THE VARIOUS MODELS OF GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
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🌍 THE VARIOUS MODELS OF GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Meaning:
These models and frameworks explain how countries, organizations, and people can work together toward sustainability — balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equality.
🧭 1. The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Framework
Definition:
A global plan adopted by the United Nations in 2015 with 17 goals to be achieved by 2030.
Goal:
To end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for everyone.
Key Areas Covered:
Poverty and hunger
Gender equality
Climate action
Quality education
Peace and justice
In short:
The SDGs = a roadmap for a better, fairer, and greener world 🌎✨
⚖ 2. The Triple Bottom Line (Three Pillars) Model
Definition:
A sustainability model that focuses on three Ps: People, Planet, and Profit.
Dimension | Focus / Description |
|---|---|
💰 Economic (Profit) | Ensures long-term growth without harming society or the environment. |
🌿 Environmental (Planet) | Protects natural resources and biodiversity. |
👥 Social (People) | Promotes fairness, equality, and access to basic needs like health, housing, and education. |
In short:
Real success = not just money 💸, but also people 👥 and planet 🌏.
Mnemonic:
💡 3P Model = People, Planet, Profit.
🍩 3. The Doughnut Model of Economy
Developed by: Economist Kate Raworth
Definition:
Visualizes sustainable development like a doughnut 🍩 —
The inner ring = basic human needs (social foundation)
The outer ring = ecological limits (environmental ceiling)
Goal:
To keep human progress inside the doughnut — where everyone’s needs are met without harming the Earth.
In short:
Too little → poverty 😞
Too much → planet damage 🌋
Just right → sustainable growth 🍩✨
🌿 4. The Ecological Economics Model
Definition:
Views the economy as part of the environment, not separate from it.
It reminds us that natural resources are finite — so growth must respect ecological limits.
Goal:
Maintain a steady-state economy — where resource use and waste are balanced within nature’s capacity.
In short:
The environment isn’t part of the economy — the economy is part of the environment. 🌱
💎 5. Natural Capitalism
Definition:
A model that values nature and natural resources (“natural capital”) as part of the economy.
Main Idea:
Businesses should treat natural resources as assets, not as things to exploit.
Focus Areas:
Resource efficiency ♻
Renewable energy 🌞
Waste reduction (closed-loop systems 🔁)
Goal:
To make business profitable and sustainable at the same time.
🔁 6. Circular Economy Model
Definition:
A system that minimizes waste and keeps materials circulating through reuse, repair, and recycling.
Opposite of:
The linear economy → “Take → Make → Dispose.”
Goal:
Create a regenerative cycle where nothing goes to waste and resources are used again and again.
Example:
Companies that recycle old products into new ones (like reusing plastic bottles to make clothes).
In short:
“Don’t throw it away — make it stay.” 🔁♻
🌏 7. The Brundtland Commission Model
Origin:
From the 1987 Brundtland Report (World Commission on Environment and Development).
Definition:
Defines sustainable development as:
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations.”
Core Idea:
Balance today’s progress with tomorrow’s survival.
Promotes intergenerational equity (fairness between generations).
In short:
Think long-term — protect the future while improving the present. 🌱
🧠 8. The Capabilities Approach
Developed by:
Economist Amartya Sen
Definition:
Focuses on improving people’s capabilities (what they can actually do and be), not just growing the economy.
Key Factors:
Education 🎓
Healthcare ❤
Political freedom 🗳
Social inclusion 👥
Goal:
To give people the freedom to live the life they value while promoting equality and sustainability.
In short:
Sustainable development = empowering people, not just expanding the economy. 🌏
🧩 SUMMARY TABLE
Model | Core Idea |
|---|---|
🌎 SDGs Framework | 17 global goals for peace, prosperity, and sustainability. |
⚖ Triple Bottom Line | People, Planet, and Profit must balance. |
🍩 Doughnut Model | Meet human needs without harming Earth. |
🌿 Ecological Economics | Economy is a subset of the environment. |
💎 Natural Capitalism | Nature = valuable capital; use resources efficiently. |
🔁 Circular Economy | Reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. |
🌏 Brundtland Model | Meet present needs without harming the future. |
🧠 Capabilities Approach | Expand human freedoms and opportunities. |
🧠 QUICK RECAP / MEMORY TRICKS
🧭 “3P” → Triple Bottom Line
People – Planet – Profit
🍩 “Inside the Doughnut” → Balance human needs & nature
♻ “4R Rule” → Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle = Circular Economy
🌱 “Think Long-Term” → Brundtland Model
💡 “Expand Freedom” → Capabilities Approach
In short:
Sustainable development isn’t one-size-fits-all — these models show different paths toward the same goal: a fair, thriving, and eco-friendly world. 🌍💚