4.7 Sustainable development

Sustainable development:

economic development that meets the needs of the present geneations without compromisiing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

- Countries use non-renewable natural resources and renewable resources to achieve economic growth and development

Non renewable

resources are not naturally replenished once they have been usedeg.

natural resources = carbon-based fuel, minerals + groundwater

Renewable

naturally replenished if they are used or harvested sustainablyeg.

timber, animal husbandry, renewable energy sources etc.

3 core values in sustainable development

Social sustainability:

Economic sustainability:

Environmental sustainability:

Social sustainability:

the ability of an economy to develop social processes and structures that enable its current members to live optimally and to support the ability of future communities to do the same

Helps people achieve a better quality of life through better access to shelter, healthcare and education

Policies that achieve social sustainability enable people of the current generation to live a respectable life without hindering the quality of life for future generations

Achieving social sustainability:

Society should offer equitable opportunities for all members of the community, especially → most vulnerable members like the poor, women and children

Communities should provide ways to support processes, systems and structures that deliver interconnectedness within and beyond the community

- open economy and one that is conducive to trade = more likely to achieve sustainable growth

Society should ensure that the basic needs of its members are met to aid better quality of living → provision of a good healthcare system, stable employment opportunities, social housing and universal education

All the members of the community should be able to have a voice and raise their concerns to facilitate better functioning and impartial government

Society should promote and support diversity, to bind the community for improved prosperity and sustained well-being

Economic sustainability:

optimal use of scarce resources to ensure future generations are not disadvantaged in favour of today's generation

economic activities should promote long-term benefits for all without harming the environment and the sociocultural aspect of the community

benefits of economic sustainability

attracts domestic and foreign investments and investors see more opportunity to increase long-term economic prosperity

Local communities can function more efficiently and innovatively

Firms can have lower costs of production owing to reucts in environmental costs → without it environmental costs like pollution can grow

A stable economy = sustained social welfare, helps maintain household stable level of income, rather than facing the challenges of volatility and uncertainty

Environmental sustainability:

responsible use of the planet's natural resources so that future generations are not compromised on their natural resources

involved better use of renewable resources, waste management and environmental protection

No exploitation of environment/natural resources to have economic growth

Relationship between sustainability and poverty (HL)

Poverty and sustainability are related → sustainable development that poverty can be completely eradicated in the long-run

Through sustainable development, poverty could be eradicated

A reduction in poverty is an important factor in ensuring sustainable development = first SDG

Most people in absolute poverty rely on the primary sector (farming, mining, fishing etc.) which can fluctuate based on seasons + work against sustainable development goals

The sustainable development goals

No poverty

zero hunger

good health and well-being

Quality education

Gender equality

Clean water and sanitation

Affordable and clean energy

Decent work and economic growth

Industy, innovation and infrastructure

Reduced inequalities

Sustainable cities and communities

Responsible consumption and production

Climate action

Life below water

Life on land

Peace, justice and strong institutions

Parternships for the goals