The Origins Of Sustainability
Sustainability is a relatively new concept, but the movement as a whole has deep roots in social justice, conservationism, internationalism, and other movements. By the end of the 20th century, many of these individual concepts merged together to create the idea of ‘sustainable development.’
- The Brundtland Commission
The Brundtland Commission was a key event in establishing the concept of sustainable development.
In 1983, the United Nations tapped former Norwegian prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland to run the new World Commission on Environment and Development.
After four years, the Brundtland Commission released its final report, Our Common Future. It famously defines sustainable development as:
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs.
Thus, this Commission successfully unified environmentalism with social and economic concerns on the world’s development agenda.
What Are The Three Pillars Of Sustainable Development?
Environmental Sustainability
The natural order is preserved and all of the earth’s environmental systems are in balance while natural resources within them are used at a rate at which they can gradually regenerate.
The natural order is preserved and all of the earth’s environmental systems are in balance while natural resources within them are used at a rate at which they can gradually regenerate.
Economic Sustainability
All global human communities have equal access to the resources needed for their survival . Economies are intact and everyone has access to stable sources of income.
Social Sustainability
All people have access to sufficient resources to maintain the health and safety of their families and communities. Healthy communities have responsible leaders who ensure personal, labour, and cultural rights of the people
Thus overall, this is how a sustainable world would look like.
What are Sustainable Development Goals? (SDGs)
In order to accomplish these 3 above pillars and make our society sustainable, the UN has set up 17 goals called ‘Sustainable Development Goals’. (SDGs)
‘Sustainable Development Goals’ is a call to action that aims to transform the world towards sustainability. There are 17 interconnected SDGs that push for a personal and societal sustainable lifestyle.
What are the 17 UN SDG’s?
GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being
GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
One of the important goals is zero waste. The goal of zero waste is reuse and recycle whenever possible and prevent sending wastes for disposal. There are ways to achieve zero waste. Reusable packaging is one way where the packaging can be reused for other purposes. Waste management and circular economy are initiatives that can be taken to achieve these goals
Another major goal is climate action. Reducing and offsetting carbon footprints is a way to mitigate climate change. Use of renewable energy and green technology, promoting sustainable communities are also goals aligned with sustainability development.
Through the Earth5R app, you will take a personal sustainability survey that will give them an idea of how aligned you are with the 17 SDGs. Through this survey, you will realise how to lead a sustainable life.
Earth5R will not only share your valuable survey readings within your community, but also inform your local government, and push for change. Thus, you will directly impact the noise pollution in your locality, and improve the well-being of your community.
Download Earth5R – Your environmental app, and spread sustainability in your locality!
