In the previous series of climate change articles, we have reviewed many dynamics that shape a global emergency-global warming-and how it’s being mitigated. Given its seriousness and impact on our lives, climate change (for worse) is a threat to humanity’s existence and planet’s sustainability.
Sustainability has been at the centre of revival of green consciousness / going green among global policymakers and agenda setters though it is now being outdone by the “ESG” proposition (Environmental, Social and Governance-ESG will be discussed in forthcoming articles).
The general idea on ‘sustainability’ is: Will human actions help sustain the planet and its life, or destroy it? In the path to the planet’s prosperity, will we lose it if we are not able to protect it?
“Sustainability” means different things to different sectors. For some it’s a going green and pro-environment action. For some its creating engineering and constructions in an environment friendly way.
The term “Sustainability” was first heard in 1987.
“..The ‘sustainability’ concept as we know it today dates back to … 1987 in the famous Brundtland Report (also entitled ‘Our Common Future’) produced by several countries for the UN… The term ‘sustainable development’ first appeared in an official document signed by thirty-three African countries in 1969, under the auspices of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)..”- www.activesustainability.com
In more recent times, the concept entered the global dialogue as a compromise to achieve the much needed protection of the planet. So much so the UN viewed sustainable development as a major engagement and introduced the 2030 Agenda, which identifies the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs need to be achieved by all countries-rich, middle income and the poor.
“..The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. More important than ever, the goals provide a critical framework for COVID-19 recovery.” –www.un.org
By the time UN began engaging with “Sustainability”, it has grown from its initial ‘plant friendly actions’ to a much larger social development mandate. It has expanded to embrace ending poverty, building economic growth and addressing a range of social needs.
