1. What is sustainability?
A brief definition of "sustainability" and how these goals came into existence. In this part we will look into the timeline of events that led to the development of these sustainable goals.
The word “Sustainability” is generally associated with anything that benefits the environment. Sustainability is much beyond the environment alone.
It can be defined as,
“The ability to be sustained or the ability of something to last.”
With the introduction to the world of sustainability, we are not just seeking to ensure that humanity’s present needs are fulfilled without compromise but also to meet the needs of the future generations as well. Our resources are finite, therefore we must use our Earth’s resources mindfully and conserve as much as possible so that it can last us forever. The concept of sustainability was first introduced in the Brundtland report in 1987 (also known as Our Common Future) where the guiding principles of sustainability were developed.
The main highlights of the Brundtland Report were :
i) Intergenerational Equity of Natural Resources
ii) Sustainability to include Social, Economic and Environmental Aspects
The report covers various topics on sustainable development, the role of international economy, population growth, food security, human resources, Industry, Ecosystem and Legal principles for environmental protection. This report was first of its kind to help gain awareness on the interconnectedness between the global economy, natural resources & development. The Brundtland report laid the foundation for the Rio Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 which led to creation of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. This was followed by many such events which laid the foundation for the development of the SDG goals.
