THE VARIOUS MODELS OF GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Framework

A global plan adopted by the United Nations in 2015 with 17 goals to be achieved by 2030, aiming to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

Main Objective of the SDGs

To balance economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection for a sustainable future.

Triple Bottom Line (Three Pillars) Model

A model that evaluates sustainability using three Ps — People, Planet, and Profit — focusing on social, environmental, and economic well-being.

People (Triple Bottom Line)

The social pillar that focuses on fairness, equality, and ensuring everyone’s access to basic needs like health, housing, and education.

Planet (Triple Bottom Line)

The environmental pillar that emphasizes protecting nature, minimizing pollution, and conserving resources.

Profit (Triple Bottom Line)

The economic pillar that supports long-term business growth without harming people or the planet.

Doughnut Model of Economy

A sustainability model by Kate Raworth that visualizes an economy like a doughnut, balancing human needs (inner ring) and ecological limits (outer ring).

Goal of the Doughnut Model

To keep human progress “within the doughnut,” where everyone’s needs are met without exceeding environmental limits.

Ecological Economics Model

Views the economy as part of the environment, emphasizing that natural resources are finite and growth must respect ecological limits.

Goal of Ecological Economics

To maintain a steady-state economy, balancing resource use and waste within Earth’s capacity.

Natural Capitalism

A model that values nature and natural resources as essential parts of the economy (“natural capital”) and encourages sustainable business practices.

Main Focus of Natural Capitalism

Improving resource efficiency, using renewable energy, and reducing waste through closed-loop systems.

Circular Economy Model

An economic model that minimizes waste by keeping materials circulating through reuse, repair, recycling, and regeneration.

Linear Economy (Opposite of Circular Economy)

The traditional system of “Take → Make → Dispose,” which leads to waste and environmental harm.

Goal of the Circular Economy

To create a regenerative system where products and materials are reused continuously, reducing the need for new resources.

Brundtland Commission Model

A 1987 UN model that defines sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations.”

Core Principle of the Brundtland Model

Focuses on intergenerational equity — balancing today’s progress with tomorrow’s survival.

Capabilities Approach

Developed by Amartya Sen, this model emphasizes improving people’s capabilities — what they can do and become — rather than just growing the economy.

Goal of the Capabilities Approach

To empower individuals through education, healthcare, and social freedom so they can live meaningful, sustainable lives.

Common Thread Across All Models

All models aim to balance economic growth, social welfare, and environmental care for a sustainable and fair future.