1.

SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT

"development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of

future generations to meet their own needs".

The concept of sustainable development formed the basis of the United Nations

Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

The summit marked the first international attempt to draw up action plans and

strategies for moving towards a more sustainable pattern of development. Sustainable development

was the solution to the problems of environmental degradation discussed by the Brundtland

Commission in the 1987 report Our Common Future.

In our daily life we can contribute to create a Sustainable Society by following 4Rs’ and 1U of

Sustainability. These are REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE and UPCYCLE.

To create a sustainable environment, we must first REFUSE to use products that may harm the
environment.

REDUCE is the next step, that is minimizing the use of the products that may cause harm to
environment.

We must REUSE these products as far as possible, in order to reduce the waste generation.

Next comes RECYCLE. After reusing the product, we must try to recycle it as far as possible. When we

recycle any product, the quality is usually affected and the new product is not of the same quality as the

original product. In these modern times, another smart way has seen

its emergence, this is the U in sustainability – UPCYCLING.

2. IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. Judicious use of resources is of prime importance since the exploitation of resources is causing

its depletion. We need to curb our usage to ensure that resources like air, water, forests are

available to future generation. This would also mean that the resources are in their pure form.
2. Not only for the next generation but even for the existing generation, the quality of basic

resources is deteriorating leading to major health concerns such as Cancer, Bronchitis etc.

Ensuring sustainability will help curb these problems.

3.Rising demands is leading to economic disparity. The rich is becoming richer while the poor is

becoming poorer. The uneven distribution of available resources across different economic fronts

is leading to discrimination, giving rise to crime and creating social imbalance. To ensure proper balance

Sustainability is important.

4. Environmental problems like Climate Change, Emission of Green House gases are alarming. If

everyone draws a line for themselves, we will be able to combat these issues with the help of

Sustainable Development.

5. Adoption of Sustainable Development in our daily life and at our work place will also promote

economic growth. Young entrepreneurs with minimum investment can produce better output.

Introduction of Solar Power Plants, Waste Water Treatment Plants, Electric Vehicles etc. will not only

help in protecting Environment but shall also contribute in Saving money and resources. The

economy that reduces environmental risks and strikes ecological balance is termed as Green

Economy.

3. SUSTAINABLE GOALS

To ensure that Sustainable Development is ensured in our communities and world at large United

Nations Member States in 2015 adopted 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as a universal call to

action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity

by 2030. These SDGs are integrated and recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others,
and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability. These are:

i. No poverty

ii. Zero Hunger

iii. Good Health and Well Being

iv. Quality Education

v. Gender Equality

vi. Clean water and Sanitation

vii. Affordable and Clean Energy

viii. Decent Work and Economic Growth

ix. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure

x. Reduced Inequalities

xi. Sustainable Cities and Communities

xii. Responsible Consumption and Production

xiii. Climate Action

xiv. Life Below Water

xv. Life on Land

xvi. Peace, Justice and Strong Institution

xvii. Partnership for the Goals