Goals are interconnected which deals with threat to climate change impacts, managing natural resources, achieving gender equality, better health and education, hence helping eradicate poverty and fostering peace and inclusive societies.