Concept of Sustainability

Sustainability is derived from the Latin word sustinere (to hold up). It refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

Sustainable Development

Definition: "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (World Commission on Environment and Development - Brundtland Report, 1987)

The Three Pillars (Triple Bottom Line):

1. Economic: Growth, Profit, Cost-efficiency.
2. Social: Equity, Empowerment, Health.
3. Environmental: Pollution control, Resource conservation, Biodiversity.

Sustainable development occurs at the intersection of these three.

Key Principles:

• Inter-Generational Equity: We have a moral obligation to hand over a healthy planet to our children (Future generations).
• Intra-Generational Equity: Fair distribution of resources among people within the current generation (Bridge the gap between Rich and Poor nations).
• Polluter Pays Principle: The entity causing the pollution must bear the cost of cleaning it up.
• Precautionary Principle: If an action has a risk of causing harm to the public or environment, in the absence of scientific consensus, the burden of proof falls on those taking the action.