What the is sustainability?

Sustainability is not a new concept. The pandemic has made it more prominent. Now, it is one of the concepts more loudly discussed all over the world.

Still, the definition is pretty vague in the minds. It’s crucial to understand the scope of the concept fundamentally. Then, discuss the issues in detail.

It’s worth mentioning right away:

1– Sustainability is not just a matter of environmental sensitivity, melting glaciers and captive polar bears. So, it’s not just an environmental issue.

2- Critical issues such as global warming and climate change do not define the concept of sustainability on their own.

3- Sustainability is not against the economy, companies, growth and profit. On the contrary, economy is at the core of the concept of sustainability.

In a nutshell, sustainability is like a 3-legged table. These are people, planet and profit. If one of the legs is missing, the table collapses. So each one is important. If you keep one short, the table shakes this time too. So, there may be issues that you give more weight to from time to time. However, in the long run, these legs should be of equal length.

Therefore, for a company to be called sustainable, its economic gains must not harm the environment. They must not damage the planet. Additionally, they must not violate basic, healthy, civil human rights.

In the ideal definition, a company should create economic profitability for its investors and shareholders. It should also create value for its employees and the community it is in. And ensure this does not harm the planet’s natural structure. It must also protect the environment and all other living beings. In other words, if a value is created, it needs to be established in all three legs of the concept. Values need to be established in all three legs of the concept.

—

“We have to face the growth dilemma. Well, to stop growing our current economy means the risk of economic and social collapse. Continuing to grow means risking destroying the global ecosystems that are the foundation of our existence.” Tim Jackson. Prosperity without Growth

Economic growth and its effects on people and the planet seem to be a dilemma. Human, society, environment, and planet problems are caused by modern production and consumption models. Herein lies both the importance and the challenge of sustainability.

The discipline and understanding of sustainable development is extremely valuable at this stage. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. It is one of the most important steps taken in this regard. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Urgent action is necessary for these goals by all developed and developing countries. This should be done in a global partnership.

These goals are tackling climate change and trying to protect the environment. They also reveal the necessity of strategies that improve the health and education system. Additionally, these strategies should reduce inequality and encourage economic growth.

To better understand the scope, it is necessary to take a look at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which countries have signed as an urgent call to action:

– End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

– End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture

– Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.

– Provide inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

– Achieve gender equality and empower women.

– Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

– Provide access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

– Promote sustainable, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

– Build resilient infrastructure, foster inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

– Reduce inequality within and between countries.

– Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

– Provide sustainable consumption and production patterns.

– Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects.

– Protect and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

– Protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Sustainably manage forests. Combat desertification and stop land degradation. Reverse land degradation and stop biodiversity loss.

– Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. Provide access to justice for all. Build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

– Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

—

It’s utopian isn’t it? However, these are very basic and necessary issues for ideal humanity and a livable healthy world.

In addition to traditional economic indicators, the global development goals also focus on the social and environmental dimension of well-being. Countries have also undersigned these targets, at least as a sign of intent. In this respect, it is extremely valuable.

—

Humanity has a difficult agenda ahead, which will shape the fate of future generations. Social awareness must start with individuals. Sincere and constructive steps taken by countries and companies will also determine the success of this entire sustainability agenda.

And only in this way, these listed sustainable development goals will cease to be a utopian thesis and become reality.

From all these aspects; sustainability can be the key to a healthy future for humanity and the planet.

I hope humanity chooses to use this key well enough by taking responsibility to act …

---