Sustainable Development, in a broad sense, refers to the ability to maintain a process continuously over time. It aims to prevent the depletion of natural resources, ensuring that they remain for the longevity of our time on Earth and for future generations.
The Brundtland Report is most often cited for its definition of sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The report also called upon the UN to establish the UN Programme of Action on Sustainable Development, of which are discussed on the next page.
In essence, a sustainable activity can be sustained without running out of resources or causing damage. This means that if something is unsustainable, it means that the resources are being used faster than they are being replaced.
Eventually, unsustainable practices will cause resources to be depleted, and the activity will not be able to continue.
Brundtland, G.H. (1987). Our Common Future. Environmental Conservation, 14(04).
Green Peace (2024). What Is Sustainability? A Simple Guide to a Vital Idea. Available at: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/challenges/sustainability/.
