Introduction
Over the past four weeks of this course, I have learned a lot about the concepts of sustainability. I now understand sustainability themes, issues, challenges, and approaches that are critical to businesses and society. For instance, I know that the term sustainability is broad because it encompasses many things. Though there are hundreds of sustainability definitions, the United Nations’ definition is mostly used to define this term.
United Nations define sustainability as “meeting the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (World Commission on Environment and Development, para. 1, 1987). Sustainability is not just about climate change, the environment, recycling and composting, or green left-wing conspiracy. It refers to relationships that exist among economic growth and development, society, and environment (Redclift & Woodgate, 2010). It is an issue that we should holistically address at local, national, and global levels (Tracey & Anne, 2008).
Main body
I have realized that organizations that merge CSR and sustainability become more successful (Loew, Ankele, Braun & Clausen, 2004). This is achieved through stakeholder oriented issue management and harmonization of social and environmental goals. This knowledge is important to me as a learner because it helps me understand how business sustainability can be achieved. Sustainability is not a one stage event but a process that takes time. It involves rejection, non-responsiveness, compliance, strategic productivity, efficiency and the sustaining corporation stages (Dunphy, Benn & Griffiths, 2003).
It is also important to mention that individual or business sustainability is anchored on availability of capital. Capital describes resources that are critical for performance of the business. These include social, financial, manufactured, human, and natural capital (Goodwin, 2003). These capital resources enable organizations to meet their current needs without compromising the ability of resources in catering for their future needs. However, they can be depleted faster than they are produced. I now understand that every organization has a responsibility to sustainably manage these resources.
Ecological footprint is covered in the course. I have discovered that my actions can have an impact on other people, the biosphere, and the economy. Ownership of cars, disposal of electronic equipment, purchase of goods, heating and cooling, shelter, and many more have significant environmental impacts (EPA Victoria, 2013).
This has enabled me learn that individual ecological footprints are major sustainability challenges. Additionally, I understand that my huge consumption of water, energy, processes food, and rare use of public transport amount to ecological footprints. More so, I acknowledge that my lifestyle is unsustainable. This knowledge is important because it enables me advocate for reduction of family, industry, and country footprints.
It is critical to mention that sustainability is an individual, as well as a collective endeavor. It is supposed to be shared at local and global levels. We should have a renewed approach as human beings in our interaction with the environment. I am now aware that education for sustainability is critical in providing ways that contribute positively in the enhancement sustainability patterns. It is vital in developing skills, values, knowledge, and world views on how people should act sustainably (Lang, 2007).
Sustainable development is not limited to organizations and government interventions. It is limited to a population that is socially and ecologically conscious. Moreover, I have realized that sustainability education can guarantee this through creating actions that support sustainable patterns. On top of this, emphasis on the interdependence between the environment, society, culture, and economic systems is also very important in sustainability.
I have also learned that there are many sustainable challenges in the world. Disease, war and civil strife, poverty, social exclusion, food crisis, and women’s status are some of the key social challenges (UN DESA, n.d.). Furthermore, I am now informed that economic challenges also threaten sustainability. Finally, environmental challenges such as deforestation, waste management, population growth, pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity can also undermine sustainability (UN DESA, n.d.). This calls for organizations to put appropriate measures in place in addressing these challenges (Dunphy, Benn & Griffiths, 2003).
Conclusion
Most importantly, I have learned about different worldview approaches to sustainability. These approaches can either be holistic or atomistic. The atomistic approach is human or life-centered. On the other hand, the holistic approach is centered on the need to manage the biosphere or the ecosystem. These approaches are determined by peoples’ responses to environmental issues. They are expressed through views and values. In other words, I have discovered that traditional, modern, postmodern, and integral value systems determine environmental sustainability approaches (Brown, 2005).
References
Brown, B. (2005). Theory and Practice of Integral Sustainable Development. AQAL Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, 1(2), 2-39.
Dunphy, D., Benn, S., & Griffiths, A. (2003). Organizational change for corporate sustainability. London: Routledge.
EPA Victoria. (2013). Ecological Footprint. Web.
Goodwin, N. R. (2003). Five kinds of capital: Useful concepts for sustainable development. Tufts University. Web.
Lang, J. R., & Curriculum Corporation (Australia). (2007). How to succeed with education for sustainability. Carlton South, Vic: Curriculum Corp.
Loew, T., Ankele, K., Braun, S., & Clausen, J. (2004). Significance of the CSR Debate for Sustainability and the Requirements for Companies. Institute for Ecological Economy Research GmbH (IÖW).
Redclift, M. R., & Woodgate, G. (Eds.). (2010). The international handbook of environmental sociology. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Tracey, S., & Anne, B. (2008). OECD Insights Sustainable Development Linking Economy, Society, Environment: Linking Economy, Society, Environment. OECD Publishing.
UN DESA. (n.d.). Challenges to Sustainable Development. Web.
World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Our Common Future, Chapter 2: Towards Sustainable Development. Web.