WHAT IT IS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT?
The concept of Sustainable Development has been around for decades and is the simple idea of ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and in the future. A widely-used international definition is "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Although the idea is simple, the task is substantial and
it means the world meeting four objectives at the same time:
Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
Everyone needs to share in the benefits of increased prosperity and a clean
and safe environment. We have to improve access to services, tackle social
exclusion, and reduce the harm to health caused by poverty, poor housing,
unemployment and pollution. Our needs must not be met by treating others,
including future generations and people elsewhere in the world, unfairly.
Effective protection of the environment
We must act to limit global environmental threats, such as climate change; to
protect human health and safety from hazards such as poor air quality and
toxic chemicals; and to protect things which people need or value, such as
wildlife, landscapes and historic buildings.
Prudent use of natural resources
We need to make sure that we use non-renewable resources such as oil and gas
efficiently and that alternatives are developed to replace. Renewable
resources, such as water, should be used in ways that do not endanger the
resource or cause serious damage or pollution.
Maintenance of stable and sustainable levels of economic growth and employment
Everyone needs to be able to share decent living standards and job
opportunities. The UK is a trading nation in a rapidly changing world. For our
country to prosper, our businesses must produce the high quality goods and
services that consumers throughout the world want, at prices they are prepared
to pay. To achieve that, we need a workforce that is equipped with the
education and skills for the 21st century. And we need businesses ready to
invest, and an infrastructure to support them.
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