What is sustainability? | ACCIONA

Summary

The concept of sustainability, first introduced in the 1987 Brundtland report, aims to address the environmental impacts of economic development and globalization. Known as 'Our Common Future,' the report was commissioned by the United Nations to offer solutions to the challenges posed by industrialization and population growth. Sustainability encompasses three core pillars: environmental protection, social development, and economic growth. It emphasizes the rational use of finite natural resources, promotes social cohesion to improve quality of life, health, and education, and advocates for equitable economic growth without environmental harm. Recognizing the global nature of issues like climate change and water scarcity, the concept of sustainability calls for collective action to secure the needs of the present without compromising the future.

Takeaways

• 📜 The concept of sustainability was first introduced in the Brundtland report, published in 1987.
• 🌏 The report, also known as 'Our Common Future,' was created for the United Nations to address environmental concerns from economic growth and globalization.
• 🚫 It aimed to warn about the negative environmental impacts and offer solutions to the problems caused by industrialization and population growth.
• ♻️ Sustainability seeks to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• 🌱 It emphasizes three essential pillars: environmental protection, social development, and economic growth.
• 💧 Recognizing that nature and the environment are not inexhaustible resources, sustainability calls for their protection and rational use.
• 🤝 It promotes social development to foster cohesion among communities and cultures, aiming for a satisfactory quality of life, health, and education.
• 💼 The economic aspect of sustainability focuses on equal growth that benefits all without environmental harm.
• 🌍 Challenges like climate change and water scarcity require a global perspective and sustainable development efforts.
• 📈 Sustainability is about taking action in the present to secure a better future, considering the interdependence of environmental, social, and economic factors.
• 🌱 The Brundtland report laid the groundwork for how we understand and approach sustainability today, highlighting its importance in addressing global challenges.

Q & A

When did the concept of sustainability first appear?

The concept of sustainability first appeared in the Brundtland report, published in 1987.

What is the alternative name for the Brundtland report?

The Brundtland report is also referred to as 'Our Common Future'.

What was the primary purpose of the Brundtland report?

The report was created to warn about the negative environmental consequences of economic development and globalization, and to offer solutions to the problems arising from industrialization and population growth.

What are the three essential pillars of sustainability?

The three essential pillars of sustainability are environmental protection, social development, and economic growth.

How does sustainability aim to secure present needs without compromising future generations?

Sustainability aims to secure present needs by protecting and using nature and the environment rationally, promoting social development for cohesion and satisfactory quality of life, and focusing on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all without harming the environment.

What is the relationship between sustainability and the environment?

Sustainability is concerned with recognizing that nature and the environment are not inexhaustible resources, necessitating their protection and rational use.

What is the role of social development in sustainability?

Social development in sustainability seeks to foster cohesion between communities and cultures to achieve satisfactory levels in quality of life, health, and education.

How does economic growth fit into the concept of sustainability?

Sustainable economic growth is one that generates wealth for all without causing harm to the environment.

What are some of the global challenges that can be addressed through sustainable development?

Some global challenges that can be addressed through sustainable development include climate change and water scarcity.

Why is a global perspective necessary for tackling certain human challenges?

A global perspective is necessary because issues like climate change and water scarcity are not confined to individual nations and require coordinated international efforts for effective solutions.

What is the call to action for individuals regarding sustainability?

The call to action is to remember the concept of sustainability and to act in the present with consideration for the future.

How can individuals contribute to sustainable development in their daily lives?

Individuals can contribute by making environmentally conscious choices, supporting social cohesion, and advocating for economic policies that promote equality and environmental protection.