Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance. ---Ban Ki-moon
The definition of Sustainable Development has been constantly evolving over the years. Extensive research and numerous experiments have spurred more and more Sustainable Development Projects in India and other developing countries.
The definition
Fulfilling present human needs without exhausting the resources which are supposed to cater to the future generations, is a widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development in India and most other countries across the world.
Countries, especially developing ones, invariably face social, environmental, and economic stress in the process of development. Sustainable development is an approach that strikes a balance between fulfilling various needs while also tackling restraints.
Sustainable development stands on the principle of understanding and identifying the limitations of nature and the environment. Disregarding this can cause adverse consequences including climatic changes which can cause:
- Harmful diseases
- Water shortage (droughts)
- Forest fires
- Hurricanes
- Floods
- Earthquakes
- Loss of historic places to rising sea levels
- Declining production of wheat & maize crops
- The destruction of small islands
- Imbalance in the marine food chain
- The possible extinction of several animal species
However, there are lots of other factors to be considered besides the environment while deciding on running Sustainable Development Projects. In India, the aim is to ensure a society which gets increasingly stronger in terms of resources and opportunities for a prosperous future.
On the other hand, ensuring ample resources for the future does not mean that we should compromise on our today’s needs. Undoubtedly, the ways we work and live now has to change significantly for Sustainable Development, but it definitely does not call for a lower standard of living.
There are four major visible aspects which influence us when we undertake Sustainable Development:
- Human
- Social
- Economic
- Environmental
Every decision we take as a society has an impact on one or all of these.
Environment, for instance, is directly connected with human well-being. Especially, the productivity of the working population depends on their health which in turn depends on the kind of environment they live in. The growth and strength of the entire nation depends on the level of sustainable development a society or a nation can bring about.
For example, if a percentage of people travelling short distances decide to cycle or walk to work instead of driving, the decision will:
- Save money (Economic)
- Improve health (Human)
- Reduce pollution (Environmental)
All these together contribute to make a better society. With this activity, a section of society can set a precedent which, if adopted, can benefit the rest of society.
Similarly, we can encourage Sustainable Development Projects such as sustainable food supply chains, solar powered green houses, eco-tourism, etc, which meet human development goals without disrupting the constant flow of natural resources and ecosystem services.
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