Sustainability
Sustainability and Sustainable Development
The term sustainable development first came to prominence in 1987 when the World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission) produced a report for the United Nations called ‘Our Common Future’. It defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
For many people this official definition is rather vague and as a consequence has caused much debate, with many groups trying to define it for themselves. Subsequent definitions of Sustainable Development include:
‘A dynamic process which enables all people to realise their potential and improve their quality of life in ways which simultaneously protect and enhance the Earth’s life support systems’ (Forum for the Future)
"Sustainable development involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity. Companies aiming for sustainability need to perform not against a single, financial bottom line but against the triple bottom line." (World Business Council on Sustainable Development)
“Sustainable development will enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations.” (Securing the Future, the UK Government’s 2005 sustainable development strategy)
“A process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations” (The World Commission on Environment and Development)
“Substances from the Earth's crust must not systematically increase in nature. Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature. The physical basis for productivity and diversity of nature must not be systematically diminished. We must be fair and efficient in meeting basic human needs.” (The 4 systems conditions, the Natural Step)
Despite the myriad of definitions there are common elements running through them all:
- Living within the limits
- Understanding the interconnections among economy, society, and environment
- Equitable distribution of resources and opportunities
We can all agree the current model of development is unsustainable and that we are living beyond our means. The increasing stress we put on resources and environmental systems cannot go on forever, and as our prosperity is tied to the health of the planet and the health of our communities we need to act now. To do this a new way of thinking about how we organise and go about our lives is required. By adopting a long-term, holistic view to problems; addressing economic, social and environmental issues together, we can improve the quality of human life whilst living within the carrying capacity of the planet and thus achieve sustainability.