One of the first and most oft-cited definitions of sustainability is the one created by the Brundtland Commission which defined sustainable development as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
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Sustainability
...is about looking after the future right now!
Discussion of sustainability usually relates to how we make human economic systems last longer and have less impact on ecological systems. It particularly relates to concern over major global problems such as climate change and oil depletion.
It is meaningful and useful to speak of some practices being "more sustainable" or "less sustainable." Energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs are considered more sustainable than incandescent ones, and so on. You can also talk of moving "towards sustainability," or away from it.
Natural, social and economic systems that are sustainable will be expected to last for a very long time, by definition indefinitely, and will therefore be around for future generations to make use of. Those systems that are not sustainable, will not last as long, will be of less or no use to future generations, and may harm other systems that future generations will need (which is the case with fossil fuels).
Unsustainability
It is often easier to describe what something is by describing what it isn't. The environmental impacts of human development that are unsustainable include ballooning populations, fossil fuel use, increasing patterns of consumerism, waste and pollution, habitat/biodiversity loss and increasing energy demand.
Sustainable development or...
The famous scientist James Lovelock thinks the term 'sustainable development' is a contradiction in terms. In his book The Revenge of Gaia Lovelock calls for a 'sustainable retreat'.
Of course development doesn't just mean quantitative growth it can also mean qualities of moving forward, improving and getting better.
Continuing population growth worldwide has necessitated ongoing economic development meaning that if we maintain a business-as-usual approach we will further stretch limited and finite resources. In this sense what Lovelock calls for is correct. If we want to develop we must change our ways – as soon as possible.
Who is responsible?
People have caused the environmental impacts that have eventuated from unsustainable practices. People are also the solution.
Different sections of society – families, businesses, community organisations, local government, central government – have different roles to play in the practice of sustainability.
People expect businesses, for example, to go beyond just obeying laws and to set high ethical standards for employee health and safety, fair treatment of employees and protection of the environment.
Putting sustainability into practice
Putting sustainability into practice requires that we make changes. Some changes will be harder than others. Some will be very easy. The hardest change may actually be to educate yourself and to become aware of what is sustainable and what isn't. These sorts of changes will be as much stimulating as they are difficult. In any case a time will come when it is second nature for all of us to live sustainably.
If you are seeking sustainable, eco-friendly solutions then Econation can be your guide. We provide information, products, services and forums about sustainability. The place to start is to look at The Sustainable Way.
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Reduce, Reinvent, Restore
The change to sustainability involves a three-fold approach.
Unsustainability
Unsustainable environmental impacts include ballooning populations, fossil fuel use, increasing patterns of consumerism, waste and pollution, habitat/biodiversity loss and increasing energy demand.
Who's responsible
Different sections of society – families, businesses, community organisations, local government, central government – have different roles to play in the practice of sustainability.
Sustainable development
True development involves a whole system approach – where one part of the system does not dominate, hinder or neglect any of the others.
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