SUSTAINABILITY

What is Sustainability?

“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (Bruntland Report for the World Commission on Environment and Development, 1992) 

Types of Sustainability

1. Economic sustainability: Way of growth, development, and productivity also it depends on the market allocation of resources, sustained levels of growth and consumption. In addition, it is based on using resources effectively and making investigation for next generations.

2. Ecological sustainability: It is occurred by ecosystem integrity, carrying capacity and biodiversity. For ecological sustainability, renewable resources should be used restrictedly and effectively. Resources must be harvested no faster than they can be regenerated.

3. Social sustainability: It is based on equity, empowerment, accessibility, participation, sharing, cultural identity, and institutional stability. For the social sustainability, people who live in a country should have enough opportunities to reach high-quality life standards.

Basic Needs for Sustainability Types

Element Criteria Economic Sustainability:

Growth

Development Productivity

Trickle Down

Social Sustainability:

Equity Empowerment Accessibility

Participation Sharing

Cultural Identity

Institutional Stability

Environmental Sustainability:

Eco-System Integrity

Carrying Capacity Biodiversity

Types of Resources

1. Renewable energy resources:  Energy sources that have the power to replenish themselves in a short period. For example: Solar, Wind, Hydrogen, Geothermal, and BioEnergy.

2. Non-renewable energy resources: Energy sources that have not powered to replenish themselves in a short period. They do not disappear in nature for many years. They cause pollution. 

Estimated length of time left for fossil fuels

Fossil fuel	Time left
Oil	50 years
Natural gas	70 years
Coal	250 years

                        Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk

                 Source: http://www.newsky24.com

References:

[1]: Basiogo, A. (n.d.). Economic, social, and environmental sustainability in development theory

and urban planning practice. Retrieved from: https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/media/0972/fulltext.pdf

[2]: What is sustainability? (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.globalfootprints.org/sustainability