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Learn about the concept of sustainability and why it is important to maintain a balance between our environment and economic growth.
Sustainability is a long-term goal for our society to meet the needs of economic growth at the current pace with the least possible impact on the environment. But it is more than the conservation of the natural world and its fragile ecologies. It is about enabling the growth and development of businesses and public entities so that all parts of society work together in harmony to ensure that future generations have the necessary natural resources to survive.
In this article we take a closer look at what exactly sustainability is and why it is important.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is the ability of our society to exist and develop without depleting all the natural resources needed to live in the future.Sustainable developmentsupports this long-term goal with the implementation of systems, frameworks and support of global, national and local entities.
The concept of sustainability is based on the idea that the Earth's natural resources are limited, so supporting sustainable practices helps maintain a balance between the environment, economy and equality.1]. It is the movement and energy that keeps the Earth alive while controlling and reducing resource depletion.
Why is sustainability important?
Sustainability is important for the conservation of our planet and natural resources such as water and air. Building a sustainable future and cultivating sustainable ways of life will reduce pollution and protect habitats for plants and animals.
An important part of sustainability includes sustainable business practices and economic development, including green technology, environmentally friendly supply chains and more. When companies and governments follow sustainable sustainable practices, it creates a ripple effect on individuals and communities to reduce greenhouse gas and fossil fuel emissions. All this contributes to a better quality of life.
Brief history of sustainability
The concept of sustainability emerged from the movement that emerged from the notions of social justice, ecological conservation, and globalism toward the end of the 20th century.
In 1983, former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland was asked to head the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development. Many countries still lived in poverty after decades of industrialization, which had come at the expense of social equality and the environment. Report of the Brundtland CommissionOur common futuredefines the need for sustainable development, a holistic approach that takes into account the environment, the economy and equality [2].
Three pillars of sustainability
The three pillars of sustainability (ecological, economic and social) can help us pave the way to a sustainable future.
Environmental sustainability:The principle of maintaining ecological integrity and ensuring that Earth's environmental systems remain in balance as natural resources such as air, water, soil, forests, and animals are consumed by humans.
Financial sustainability:The goal for people on Earth to maintain their independence and be able to get a job or obtain other means to meet their needs. Economic systems must be in place and accessible to everyone.
Social sustainability:The principle of ensuring that basic human needs are attainable by all and that sufficient resources are available to all in a society. Strong social systems can create healthy, happy communities when human rights such as work, healthcare and equality are respected.
Free education about sustainability and entrepreneurship
Coursera offersCircular economy - sustainable materials managementfrom Lund University and Delft University. You will learn where important materials come from and how closed loopsupply chainscan ensure that these materials are reused. There is alsoStrategy and sustainabilitythat focuses on how business strategy and sustainability inform each other.
Building a sustainable future
In addition to conserving our natural world and resources, the ethos of sustainability and creating lasting change can be integrated into sustainable practices and everyday actions. While the UN17 Sustainable Development Goalsacts as an excellent framework, more can be done.
Truly working towards sustainable development requires the continued and consistent collaboration of global corporations, public entities, non-profit organizations and grassroots movements. On an individual level, learning about sustainability can make a world of difference.
Read more:Sustainable development: goals, meaning and career guidance
Start learning about sustainability
Sustainability is important for our world as a whole and at a human level. Consider registering for the courseIntroduction to sustainabilityfrom the University of Illinois for a quick overview of key sustainability concepts. You will acquire interdisciplinary knowledge that draws from both the natural and social sciences to measure the challenges of sustainability and more.
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