We explain what sustainable development is, what its main characteristics are and its three fundamental pillars: environmental, social and economic.
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is a model of economic growth that seeks to satisfy the needs of the present without compromising the resources of the future.. It focuses on achieving a balance between economic development, social equity and environmental preservation. This approach promotes development that is sustainable in the long term.
To this end, sustainable development promotes economic activities that reduce pollution levels and mitigate damage, responsibly use resources and avoid ecological degradation, and also promote policies of social inclusion, gender equality and respect for human rights. humans.
The term “sustainable development” gained international notoriety with the publication of the “Our Common Future” report in 1987, also known as the Brundtland Report. This report was prepared by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, chaired by Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland.
Characteristics of sustainable development
Sustainable development has the following characteristics:
- It seeks to satisfy the needs of the present with the least possible environmental impact.
- It is based on three pillars: environmental, social and economic sustainability.
- Promotes non-polluting economic activities and the use of renewable energy.
- It seeks to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
- It is proposed to reduce the use of chemical elements harmful to health and toxic contaminants.
- Promotes a more equitable distribution of wealth.
- It seeks to promote productive practices with social inclusion.
The three pillars of sustainable development
Sustainable development has emerged in recent years as a paradigm in the search for a future that harmonizes current progress with the needs of future generations. In a world characterized by the interconnection of economic, social and environmental systems, this comprehensive approach seeks to provide solutions that go beyond the immediate satisfaction of current demands.
Sustainable development is not only based on economic sustainability, but also takes into account environmental and social sustainability..
Environmental sustainability
Environmental sustainability focuses on the responsible management of natural resources and the conservation of the environment. The aspects that stand out the most are:
- The preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
- The promotion of energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy to reduce dependence on non-renewable sources such as oil and coal.
- The promotion of agricultural practices that reduce the use of chemicals and toxic compounds in crops.
- The implementation of sustainable management practices for household and industrial waste.
- Mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The promotion of industrial practices that reduce water, air and soil pollution.
Social sustainability
Social sustainability focuses on promoting equity and social justice as essential components of sustainable development. It seeks to guarantee equal opportunities and rights for all members of society, and promotes development models that can contribute to combating problems such as poverty, social exclusion and lack of access to basic services.
In addition, it includes the promotion of equal opportunities between women and men, the eradication of gender discrimination and the creation of environments that allow the full development and participation of all people.
Economic sustainability
Economic sustainability promotes development that is efficient, viable in the long term and equitable in the distribution of wealth.. It includes the adoption of economic models that maximize the efficient use of resources, minimize waste and waste generation, and encourage technological innovation.
Likewise, it seeks to guarantee social equity by distributing the benefits of development fairly and promoting equal opportunities and rights for all people. Economic sustainability thus focuses on sustainable growth that does not compromise the ability of future generations to achieve their own goals.
To do this, it seeks to promote activities that are economically successful and that generate profitability and profits, but that, at the same time, are ecologically sustainable and produce the least possible environmental impact.
The role of companies in sustainable development
Companies must promote the promotion of sustainable development by promoting sustainable practices in their business models. Its main objective should be to responsibly manage natural resources, adopt clean technologies and minimize the environmental impact of its operations.
In addition, they have the responsibility of promoting innovation in the creation of products and services that minimize negative impacts and contribute to the transition towards a more environmentally friendly economy. Companies can also establish goals for reducing polluting gas emissions and implement corporate social responsibility practices that include hiring with fair wages and labor inclusion.
The role of the State in sustainable development
The State must establish a legal and regulatory framework that regulates and promotes sustainable business practices. Its responsibility includes the formulation of public policies that encourage environmental conservation, the sustainable management of resources and the mitigation of environmental impacts by companies.
In addition, it must monitor and enforce environmental regulations, and impose sanctions on those who do not respect established standards. Likewise, the State has the responsibility of promoting research and development of clean technologies, environmental education, and participation in intergovernmental forums and summits to mitigate global environmental problems.
The role of citizens in sustainable development
Citizens can contribute to sustainable development by advocating for environmental policies that guarantee the right to a healthy environment. Furthermore, as consumers, they have the responsibility to modify their consumption and waste production practices to reduce the waste generated as much as possible.
Citizens can also get involved in community initiatives, conservation projects and environmental education programs that contribute to improving the environmental conditions of their environment.
The main challenges of sustainable development
The main challenges facing the international community regarding sustainable development are:
- Climate change. It is the main global threat facing the planet today. Mitigation and adaptation to climate change constitutes the most important challenge that the international community has to guarantee sustainable development.
- Socioeconomic inequalities. The gap between rich and poor, both nationally and globally, represents a major global problem. Inequality in access to resources, basic services, employment opportunities and education hinders sustainable and equitable development.
- Water shortage. Sustainable drinking water management is a widespread problem globally, as many regions face water shortages and lack adequate sanitation systems. Ensuring access to clean water is essential for human health and development.
- The loss of biodiversity. The accelerated loss of biodiversity threatens the stability of ecosystems and food security. The conservation of biodiversity is essential to maintain the health of ecosystems, so it is essential to promote development that does not deteriorate them further.
- Pollution. Air, water and soil pollution represent a threat to human health and the environment. The management and reduction of pollution by companies and the State are essential to achieve sustainable development with the lowest possible environmental impact.
The goals of sustainable development
In 2015, the United Nations established the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. This agenda promotes a fifteen-year action plan to achieve a series of 17 objectives that will promote sustainable development worldwide:
- End of poverty: end poverty in all its forms around the world.
- Zero hunger: end hunger.
- Health and well-being: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
- Quality education: ensure inclusive, equitable, quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- Gender equality: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- Clean water and sanitation: guarantee the availability of water and its sustainable management and sanitation for all.
- Affordable and non-polluting energy: guarantee access to affordable, safe, sustainable and modern energy.
- Decent work and economic growth: promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure: build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
- Reduction of inequalities: reduce inequality within and between countries.
- Sustainable cities and communities: making cities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
- Responsible production and consumption: guarantee sustainable consumption and production patterns.
- Climate action: adopt urgent measures to combat climate change and its effects.
- Underwater life: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
- Life of terrestrial ecosystems: sustainably manage forests, fight desertification, stop and reverse land degradation, stop biodiversity loss.
- Peace, justice and solid institutions: promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
- Alliances to achieve the objectives: revitalize the Global Alliance for Sustainable Development.
References
- Goni, R. and Goin, F. (2006). Conceptual framework for the definition of sustainable development. Collective Health, 2(2). http://www.scielo.org.ar/
- United Nations Organization. (sf). Sustainable development goals. https://www.un.org/
- Autonomous University of Nuevo León. (sf). What is sustainable development? https://sds.uanl.mx/
