What is Sustainable Development?

The principle components of sustainable development (SD) emerged at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972. The themes of the conference were:

• the interdependence of human beings and the natural environment;
• the links between economic and social development and environmental protection; and
• the need for a global vision and common principles.

In developing these themes, the World Commission on Environment and Development, (Brundtland Commission) 1987 defined sustainable development simply as - Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In more detail, the commission said, sustainable development is a process of change in which exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development, and institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations.

There are a wide variety of ideas about what sustainable development specifically means and probably as many definitions. While the actual wording of the various definitions may vary, the basic themes are constant in all. They all concern themselves with effectively integrating social, economic and environmental factors in decision-making.

Definitions

Various people(s) and organizations have their own definitions of sustainable development. Here are a few:

First Nations

Beneficial socio-economic change that does not undermine the ecological and social systems upon which communities and societies are dependent.

Council of Yukon First Nations

Sustainable development recognizes that development is essential to satisfy human needs and improve the quality of human life. It is based on the efficient and environmentally responsible use of all society's scarce resources - our natural, human and economic resources. Activities must be considered in light of their impacts on the "seven generations" to come.

Gitxsan Wet'suwet'en

Canadian Government

The integration of environmental and economic considerations, along with the consideration of equity, is a fundamental underpinning of the concept of sustainable development.

House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development

Sustainable development requires that society as a whole consider collectively the implications of its actions for society, the economy and the biophysical environment (i.e. fauna, flora, the air water and soil) and that this consideration extend decades into the future.

Canadian Heritage Sustainable Development Strategy (2001-2003)

Sustainable development is about how we meet the needs of people today, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is not an end point, but rather an approach to decision making. It recognizes that social, economic and environmental issues are interconnected, and that decisions must incorporate each of these aspects if they are to be good in the long term. It is an approach that will help us to achieve a healthy environment, a prosperous economy, and a vibrant and just society for current and future generations.

Environment Canada Sustainable Development Strategy (2004-2006)

International

The primary objective of sustainable development is to reduce the absolute poverty of the world's poor through providing lasting and secure livelihoods that minimize resource depletion, environmental degradation, cultural disruption and social instability.

E.Barbier,"The Concept of Sustainable Economic Development," Environmental Conservation, 1987.

The principle of sustainable development rests on three interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars: economic development, social development, and environmental protection at national, regional and global levels.

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Ecologically sustainable development is defined as “using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.”

Government of Australia, National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development, 1992.

The United Kingdom has set out sustainable development principles, which a policy must respect in order to be sustainable: it must respect the environmental limits of the planet; ensure a strong, healthy and just society; contribute to a sustainable economy; use sound science; and promote good governance.

Government of United Kingdom - sustainable development website

The Government [of Sweden] wants to build a sustainable society in which economic, social and environmental goals go hand in hand and strengthen one another in a positive development. A sustainable society is characterized by solidarity, both between generations and between countries.

Swedish Ministry of Sustainable Development