Sustainable Development: A Path Towards a Better Future

Hello, eco-warrior! Have you ever had that feeling where the problems of the world are simply too big to tackle? Trust me, we’ve all been there. But let me tell you that you have way more power in changing things than you think. Welcome to the world of sustainable development, where small things can end up having a big impact.

What is Sustainable Development?

Try to picture this: you’re at an all-you-can-eat restaurant, exercise patience and tolerance here, I promise this will lead you somewhere related to sustainability. You’re starving, and everything seems amazing, do you stuff your plate with everything you see? Or do you take only what you need, knowing you can later go back for more if you’re still hungry?

It’s a little more like that second option, it’s about fulfilling our needs today without depleting all the earth’s resources, leaving nothing for the futures. According to the UN, the definition of sustainable development is: “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

But why should you care? Well, unless you’re emigrating to Mars anytime soon, and even then, Elon Musk might get there first, this planet is the only thing we’ve got. And let’s admit it, we haven’t always treated it like a valued possession.

The Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Community To-Do List

Based on this last definition, in 2015, world leaders got together and said, “Folks, we need an action plan.” And as a result, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was born. In which we detail the 17 SDGs. Think of them as a global to-do list for a better world.

Here they are, in all their glory:

1. Poverty Reduction
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Good work and economic growth
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequality
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17. Partnership for the Goals

I know exactly what you’re thinking. “That’s a lot of goals! How could we even start to attack all of that?” Well, here’s the cool part: these goals are all interrelated. Success in one area will generate success in the others. It’s kind of like Dominos, only instead of knocking stuff down, we’re building it up!

SDG Indicators: Keeping Score

But how do we know if we are going anywhere? That’s what SDG indicators are, they are those very particular quantifiable parameters that allow us to actually show our progress. In the case of Goal 1, No poverty, for instance, the share of the population below the international poverty line was 10.1% in 2015. It had gone down to 8.2% in 2019. This is progress, people!

The Three Legs of Sustainability: Our Eco-Friendly Three-Legged Stool

Now, imagine trying to sit on a one-legged stool. Uh, not very stable, right? That’s why sustainable development rests on three pillars, which are: Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability. Now, let’s break them down:

Environmental Sustainability: Mother Nature’s Favourite Child

It’s about keeping our planet healthy, taking climate action, using clean energy, and being responsible with consumption, it’s the stuff that makes our Planet feel great. You know, in 2020, renewable energy generation grew 7% even with the global pandemic.

Economic Sustainability: The Idea that Money Does Grow on Trees, Sort Of

Opposite to the general view of going green hurting your wallet, economic sustainability creates long-term economic growth that is not detrimental to social, environmental, and cultural features of the society. For example, the renewable energy sector employed 11.5 million people of all occupations around the world in 2019. That is a lot of green jobs!

Social Sustainability: It Takes a Village

And this is the people pillar, all about equality, education, health everything that makes life worth living. But it’s not just a question of being nice either; numerous studies have actually shown that more equal societies are likely to be more economically stable. Win-win!

Overcoming Obstacles: Solutions to Implement Sustainable Development

Okay, I am not going to candy-coat this: sustainable development isn’t all rainbows and recycled paper. We’ve got some serious hurdles in our path. But where there’s a will, and some innovation, is a way!

Challenge 1: “But it’s too expensive!

Solution: Think long term. Sure, that solar panel installation may cost a bundle at first, but it will save you cash on electricity bills in the long run. Plus, many governments are offering incentives for these types of green initiatives.

Overview Challenge 2: “It’s all too complicated!

Solution: Start small, you do not need to try and change everything in your life in one day. Start with small changes, such as using a refillable water bottle or taking shorter showers. Everything counts!

Challenge 3: “But what difference can I really make?

Solution: Remember that domino effect I mentioned earlier? You motivate to one action, you motivate to another, and it continues as ripples. Be the change you want to see!

Individuals Acting for a Better Future

Talking of being a part of the change, now let’s talk about what you can do today now to make a difference in the sustainable development field. Let’s get real, we can’t all be Greta Thunberg, but we can all take some action.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The three R’s are classics for a reason. Can a yogurt pot become a plant pot? Think outside the box!
2. Eat more plants: I don’t mean you have to go completely vegan unless, of course, you want to. But having a few meat-free meals each week will have your body, and the planet-doing the happy dance.
3. Save Power: Turn off the lights whenever you leave your room, use efficient appliances, set programmable thermostats to reduce or limit heating and cooling. It’s not rocket science, but it does help!
4. Support Sustainable Businesses: Voting with your wallet, support companies that have high sustainability priorities.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power; stay updated on issues related to sustainable development and share this knowledge.

Keep in mind, this does not have to be perfect; we’re all in this together, step by step.

Examples of Sustainable Development in Practice

Still skeptical about whether sustainable development can successfully be put into practice? Let me give you some examples of success stories.

1. Re-forestation in Costa Rica: This tiny country took its forest surface from 26% in 1984 to 52% in 2017, by paying people to save or grow forests.
2. Recycling Revolution of Sweden: Sweden recycles 99% of its junk. They are so proficient at this, that they have actually run out of garbage and import it now from other countries to feed the recycling plants. Talk about a trashy success story!
3. Bhutan Gross National Happiness: The small Himalayan state did not only measure their progress by GDP, but by Gross National Happiness. They have consecrated environmental protection in their constitution and maintain at least 60% of the forest cover. Happy planet, happy people!

These examples give reason to believe that sustainable development is not an unreachable dream, it’s a worldwide reality.

Conclusion: A Collective Contribution to a Better Future

And so it continues its course in sustainable development. I know it’s a huge area, but here is the thing: you don’t need to solve all the world’s problems in one go. As a matter of fact, sustainable development is a journey and not a destination.

Start small. Do one thing different today. Another tomorrow. Before you know it, you will be living a more sustainable life, inspiring others in turn.

We are all in this together. And every little action counts. What will be your first step, then? Will you start composting? Use a re-usable water bottle? Perhaps simply forward this article to a friend?

Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind that you are part of the fast-growing global movement into a more sustainable future. And that is something to be proud of.

So, are you ready to change the world with sustainability? The planet is counting on it. No pressure, though.

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P.S. If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re now an official sustainable development nerd. Your certificate is in the mail, (just kidding, we don’t waste paper like that.) But honestly, thank you for worrying about our planet. Earth gives you a big thumbs up!