Sustainability refers to the protection of natural resources and the conduct of activities to meet the needs of today in order to meet the needs of future generations.
The concept of sustainability is a concept with economic, social and environmental dimensions. Therefore, being sustainable requires people to establish a balance between their economic activities and social lives and the protection of natural resources.
When entering the concept of sustainability, firstly economic sustainability can be mentioned. This concept implies that while people engage in production activities to improve their quality of life, at the same time the rate at which they consume natural resources should be such that they meet future needs. Therefore, economic sustainability requires that activities are carried out not only to meet the needs of today, but also to meet the needs of future generations.
Social sustainability means that people have equality and justice in society, their basic needs are met and human rights are protected. Ensuring social sustainability ensures that people’s quality of life is improved and the general welfare of society is increased.
Environmental sustainability is related to the use of natural resources. The consumption of natural resources can cause environmental problems such as damaging the resources of our planet, reducing biodiversity and climate change. Environmental sustainability aims to protect natural resources so that future generations can use them by controlling the consumption of natural resources.
If we do not carry out sustainable activities on Earth, we may face many negative consequences in the future. Firstly, the depletion of natural resources can cause environmental problems such as climate change, reducing biodiversity and damaging the resources of our planet. Therefore, the depletion of natural resources in the future may lead to the inability to meet basic needs and reduce the overall well-being of society. See also,
Furthermore, if sustainable activities are not realised, economic and social problems may also arise. For example, income inequality may increase, unemployment rates may rise and health problems may arise. These reduce the overall well-being of society and lower people’s quality of life.
Carrying out sustainable activities benefits today’s society as well as leaving a better world for future generations. Sustainability helps to create a healthier environment, a stronger economy and a fairer society. However, to achieve sustainability, people need to change their behaviour and habits. Therefore, a range of efforts at individual, organisational and political level are required to achieve sustainability.
Ultimately, to be sustainable is to be sustainable in a way that meets the needs of today in order to meet the needs of future generations.
