Definition and Concept of Sustainable Development PDF

[DEFINITION AND CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT] The term sustainable development was brought into common use by the World Commission on Environment and Development, an agency of United Nations, in its report called "Our Common Future" in 1987 under the chairmanship of Mrs. Brundtland, former Pr...

[DEFINITION AND CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT] The term sustainable development was brought into common use by the World Commission on Environment and Development, an agency of United Nations, in its report called "Our Common Future" in 1987 under the chairmanship of Mrs. Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway. The Brundtland Commission defines sustainable development as ["Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"] This definition contains three concepts that require explanation. They are: needs, development and future generation. The use of the concept "needs" in the definition is linked to the distribution of resources. In Brundtland report, sustainability is defined as "meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all, the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life. Economic growth has converted luxuries to need for some people while for the poor even the basic necessities are not affordable. Meeting the needs of all, therefore involves heavy environmental costs. It means redistributing resources and hence is a moral issue. Development is often confused with growth. Growth is an expression for quantitative expansion of the economic system. Development on the other hand is a qualitative concept incorporating notions of improvement and progress and including cultural, social and economic dimensions. The Brundtland definition emphasizes on protecting the future generation. As emphasized by most environmentalists we have a moral obligation to hand over the planet in good order to the future generation. Sustainable development is a long term perspective on how humanity can improve the quality of life for all people, now and into the future. Sustainable development aims to promote strategies that meet human needs without exhausting natural resources or causing environmental degradation. The foundation of sustainable development is meeting human needs and protecting the environment simultaneously. [Objectives of Sustainable Development] There are five objectives of sustainable development. The first objective is [to promote environmentally sustainable patterns of consumption], which means to use less natural resources and produce less waste. This can be done by reducing the amount of natural resources used for industrial processes and products. For example, recycling plastic bottles into new bottles or turning wood chips into new paper products. This also includes using less energy during production of goods and services which would reduce pollution. Energy efficient transportation systems are another way to promote environmentally sustainable patterns of consumption. The second objective is [promoting social equity], which means to distribute wealth more evenly so that people can live healthy lives. Social equity can be divided into four areas: 1) Life expectancy 2) access to education 3) employment and living conditions 4) levels of political rights The third objective is [improving economic efficiency] which means to make the most use of our resources, energy, labour and materials. Economic efficiency is important to sustainable development because it can help provide social equity. It does this by providing social services, reducing unemployment and increasing the quality of life for all people. Economic efficiency aims to reduce poverty through education programs and better healthcare. Improving economic efficiency is important because it can lead to better products and services at lower cost. It also promotes innovation, which generates jobs and increase wages. The fourth objective is [preserving cultural diversity] by supporting local economies and encouraging different perspectives on what's important. Preserving cultural diversity is a big concern for indigenous cultures. Many factors contribute to indigenous cultures being threatened by globalization and climate change. For example, the erosion of language tradition and traditional knowledge are all possible threats to indigenous people's cultures today. So while designing products or services, consider the impact they may have on local communities or physical environment where they are sourced or manufactured. Fifth objective is [protecting the environment] by using renewable natural resources instead of non-renewable ones like fossil fuels and by creating practices that cause minimal pollution to the environment. That means understanding how our actions will affect the earth and its inhabitants today and in years to come. For example, if we use more water from natural sources those sources will eventually go dry. [Three pillars of sustainable development] The concept of sustainable development is rooted in three main pillars that aim to achieve inclusive growth as well as create shared prosperity for the current generation and to continue to meet the needs of future generations. These three pillars are Economic, Social and Environmental Development and are interconnected and reflect the goals of community development and social and environmental stability. [Economic Sustainability]: This pillar focuses on ensuring long term economic growth and prosperity. It involves promoting sustainable businesses, fair trade and responsible consumption. [Social sustainability]: This pillar focuses on creating a just and equitable society. It involves promoting social justice, human rights, and reducing poverty and inequality. [Environmental sustainability]: This pillar focuses on protecting the environment and natural resources. It involves practices like reducing pollution, conserving energy and promoting sustainable agriculture. The Three Pillars of Sustainability [Dimensions of sustainable development] The three primary dimensions of sustainable development are environmental, social and economic: meaning that achieving sustainable development requires a balance between protecting the environment, promoting social equity, and fostering economic prosperity, all without compromising the future ability to meet the needs of future generations. Environmental Dimension: 1. Conserving natural resources like water, air and biodiversity. 2. Reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions 3. Managing waste effectively 4. Promoting renewable energy sources Social Dimension: 1. Ensuring access to quality education, healthcare and housing for all 2. Promoting social equity and reducing poverty 3. Fostering community engagement and participation 4. Addressing issues like gender equality and social inclusion. Economic Dimension: 1. Promoting sustainable economic growth and development 2. Encouraging responsible consumption and production patterns 3. Investing in green technologies and innovation 4. Ensuring equitable distribution of wealth These three dimensions are closely interlinked and mutually dependent. If, for example, one factor affects a particular dimension, sooner or later this may have positive or negative consequences for the other dimensions. Achieving sustainable development requires a holistic approach that considers all three dimensions simultaneously. [The Millennium Development Goals] Eight international development goals established by the United Nations in 2000 to address extreme poverty, hunger, disease and lack of education known as the Millennium development Goals. These set of eight goals with measurable targets and deadlines are to improve the lives of the world's poorest people. They are 1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger 2. Achieve universal primary education 3. Promote gender equality and empower women 4. Reduce child mortality 5. Improve maternal health 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases 7. Ensure environmental sustainability 8. Develop global partnership for development.