Definitions of sustainability
Sustainability is the balance between the environment, equity, and economy. It is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various dimensions and can be defined in different ways depending on the context:
- Environmental Sustainability: maintaining the health and diversity of the natural environment over the long term. It involves practices that minimize harm to ecosystems, conserve resources, reduce pollution, and promote biodiversity.
- Social Sustainability: the well-being of current and future generations, ensuring that human communities are able to meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves promoting social equity, justice, inclusivity, and cultural diversity.
- Economic Sustainability: the ability of an economy to support long-term prosperity and well-being for all its participants. It involves using resources efficiently, promoting economic growth that does not deplete natural resources or degrade the environment, and ensuring equitable distribution of wealth and resources.