Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development is a holistic approach to economic growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic, social, and environmental objectives, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and conserved for the long term.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainable development aims to integrate economic growth with environmental stewardship, recognizing that economic activity can have significant impacts on the planet.
2. The United Nations has established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals designed to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030.
3. One key aspect of sustainable development is promoting social equity, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to resources and opportunities for development.
4. Technological innovation plays a crucial role in sustainable development by providing solutions to reduce resource consumption and enhance efficiency.
5. Sustainable development also emphasizes the importance of local participation in decision-making processes to ensure that solutions are culturally appropriate and effective.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development connect to resource management and conservation efforts?
  • Sustainable development is closely tied to resource management and conservation efforts because it seeks to ensure that natural resources are used efficiently and responsibly. This means implementing practices that prevent resource depletion while promoting ecological balance. Effective resource management allows communities to sustain their livelihoods without compromising environmental integrity, ultimately contributing to long-term societal well-being.
• In what ways do global economic disparities affect sustainable development initiatives?
  • Global economic disparities can create significant barriers to sustainable development initiatives, as wealthier nations often have more resources to invest in sustainable practices. In contrast, developing countries may struggle with limited access to technology and funding, hindering their ability to adopt environmentally friendly solutions. This disparity can lead to uneven progress in achieving sustainable development goals, as well-off regions may advance rapidly while poorer areas face persistent challenges.
• Evaluate the impact of international cooperation on achieving sustainable development goals in the context of climate change.
  • International cooperation plays a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals, especially regarding climate change. Collaborative efforts among nations can lead to shared knowledge, technology transfer, and collective action plans to mitigate climate impacts. For instance, global agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to unite countries in their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This cooperative approach not only fosters accountability but also promotes innovative solutions to environmental challenges that no single nation can effectively address alone.

Related terms

Ecological Footprint: A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems, indicating how much land and water area is required to produce the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated.

Renewable Resources: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and timber from sustainably managed forests.

Intergenerational Equity: The principle of fairness between generations, ensuring that the rights and needs of future generations are considered in decision-making processes today.