What is Sustainability?

Introduction

Sustainability can be defined as the ability to be maintained at a certain growth rate or level. In particular when applying the term to environmental science is avoiding the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain ecological balance. Sustainability not only in our local communities but globally is a hot topic right now and a growing field of study. The study of sustainability draws on politics, economics, philosophy, as well as hard sciences to influence civic planning, agriculture, health care, law and decision making, and environmental consulting.

The 3 Pillars

In 2005, the world Summit of Social Development identified three pillars of sustainable development. The Brundtland Commission described it as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." We must consider the future then, in making our decisions about the present and let that decision making be guided by the three pillars:

Economic Development
Social Development
Environmental Protection

Watch the video below for an explanation of sustainability:

Let's Take a Closer Look at Those 3 Pillars

Click on each pillar to learn more.

Squad Goals

In 2012 the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development met to discuss and develop a set of goals to work towards; they grew out of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Some of these goals include:

The end of poverty and hunger
Better standards of education and healthcare - particularly as it pertains to water quality and better sanitation
To achieve gender equality
Sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and stronger economies
Tackling the effects of climate change, pollution and other environmental factors that can harm and do harm people's health, livelihoods and lives
Sustainability to include health of the land, air and sea

One of the most profound things to come out of this meeting is acknowledging that nature has rights as well. People do not own the earth but are stewards of the world and it is necessary for us to solve the above global issues.

But how do we do that?

Watch the video below to learn how we can bring the MDGs to life. Real change for real people!

What is Sustainability? Challenge

Before You Go, You Need To Know

The following key points are from this explore section of the lesson. You must know the following information before moving to the next lesson. This is just a summary of the key points.

Sustainability is defined as avoiding the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain ecological balance.
Sustainability is based on three pillars

1. Economic
2. Political
3. Social

Sustainability Goals of 2030 focus on making sure that we change the way we do things to sustain all life on Earth for years to come.

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