Question
What is sustainable development?
Answer
Sustainable development is a multifaceted concept that aims to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Key Aspects of Sustainable Development
Definition and Evolution: Sustainable development was first defined in the 1987 Brundtland Report as development that meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs. It has since evolved to encompass economic, social, and environmental dimensions, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to development (Hajian and Kashani, 2021; Gerginova, 2024).
Components: The concept integrates three main components: economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. These components are interdependent and must be addressed collectively to achieve sustainable development (Dashutina, 2024; Abdullah, 2024; Gerginova, 2024).
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): In 2015, the United Nations established 17 SDGs to operationalize sustainable development globally. These goals aim to address various global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace and justice (Fonseca, Domingues and Dima, 2020).
Challenges and Criticisms: Despite its widespread acceptance, sustainable development faces criticism for its vague definition and the complexity of its implementation. Critics argue for clearer metrics and indicators to measure sustainability effectively (Ruggerio, 2021; El-Hajjaji et al., 2021).
Role of the Green Economy: The green economy is seen as a vital tool for achieving sustainable development, focusing on reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities while promoting economic growth and social equity (Zarandia and Tskifurishvili, 2024).
Sustainable development is a comprehensive approach that seeks to harmonize economic, social, and environmental objectives. It is guided by the SDGs, which provide a framework for addressing global challenges. Despite its complexities and criticisms, sustainable development remains a crucial goal for ensuring a balanced and equitable future.
References
Ruggerio, C., 2021. Sustainability and sustainable development: A review of principles and definitions.. The Science of the total environment, 786, pp. 147481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147481
Fonseca, L., Domingues, J., & Dima, A., 2020. Mapping the Sustainable Development Goals Relationships. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083359
Zarandia, T., & Tskifurishvili, B., 2024. Sustainable Development and the Green Economy: A Retrospective Analysis. „Sustainable Development: Modern Trends and Challenges“. https://doi.org/10.52244/c.2024.11.35
Dashutina, L., 2024. THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE COMPONENTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. Business Navigator. https://doi.org/10.32782/business-navigator.74-24
Abdullah, I., 2024. Employing Sustainable Development To Build Societies. Arid International Journal of Educational and physcological sciences. https://doi.org/10.36772/arid.aijeps.2024.5910
El-Hajjaji, F., Abdel-Daim, M., Hammouti, B., & Taleb, M., 2021. Materials and sustainable development. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 29, pp. 68 – 69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-17663-4
Hajian, M., & Kashani, S., 2021. Evolution of the concept of sustainability. From Brundtland Report to sustainable development goals. Sustainable Resource Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-824342-8.00018-3
Gerginova, T., 2024. THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 10th ANNIVERSARY INTERNATIONAL FORUM “SAFETY FOR THE FUTURE 2024”. https://doi.org/10.70995/utgq2751
Vogler (2008) ‘Environmental Issues’ In J. Baylis, S.Smith and P. Owens (ed) The Globalization of World Politics: An introduction to international relations, 4th edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pp.351-368
Brundtand (1987) ‘Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development’, The Brundtland Report, Oxford: Oxford University Press
