Analysis

Sustainable development: Definition, Importance, objectives and Slogans

Sustainable development represents the transition from today’s society to a more respectful society with the environment. It is a mode of development whose objective is to guarantee a balance between economic growth, environmental preservation and social welfare.

What is sustainable development?

Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, defines it as: ” development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs ” – Our common future (Report of the World Commission on the Environment and Development, 1987). It is about exploiting the planet’s resources in moderation, without exceeding their natural renewal capacity. Sustainable development is today a way of producing and consuming consciously , which we must urgently adopt in society.

Types of sustainability

We can differentiate four large fields in which sustainable development can be carried out:

  1. Economic sustainability , which aims to reduce extreme poverty and guarantee fair paid employment for all;
  2. Environmental sustainability , which aims to protect the natural balance of the planet, while limiting the impact of human activities on the planet;
  3. Social sustainability , which guarantees access to basic resources and services for all.
  4. Political sustainability , which is what seeks a correct governance to lead taking into account the previous types of sustainability: economic, environmental and social.

The ideal in each country would be to achieve a development that is economically efficient , ecologically sustainable and socially equitable .

The Brundtland report and the concept of sustainable development

The concept of sustainable development is very recent. It first appeared in the Brundtland Report established under the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1987, chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland. The Brundtland report reported on the negative environmental consequences of economic development and proposed possible solutions to the problems arising from globalization and population growth .

A few years later, in 1997, it was at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro where the concept of sustainable development was made official.

The 2030 agenda for sustainable development

As a new roadmap to achieve sustainable development, the United Nations approved in September 2015 the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that sets out the Sustainable Development Goals , a series of common goals to protect the planet and guarantee social well-being. By adopting this new strategy, the states committed themselves, over the next fifteen years, to mobilizing all the means necessary for its implementation.

What is Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals: definition The Sustainable Development Goals , also known as Global Goals , try to reconcile economic growth, environmental balance and social progress , guaranteeing that all people have the same opportunities and can lead a better life without compromise the planet.

What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

  1. end of poverty
  2. zero hunger
  3. Health & Wellness
  4. Quality education
  5. Gender equality
  6. Clean water and sanitation
  7. Affordable and clean energy
  8. Decent work and economic growth
  9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  10. Reduction of inequalities
  11. Sustainable cities and communities
  12. Responsible production and consumption
  13. climate action
  14. Submarine life
  15. Life of terrestrial ecosystems
  16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
  17. Alliances to achieve the objectives

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Millennium Development Goals, established in 2000, made significant progress in many areas such as poverty reduction, the fight against AIDS, access to water, etc.

Importance of sustainable development

Sustainable development improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations.

In the business world , this development is associated with an organization’s holistic approach, which takes into account everything from manufacturing to logistics to customer service.

Being ecological and sustainable is not only beneficial for the company; it also maximizes the benefits of a long-term environmental approach.

These are the main benefits of adopting sustainable development :

Secure a future for all

Regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we do, we all have a moral obligation to each other, to our future generations, and to other species to sustain the planet.

Our present choices and actions have a huge long-term impact on future generations. Practicing sustainability ensures that we make ethical choices that provide a safe and livable future for all.

If we deplete the Earth’s resources, future generations will suffer the consequences. For example, if we overfish our oceans, we risk not only depleting the supply of fish, but also depleting the supply of all organisms in the food chain associated with that fish.

Reduced energy use

Sustainable business practices lead to a significant reduction in energy costs in the long run.

Some quick initiatives, such as switching to energy-efficient lighting, according to the production schedule, reduce electricity costs in the long run. Using solar and wind power, along with energy-efficient equipment, lowers monthly utility bills.

Reducing energy consumption is actually a positive thing for businesses, it helps them to be more efficient overall.

A healthy habitat for all

In the long term, our society benefits from better water and air quality, reduced landfills, and increased renewable energy sources. Sustainable actions help make a real difference in society.

Being committed to sustainable development will reduce your carbon footprint and the amount of toxins released into the environment, making it safe.

When we focus on sustainability, the entire world benefits and can live in cleaner and healthier living conditions.

Social impact

Encouraging the conservation of natural resources penetrates deeply not only in the standards and brand of companies, but also in employees and their families.

If you make sustainable development important in your business, you are connecting a deeply important conversation with the cutting edge of consumerism. The social impact can reach far and wide.

How to be sustainable

Fortunately, by making many simple decisions, you can make your life more stable and enjoyable. Here is the list of easy changes to live sustainably every day.

Choosing to live a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t mean you’ll have to give up things or reduce your quality of life at all! In fact, you will feel more fulfilled and happy knowing that you are contributing to a better world.

Choose sustainable billing options

Every person and company on the planet has bills that need to be paid. This is a simple way that we can all make a difference. Get your bills in order and try to go paperless as much as possible.

Encourage companies you partner with to go paperless if they haven’t already. Regular billing statements can be sent to your email, making them more accessible, organized and secure. Electronic invoicing makes your life easier and is better for the environment.

Use sustainable products

It’s actually very easy to go for sustainable products these days. Tons of companies make sustainability a priority. From clothing, through beauty brands, through food and energy companies.

There are so many sustainable options to choose from. So choose brands that make sustainability a top priority. Choose brands that use plastic or recycled materials instead of brands that are continually adding to landfills.

If you are a business owner, careful planning of your business processes can help you stop sending waste to landfills.

Businesses can take many simple steps toward more sustainable practices, such as using bamboo instead of disposable plastic cutlery, replacing fluorescent tubes with LED bulbs, and hiring waste treatment contractors, etc.

Make transport settings

Try to avoid cars as much as possible, at least for short distances. It will help reduce carbon emissions, thus saving the environment.

You can opt for an electric car, a bicycle, or run or walk if you live in a walkable city. It’s a great way to get exercise and reduce how much you need to rely on gas-powered transportation.

Choose sustainable food and drinks

Most importantly, vote with your money. Choose sustainable food manufacturers . You can shop at local farmers markets for tasty produce fresh from local vendors.

Shopping at farmers markets helps reduce carbon emissions from transportation. You can also choose brands that have committed to sustainable practices.

Choose reusable products

A small change in your habits can have a big, sustainable effect. Opt for reusable bottles on the go. Choose reusable kitchen towels instead of paper towels, reusable grocery bags instead of paper or plastic bags.

Also, use reusable food storage containers to reduce waste.

reduce plastic

Every year thousands of sea turtles, seabirds, and other marine mammals are killed by plastic. So reduce your plastic waste by using reusable bags and avoiding products made of plastic.

Plastic is not biodegradable, so it ends up in landfills unless reused by a brand committed to sustainability.

Recycle

Recycling is the least everyone should be doing right now. It’s so easy and convenient. Just make sure you have a recycling bin at your home, business, etc.

Sustainable development and the environment

The number of inhabitants on the planet continues to grow and is expected to reach 10 billion by 2100. The increase in population obviously entails an increase in needs and, therefore, in individual consumption.sustainable development

The influence of human activities on the climate, to meet these needs, is undeniable. If we do not take climate change into account, it will set back development gains in recent years and prevent further progress. Investing in sustainable development helps address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions . Conversely, initiatives in the area of ​​combating climate change will boost sustainable development.

The contribution to sustainable development begins with an awareness process through the calculation of the personal carbon footprint . This makes it possible to find out what, in our consumption habits, has a negative environmental impact and limit it. It is an opportunity for all consumers to reduce their carbon footprint .

Skill development for inclusive and sustainable economic growth

Quality, the environment, safety and health are basic elements of business management today, so training in these areas is a way to help preserve the environment and guarantee a sustainable economy for all.

Master in Quality and Environment will provide you with a broad vision of quality, the environment, health and safety, as well as an in-depth understanding of its application in the design and implementation of quality, environment, safety systems. and health.

Likewise, a Master in Environmental Management offers the legal, economic, cultural and ethical foundations of environmental responsibility, as well as responsible solutions and tools for resource management in order to offer sustainable responses.

For its part, a Master in Environment and Renewable Energy will give you the ability to address climate change, global energy consumption and the use of fossil fuels as engineering challenges that must be addressed now and in the future.

Without a doubt, you will empower yourself as an environmental leader committed to sustainable development and capable of understanding and providing solutions to the world’s most pressing difficulties in this regard.

Slogan on sustainable development

  • “The Earth has a skin and that skin has diseases; one of the diseases is known as “man”. Friedrich Nietzsche . German philosopher, poet, musician and philologist, considered one of the most influential contemporary thinkers of the 19th century.
  • “We live on earth as if we had another to go to” Terry Swearingen . Nurse at Ohio State, recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize in 1997.
  • “We will never recognize the value of water until the well is dry”  Thomas Fuller . Historian.
  • “If you really think the environment is less important than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money.” Guy R. McPherson . American scientist.
  • In nature there are no rewards or punishments, there are consequences.” Bob Ingersoll . American lawyer and politician.
  • Nature already gives us warnings, we will not be punished, but rather we will suffer the consequences of unsustainable growth and of a life alien to the fact that natural resources are not unlimited.
  • Keep your love towards nature, because it is the true way to understand art.» Van Gogh . Dutch painter.
  • “If you serve Nature, she will serve you.” Confucius . Chinese philosopher.
  • “If we achieve our sustainability goals but no one follows us, we will have failed.” Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever
  • “Decades from now, the relationship between the environment, resources and conflict will be as obvious as the connection we now see between human rights, democracy and peace.” Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize
  • “When future generations judge those who came before on environmental issues, they may come to the conclusion that they didn’t know: let’s avoid going down in history as the generations that did know but didn’t care.” Mikhail Gorbachev, Russian politician.
  • “Today more than ever, life must be characterized by a sense of universal responsibility, not just between nations and between humans, but between humans and every other form of life.”Dalai Lama
  • “I am empowering young people to be social business entrepreneurs and contribute to the world, instead of just making money. Making money is not fun, contributing and changing the world is so much more fun.” Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize.
  • I don’t want you to hope, I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear that I feel every day and then I want you to act.”Greta Thunberg, environmental activist.
  • “In the past, people left it to politicians and social workers to solve the world’s problems, and business only created jobs and wealth. I think now many business leaders have realized that all companies must become a force for good.”Richard Branson, founder of Virgin.
  • “We believe that the innovation required to create the future will not come from a single source. Not from science, not from technology, not from governments, not from business, but from all of us. We must harness the collective power of unconventional alliances to redefine how we will prosper in the future.”Hannah Jones, VP of sustainable business and innovation Nike.
  • “Sustainable leadership reflects the emerging awareness among people who are deciding to live their lives and run their organizations in a way that takes into account their impact on the planet, society, and the health of local and global economies.”Mary A. Ferdig, International Leadership and Development Consultant.
  • “Being sustainable is not just washing the blame or just taking care of the environment, but being socially fair, responsible with the environment and, therefore, also economically viable.”Cecilia Goya de Riviello, general director of Natura
  • “Today, nations, companies and institutions around the world are looking for the formula for growth. A big part of the solution lies in sustainable innovation.”Muthar Kent, former CEO of Coca-Cola.
  • “We see sustainability, both environmental and social, as a powerful pathway to innovation and it is a crucial part of our growth strategies.”Mark Parker, former Nike CEO.
  • “There is enough in the world for man’s needs, but not enough for his greed.”Mahatma Gandhi, Freedom fighter.
  • “We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that if we don’t we will be betraying our children and future generations.”Barack Obama, former US president.
  • “Innovation led by small farmers, adapted to local circumstances and sustainable for the economy and the environment will be necessary to ensure food security in the future.”Bill Gates, businessman.

why is the issue of sustainability important for development?

Sustainability is crucial for development because it aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a concept that recognizes the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors and seeks to balance them for long-term well-being.
In today’s world, sustainability has become an urgent global issue. Climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality are among the pressing challenges that threaten the well-being of people and the planet. Sustainable development provides a framework for addressing these challenges in a way that promotes economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
Investing in sustainable development can lead to a range of benefits. For example, sustainable practices can reduce waste, increase efficiency, and lower costs, which can improve the bottom line for businesses. They can also promote social inclusivity and create new jobs in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism.
Moreover, sustainable development can help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and preserve natural resources for future generations. By promoting cleaner energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting biodiversity, sustainable development can help safeguard the health and well-being of people and ecosystems.
In conclusion, sustainability is essential for development because it promotes long-term economic, social, and environmental well-being. By adopting sustainable practices, we can create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.

the term ‘sustainable development’ was coined by

The term “sustainable development” was coined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in its landmark report called “Our Common Future,” also known as the Brundtland Report. The report was published in 1987 and was authored by the Commission’s chair, Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. The report defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The Brundtland Report recognized the urgent need for global cooperation to address environmental and developmental challenges and emphasized the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors. It called for a new approach to development that integrated environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth to ensure sustainable well-being for all.
Since the publication of the Brundtland Report, the concept of sustainable development has gained widespread recognition and has become a key goal for international organizations, governments, businesses, and civil society. It remains a critical framework for addressing the urgent global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality, among others.

why is the issue of sustainability important for development?

Sustainability is crucial for development because it ensures that economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection can be achieved in a way that benefits present and future generations. Sustainable development recognizes the interdependence of economic, social, and environmental factors and seeks to balance them to achieve long-term well-being.

In today’s world, sustainability has become an urgent global issue. Climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality are among the pressing challenges that threaten the well-being of people and the planet. Sustainable development provides a framework for addressing these challenges in a way that promotes economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.

Investing in sustainable development can lead to a range of benefits. For example, sustainable practices can reduce waste, increase efficiency, and lower costs, which can improve the bottom line for businesses. They can also promote social inclusivity and create new jobs in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism.

Moreover, sustainable development can help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and preserve natural resources for future generations. By promoting cleaner energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting biodiversity, sustainable development can help safeguard the health and well-being of people and ecosystems.

In conclusion, sustainability is essential for development because it promotes long-term economic, social, and environmental well-being. By adopting sustainable practices, we can create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.

how many states in india have more than 75% of forest area?

As of 2021, there are six states in India that have more than 75% of forest area. These states are Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Manipur.
Mizoram, located in northeastern India, has the highest forest cover among all states in India, with over 85% of its area covered by forests. Lakshadweep, a union territory comprising a group of islands in the Arabian Sea, has over 84% forest cover. Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur, which are also located in northeastern India, have forest cover ranging from 75% to 82%. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, have over 81% forest cover.
The forest areas in these states are vital for India’s biodiversity, as they are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The forests also provide critical ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and water regulation, which are essential for sustaining human livelihoods and the environment.

However, despite the high forest cover in these states, they still face several challenges, such as deforestation, forest degradation, and illegal logging, which threaten their ecological and economic sustainability. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt sustainable forest management practices and promote community-based conservation initiatives to protect and conserve these forests for future generations.

what is the full form of iucn?

International Union for Conservation of Nature

in which year india launched its second edition of the national forest policy ?

India launched the second edition of the National Forest Policy in the year 1988. The National Forest Policy is a critical framework that guides forest management and conservation in the country. It aims to ensure the ecological, economic, and social benefits of forests while addressing the challenges of deforestation, forest degradation, and climate change.

The first edition of the National Forest Policy was launched in 1952, and it focused primarily on meeting the growing demand for timber and other forest products. However, the second edition of the policy recognized the need to balance the multiple objectives of forest management and conservation, such as biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and sustainable livelihoods.
The second edition of the National Forest Policy emphasized the need to promote people’s participation in forest management and conservation and to recognize the rights of forest-dependent communities. It also called for the adoption of sustainable forest management practices, such as agroforestry, community forestry, and joint forest management.

Since the launch of the second edition of the National Forest Policy, India has made significant progress in forest management and conservation. The country has increased its forest cover and implemented several community-based conservation initiatives, such as the Joint Forest Management Program, which has involved local communities in forest protection and management.
However, India still faces several challenges in forest management and conservation, such as illegal logging, forest fires, and encroachment. Therefore, it is crucial to continue to implement sustainable forest management practices and promote community-based conservation initiatives to protect and conserve India’s forests for future generations.

Also read: International Labour day: History, how it is celebrated, Theme, Quotes and wishes

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