Sustainability is fundamentally about ensuring that our actions today do not harm the ability of future generations to thrive.
Understanding Sustainability
Based on the provided reference, sustainability refers to the ability to meet the current needs of society without compromising the future. This core concept highlights the balance required between present-day demands and the long-term health of the planet and its inhabitants.
A widely recognized definition comes from the United Nations' Brundtland Commission in 1987. They defined sustainability as:
“meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
This definition underscores the intergenerational equity inherent in the concept – acknowledging that we are custodians of resources and systems for those who come after us.
In essence, sustainability means making choices and implementing practices that support:
- Meeting essential human needs now.
- Protecting and enhancing the environment for the future.
It's a principle that encourages responsible resource management and forward-thinking decision-making across all sectors of society.
