Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development is a holistic approach that seeks to balance economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecological sustainability, social justice, and economic viability, promoting practices that protect the environment while fostering social and economic well-being.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainable development emerged as a formal concept in the 1987 Brundtland Report, which highlighted the need for an integrated approach to environmental, economic, and social issues.
2. The United Nations has established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals aimed at addressing various challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation by 2030.
3. Sustainable development recognizes that marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental degradation, thus emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that address these inequities.
4. One key aspect of sustainable development is promoting renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize carbon emissions.
5. Sustainable development encourages local and global cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society to create innovative solutions for sustainability challenges.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development relate to ecofeminism and its critique of traditional environmental politics?
  • Sustainable development aligns with ecofeminism by challenging the patriarchal structures that contribute to both environmental degradation and social inequality. Ecofeminists argue that traditional environmental politics often overlook the voices and experiences of marginalized groups, particularly women. By advocating for sustainable practices that prioritize social equity alongside ecological preservation, ecofeminism supports a more inclusive framework for addressing environmental issues.
• In what ways does sustainable development address the intersectionality of environmental issues with social justice concerns?
  • Sustainable development inherently recognizes the intersectionality between environmental issues and social justice concerns by advocating for policies that consider the impacts on various social groups. This approach acknowledges that marginalized communities often face disproportionate effects from environmental harm. By promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities, sustainable development aims to create a more just society while ensuring ecological integrity.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives in promoting gender equality within the context of environmental political thought.
  • Sustainable development initiatives can be effective in promoting gender equality by integrating women's perspectives and leadership in environmental decision-making processes. When women are empowered to participate in sustainability efforts, they can bring unique insights that address both ecological and social challenges. However, the success of these initiatives largely depends on their implementation at local and global levels, requiring genuine commitment from stakeholders to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder women's participation and advance equity in resource distribution.

Related terms

Ecological footprint: A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems, representing the amount of natural capital used by individuals or populations.

Renewable resources: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass.

Intergenerational equity: The principle that future generations should have equal access to resources and opportunities as current generations, emphasizing fairness across time.