sustainable development
Definition
Sustainable development is the practice of meeting the needs of the current population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, particularly in the context of urbanization and environmental management. It integrates economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity.
Analogy
Imagine sustainable development as a three-legged stool, where one leg represents economic growth, another environmental protection, and the third social equity. Just as a stool needs all three legs to be stable and functional, sustainable development requires balancing these three aspects to ensure a healthy, vibrant city that can support its inhabitants now and in the future.
Related terms
Urban sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land, often leading to environmental degradation and increased resource consumption.
Green infrastructure: A network providing the “ingredients” for solving urban and climatic challenges by building with nature, such as creating parks or green roofs to improve air quality and reduce heat.
Carrying capacity: The maximum number of individuals an environment can support without significant negative impacts on the organism and its environment, crucial for planning sustainable urban environments
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