Sustainability is a wide and complex arrangement of cultural, spiritual and social dimensions. It also begins with passing on knowledge and experience from one generation to the other.
What is environmental sustainability, and why does it matter? Here’s one definition. There may be many others.
“Sustainability, the long-term viability of a community, set of social institutions, or societal practice. In general, sustainability is understood as a form of intergenerational ethics in which the environmental and economic actions taken by present persons do not diminish the opportunities of future persons to enjoy similar levels of wealth, utility, or welfare.” ((Meadowcroft, J. (2023, November 7). Sustainability | Description, Theories, & Practices. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/sustainability))
It matters, because :
- it helps preserve the integrity of biodiversity
- it is vital to the conservation of resources such as water
- we want to leave a legacy future generations will be able to enjoy and protect
- it contributes to improving health and well-being
- it gives every ecosystem a chance to benefit from better environmental conditions
The United Nations have developed a set of 17 sustainable development goals.
