Sustainable development

Definition

Sustainable development is the practice of meeting the needs of the current population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, particularly in the context of urbanization and environmental management. It integrates economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity.

Related terms

Urban sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land, often leading to environmental degradation and increased resource consumption.

Green infrastructure: A network providing the “ingredients” for solving urban and climatic challenges by building with nature, such as creating parks or green roofs to improve air quality and reduce heat.

Carrying capacity: The maximum number of individuals an environment can support without significant negative impacts on the organism and its environment, crucial for planning sustainable urban environments