Evolution Susdevlop

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Sustainable development

Sustainable development is an approach to growth and human development that aims to


meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. The aim is to have a society where living
conditions and resources meet human needs without undermining planetary integrity.

Throughout the evolution of the concept of “sustainable development” there was


consensus on the fact that it does not focus solely on environmental issues. The
three interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars are: economic development,
social development, and environmental protection. Indigenous peoples have argued
that the fourth pillar of sustainable development is also cultural diversity.
The idea of sustainability dates back to the early 20th century in the era of
industrial revolution when two opposing factions had emerged within the
environmental movement: the conservationists and the preservationists. The
conservationists focused on the proper use of nature, whereas the preservationists
sought the protection of nature from use.[1] Put another way, conservation sought
to regulate human use while preservation sought to eliminate human impact
altogether.
As the first evidences of an environmental crisis began to appear, several
reactions took place. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was
founded in October 1948 following an international conference in Fontainebleau,
France. Its promoter’s sought to ensure that any use of natural resources is
equitable and ecologically sustainable.
The Club of Rome, a think tank composed of a small international group of people
from the fields of academia, civil society, diplomacy, and industry, raised
considerable public attention in 1972 with its report The Limits to Growth that
predicted that economic growth could not continue indefinitely because of the
limited availability of natural resources, particularly oil.
Sustainable development was a key theme of the United Nations Conference on the
Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972[2]. The concept was coined explicitly to
suggest that it was possible to achieve economic growth and industrialization
without environmental damage.
In the ensuing decades, mainstream sustainable development thinking was
progressively developed through the World Conservation Strategy (1980)[3], the
Brundtland Report (1987)[4], and the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development in Rio (1992), as well as in national government planning and wider
engagement from business leaders and non-governmental organisations of all kinds.
Over these decades, the definition of sustainable development evolved. The
Brundtland Report defined sustainable as ‘development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs’. This definition was vague[5], but it cleverly captured two fundamental
issues, the problem of the environmental degradation that so commonly accompanies
economic growth and yet the need for such growth to alleviate poverty.
The core of mainstream sustainability thinking has become the idea of three
dimensions, environmental, social and economic sustainability. These have been
drawn in a variety of ways, as ‘pillars’ (Figure A), as concentric circles (Figure
B), or as interlocking circles (Figure C). The IUCN uses the interlocking circles
model to demonstrate that the three objectives need to be better integrated, with
action to redress the balance between dimensions of sustainability

Importance of Sustainable Development

It allows us to preserve the environment, protect biodiversity, mitigate climate


change, eradicate poverty, promote social inclusivity, and foster long-term
economic growth. The earth has enough resources to meet our present and future
needs for development if we use them economically.

Sustainability is important for preserving our planet and natural resources like
water and air. Building a sustainable future and cultivating sustainable ways of
living will reduce pollution and protect habitats of plants and animals.

The same report introduced the three pillars or principles of environmental, social
and economic sustainability, also known as ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance).

Environmental sustainability is the ability to preserve and protect the natural


environment over time through appropriate practices and policies, meeting present
needs without compromising the availability of resources in the future.

Social sustainability involves a focus on the well-being of people and communities.


It’s about promoting equity, human rights, access to education and health care, and
decent work.

Economic sustainability is the approach whereby economic activities are conducted


in such a way as to preserve and promote long-term economic well-being. In
practice, it aims to create a balance between economic growth, resource efficiency,
social equity and financial stability.

Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Goal 4: Quality Education
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 10: Reduce Inequality

Sustainable Development: Approach # 1. Appraisal of the Environment


Sustainable Development: Approach # 2. Estimation of the Environmental Impact

Sustainable Development: Approach # 3. Natural Resource Accounting

Sustainable Development: Approach # 4. Government Policies and Economic Outlook

Steps taken by the "Indian government" for "sustainable development" are:

1. Ratifying Paris Agreement

This agreement provides a framework to countries around the world to take immediate
actions on climate change.

2. The "Clean Development Mechanism" projects in India

This project aims to optimize the industries in India on the factors such as -
energy efficiency, fuel switching, solid waste management etc.

3. State Action Plans on Climate Change:

It aims to create institutions and promote activities that address climate change.

4. Coal Tax and the "National Clean Energy Fund"

India imposes carbon tax also known coal to promote clean energy.

5. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change

This fund aims to assist "national and state level measures" to address climate
change.

Desired Outcomes of Sustainable Development


Job Creation. A key aspect of economic prosperity is the generation of employment
opportunities. ...
Environmental Conservation. ...
Biodiversity Preservation. ...
Climate Change Mitigation. ...
Social Equity. ...
Education for All. ...
Healthcare Access. ...
Poverty Reduction.

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