230
10 Sustainability
“capacity of our society to endure,” that is to maintain a certain quality of living for
all the inhabitants of our planet (Sustainability.com n.d).
This capacity is questioned not only by the current depletion of natural resources,
the loss of biodiversity, and the rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions, but also by
social inequalities and injustices, which pertain to our way of life. These problems
are important because sustainability, according to contemporary thinkers, is not only
about the environment. It also refers to societal objectives, such as inclusion and the
alleviation of hunger and poverty.
This definition is the basis for the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). The SDGs span across several thematic areas, such as poverty,
water management, energy, innovation, and climate action. These domains are
interrelated, and we cannot tackle one without touching upon the others. Therefore,
sustainability is a comprehensive agenda for change at the economic, social, and
environmental levels.
The way to make the transition towards sustainability is through strategies known
as greening or green growth. Such strategies aim to adjust all sectors of the economy
to make sure that they “respect environmental limits while fulfilling social wants and
needs” (Sustainability.com n.d). Businesses have begun to understand that creating
green and ethically sourced brands is a strategy to attract customers: those who care
about the environment, fairness, and human rights. Eco-friendly products, such as
organic and fair-trade food, are the outcome of this process.
Besides economic players, scientists are expected to contribute to the sustainability agenda. To start with, sustainability requires hard science; facts and evidence
to delineate the problems we need to address. For example, thanks to the scientific
findings, we know that an increase in the average temperature of the planet above
2 ◦ C will have dramatic consequences, such as extreme weather phenomena and
a significant rise in sea levels. Such knowledge is a critical first step towards
action. The next step is to choose alternative solutions and this is where science can
contribute the most. From renewable energy and green devices to the fight against
diseases, such as malaria, scientists across the world work to resolve some of the
toughest problems facing humanity. For example, scientists from the University of
Alexandria, Egypt, discovered a way to desalinate and purify seawater to make it
drinkable (Nield 2015). This technology has the potential to transform the lives of
millions of people.
Lastly, religious leaders have a role to play in advancing the cause of sustainability since most religions refer to nature as something to be preserved (1Million
Women.com 2016). Christianity considers nature as the home of God. In Islam,
people of faith are foreseen to be stewards of the earth. Buddhism, in turn, calls
for the protection of all living beings. From this standpoint, it is up to religious
leaders to use these teachings to promote sustainability by influencing both world
leaders and the general public to recognize their roles in promoting sustainability.
They are also expected to lead by example. The Vatican has responded to this plea
by becoming the first carbon neutral country.
Overall, the commitment of every individual on the planet is essential to sustain
a livable planet and to ensure the highest possible living standards for all humans,
10 Sustainability
“capacity of our society to endure,” that is to maintain a certain quality of living for
all the inhabitants of our planet (Sustainability.com n.d).
This capacity is questioned not only by the current depletion of natural resources,
the loss of biodiversity, and the rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions, but also by
social inequalities and injustices, which pertain to our way of life. These problems
are important because sustainability, according to contemporary thinkers, is not only
about the environment. It also refers to societal objectives, such as inclusion and the
alleviation of hunger and poverty.
This definition is the basis for the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). The SDGs span across several thematic areas, such as poverty,
water management, energy, innovation, and climate action. These domains are
interrelated, and we cannot tackle one without touching upon the others. Therefore,
sustainability is a comprehensive agenda for change at the economic, social, and
environmental levels.
The way to make the transition towards sustainability is through strategies known
as greening or green growth. Such strategies aim to adjust all sectors of the economy
to make sure that they “respect environmental limits while fulfilling social wants and
needs” (Sustainability.com n.d). Businesses have begun to understand that creating
green and ethically sourced brands is a strategy to attract customers: those who care
about the environment, fairness, and human rights. Eco-friendly products, such as
organic and fair-trade food, are the outcome of this process.
Besides economic players, scientists are expected to contribute to the sustainability agenda. To start with, sustainability requires hard science; facts and evidence
to delineate the problems we need to address. For example, thanks to the scientific
findings, we know that an increase in the average temperature of the planet above
2 ◦ C will have dramatic consequences, such as extreme weather phenomena and
a significant rise in sea levels. Such knowledge is a critical first step towards
action. The next step is to choose alternative solutions and this is where science can
contribute the most. From renewable energy and green devices to the fight against
diseases, such as malaria, scientists across the world work to resolve some of the
toughest problems facing humanity. For example, scientists from the University of
Alexandria, Egypt, discovered a way to desalinate and purify seawater to make it
drinkable (Nield 2015). This technology has the potential to transform the lives of
millions of people.
Lastly, religious leaders have a role to play in advancing the cause of sustainability since most religions refer to nature as something to be preserved (1Million
Women.com 2016). Christianity considers nature as the home of God. In Islam,
people of faith are foreseen to be stewards of the earth. Buddhism, in turn, calls
for the protection of all living beings. From this standpoint, it is up to religious
leaders to use these teachings to promote sustainability by influencing both world
leaders and the general public to recognize their roles in promoting sustainability.
They are also expected to lead by example. The Vatican has responded to this plea
by becoming the first carbon neutral country.
Overall, the commitment of every individual on the planet is essential to sustain
a livable planet and to ensure the highest possible living standards for all humans,