Sustainability is a broad subject that can be woven through all human activities and ventures. This course will start with a focus on our local environment with self-reflection, a look at sustainability on campus and the local community and ending with a view towards a global picture.
First let’s think about what it means to be sustainable. In1987, the United Nations (UN) Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as:
“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations ability to meet their own needs”
Sustainable development is described by the UN Sustainable Development Agenda as:
“For sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to harmonize three core elements: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. These elements are interconnected and all are crucial for the well-being of individuals and societies.“
For sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to harmonize three core elements: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. These elements are interconnected and all are crucial for the well-being of individuals and societies.
Stop and Reflect:
What do you think about these definitions of sustainability?
How do they relate to you? Do you agree with these definitions? Would you change or add anything?
One framework for a sustainable future are the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. Explore the UN SDGs here.
Apply Your Thinking:
What does sustainability mean to you?
Draw a word cloud like the ones below and fill in the clouds with themes, concepts, actions, organisations or anything else you associate with sustainability. Remember that sustainability covers all aspects of society and goes beyond the idea of reuse, reduce, recycle we are often presented with. These are important concepts but aren’t the whole picture, we should also consider ideas including health and well-being, fair and inclusive work and quality education. You may want to use the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals for Inspiration
What does sustainability mean to you?
