Sustainability, in its simplified definition, means maintaining good usage of environmental and humanitarian resources. Without compromising the ability of future generations or communities to achieve their goals while providing the best results.
Sustainable development framework ” The three E’s” aims to increase the well-being of communities and raise awareness about the changes that affect our planet. Because of the irresponsible use of resources. And emphasizes the need to create awareness about the damages humans will face in the future if sustainability is not approached responsibly.
All in all, it contributes to achieving peace and stability for humans.
The word sustainability originated from “permanence”, i.e. keeping something permanent and balanced. As it remains available and accessible with the succession of generations, they don’t have problems looking for it. This term has created many challenges and a sense of responsibility towards future generations.
The conservation of existing resources is not only the responsibility of governments but also an individual responsibility. In which everyone should participate. Scientists are still studying and have not yet guaranteed life on another planet. It is everyone’s duty to contribute and join hands in finding alternatives and solutions. So that available resources on our planet today will be available for later.
With that, we can achieve the best results, whether the resources are humanitarian, environmental, or economic. Everyone can participate in the sustainability process. Family is the cornerstone of sustainable development, doing simple steps that each member of the family does.
Sharing makes large consumption of resources less burdensome. It becomes more than just actions carried out by individuals to turn into a lifestyle they follow from a young age.
The term sustainability first appeared in the 1980s. In 1987, the Bretton Land Committee defined “sustainability” as: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”¹ Based on that, the United Nations has raised the banner of sustainability.
It also saw it as a real necessity, especially for developing countries. There are 140 countries still looking for ways of development. But it’s associated with the risk of environmental damage and climate change. Which in turn threatens future generations.
The United Nations worked to develop the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are considered the solutions for reaching comprehensive sustainability in all aspects. It has become the main focus for researchers and scientists and is being applied by many countries. Initially, the term sustainability was essentially an environmental term. It meant the conservation of the planet’s resources. But later it was divided into three main interlinked axes:
Economic axis: means the economic ability to support a specific level of economic production. In addition to ensuring that economic systems support sustainable, social, and environmental outcomes. It also constitutes the principle and basis of the sustainable development process. This is due to the fact that it provides various tools of modern technology to reach sustainable development goals.²
Environmental axis: preserving environmental resources, in addition to minimizing the negative impact on them so that we ensure their continuity. We must protect forests, freshwater, and animals as they are considered essential parts of our environment. Therefore, it calls for reducing pollution and supporting biodiversity because of its role in ecological balance.³
Social axis: Supports the ability of communities to create a good and viable environment. As well as eradicate poverty and hunger. It is about creating a comfortable working atmosphere within companies, searching for the pros and cons in the company to contribute to improving overall productivity.⁴
Sustainability, primarily environmental, has become of great importance. That’s because of the fateful challenges our planet is facing, for example: climate change, loss of biodiversity, and loss of existing wealth. We need to act more wisely and remain aware of these changes. Thus, researchers and organizations such as the United Nations have taken decisions to combat it.
People held conferences. They demonstrated many steps that can reduce negative impacts on the environment. Some of these steps include:
Peace has been a global demand and goal that humans have endeavored ever since. Conflicts and wars continue to prevent it from happening, they also spread racial, sectarian, and other types of discrimination. It has become necessary to strengthen trust among people of the same country. So violence and racism are renounced, and bonds of love and cooperation are strengthened for the interest of all.
The peace-building process encompasses multiple activities at many levels, it requires interaction between leaders and society. Therefore, Peace-building is a sustainable and dynamic process at many levels. Hence, the United Nations has set the idea of peace as one of its main objectives.
It dedicated SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) to reach sustainable peace. Called for the need to end wars and conflicts around the world. In addition to focusing on building the institutions on which those States are based and in accordance with a just system.⁵
In the end, achieving sustainability is a general idea that has a lot of goals. It requires the solidarity of individuals and countries according to global systems and well-thought-out plans. Its main goal is to protect the planet from dangers, the results of which will be visible to future generations.
Also read:
References: