Sustainable Development is a development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being to ensure long-term sustainability.
It’s often described as having three main aspects:
- Economic Sustainability: This means making sure we grow the economy without using up natural resources or hurting the environment.
- Environmental Sustainability: This means protecting the environment, including all the different kinds of life on Earth, for future generations.
- Social Sustainability: This means making sure everyone has a fair chance and that life is good for everyone.
The concept was popularized by the Brundtland Report and is central to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).