Question

Define the concept of sustainable development.

Hint:

The most crucial phrase to remember for sustainable development is: \textbf{"meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."} This single sentence perfectly encapsulates the core idea of balancing today's needs with tomorrow's resources.

Answer 1

Sustainable development is a development paradigm that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept was famously defined in the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report, "Our Common Future".
It is built upon three interconnected pillars:

Environmental Sustainability: Conserving natural resources, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring that development does not cause irreversible harm to the planet.

Economic Sustainability: Promoting economic growth that is efficient, equitable, and improves the standard of living for all without depleting natural capital.

Social Sustainability: Ensuring social equity, justice, and inclusiveness, and providing for basic human needs like health, education, and security for all members of society.

In essence, it is about finding a balance between economic progress, social equity, and environmental protection for the long-term well-being of humanity.