Meanings and Features of Sustainable Development

Achieving economic growth in today’s world is not enough— there is also a need to work smartly and balance growth with economic and social responsibilities. Sustainable development comes into the picture now, with the approach of promising growth in the near future without having to compromise anything. It is not about choosing between the economy and the environment— but about maintaining a line and keeping the planet healthy for further economic success. 

What is the Meaning of Sustainable Development? 

A simple definition of sustainable development would be that it checks if the natural resources are used responsibly and if social equity is promoted for long-term peaceful economic growth. It seeks to create a circular economy- an economy where waste is minimized, resources are reused, and a large sum of businesses adopt eco-friendly measures. 

According to UNESCO the difference between, sustainable development and sustainability, is that sustainability looks into future goals, while sustainable development works to create pathways and processes towards it. 

Sustainable as the word itself suggests, is endurable, and protects the world from consuming the very essence of the planet in the name of developing ahead. 

What are the Key Features of Sustainable Development? 

The characteristics that differentiate and make sustainable development a notion with a purpose.

Sustainable development has key features and characteristics that are listed below:

• Keeping a Balance in the Economic, Social, and Environmental Aspects 

One of the main reasons for pressing on sustainable development is to promote world growth while keeping track of every other point and not doing any harm to nature and preexisting resources essential for survival. 

• Resource Conservation 

Responsible use of natural resources as they are available for not only our use but coming generations too. All this can be achieved by promoting renewable energy, reduction of waste, and usage of raw materials in all sectors if possible.

• Long-term Perspective 

The best feature of sustainable development is it takes on a long-term perspective rather than going for a short-term approach. Understanding that taking measures that have a priority of having positive impacts for the long-term, than creating results with only immediate effect. 

• Social Inclusivity 

Now, for a long time, development has created a direct effect on social welfare, so sustainable development highlighted the equilibrium nature of various plans it has saved up. It ensures that the benefits of economic growth include everyone together, and oversee all the social norms which create discrimination. Sustainable development is for all present in society aiming to provide equal opportunities and resources, including the marginalized community. 

• Environmental Protection 

Reduction of pollution, reuse of materials, usage of renewable energy, consumption of less toxic materials, and implementation of green technologies to keep the nature and planet healthy. The intergovernmental science policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services introduced sustainable agriculture, reductions in consumption and waste, fishing quotas, and collaborative water management. 

• Promoting Innovation 

Developing green technologies, promoting the upcoming generation to come up with ideas for new sustainable and innovative measures. Keeping the environment in mind. 

• Efficient Use of Energy 

An inefficient unsustainable surrounding is created when natural resources are used up faster than they can be replenished. Reducing the usage of fossil fuels and using clean renewable energy resources to promote energy efficiency. 

• Adaptability and Endurance 

The idea is to make the human race adapt to any kind of urgent circumstances, changes in climate, scarcity in resources, and build communities and economies together. 

Conclusion 

The whole idea of sustainable development has created confusion with the biggest question being, what should be sustained and it has come to a picture that any positive rate of exploitation, will lead to the exhaustion of resources. However, the ideas and plans have seen a lot of revolutionisation and have come up with goals to achieve the necessary steps. In conclusion, sustainable development clings to the hope of saving the environment and keeping all communities and sections together as a whole. It provides an outlook on the future and promotes adaptability and resilience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs) 

What are the criticisms that sustainable development has faced? 

The various criticisms and confusions that were taken into account for sustainable development were that “development” is unsustainable, and can lead to a faster depletion of resources and others are disappointed in the slow progress of the whole motion. 

What is Agenda 21? 

Agenda 21 was the first international report that stated education as an essential tool for creating sustainable development, and the target is to ensure that everyone has the information and awareness of the measures taken for development and whether it is in accordance with nature or not. 

What are the problems that sustainable development is facing? 

Some of the problems come from nature creating complexities and other comes from humans not being ready to do what they say, the gap between theory and practice is getting tough to achieve. These are intrinsic barriers, meaning they are difficult to overcome. Next comes the extrinsic barriers, which would be from the market side increasing the consumption and inhibiting societal change.