Sustainability
The concept of sustainability implies different things to different people. To some, it means maintaining the status quo in the environment so that things remain unchanged over a long period of time while others view it as the conservation of the earth’s natural resources. Some people also see it as keeping an account of how we are using the environment even as we continue with business as usual (Lutz et al, 36).
The term sustainability is used interchangeably with sustainable development and has been described by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as a process of development which is able to meet the needs of both the present and future generation. It is a process that calls for better stewardship of the environment so that even as we achieve positive economic growth, we do not lose sight of our social objectives (Everyday choices, 2005).
How do we achieve Sustainable Development
Depending on our level of commitment, sustainability is achievable. The Rio conference in 1992 which focused on the environment and development set the stage for countries to establish a framework in pursuit of sustainability (World Bank, 24). The following factors for the promotion of sustainability have since been suggested:
Capacity building among the locals
Ideally, sustainable development should start at the grassroots. The Rio earth summit emphasized the importance of capacity building to sustainable development (World Bank, 24-25). There is a need to create an environment in which the local people are empowered on matters of conservation, with their scope of knowledge contributing to global knowledge. There is limited awareness on sustainability especially among the poor who are marginalized especially in the developing countries. This necessitates creation of programs which will be aimed at awareness and lifestyle change so as to achieve sustainability. Since poverty is a major hindrance to this goal, the poor can be involved in business opportunities which centre on conservation such as the cultivation of rubber trees, involvement in organic agriculture as well as the management of sustainable forests and fisheries. Such efforts will go a long way in promoting sustainability since the people who are more inclined to destroy the environment will actually be involved in its conservation (UN, 9 see also World Bank 24-25).
Political involvement
Until recently, many governments were following the traditional view on development, where economic growth is the primary goal regardless of the effect on the environment. Corruption, poor governance and poor law enforcement are all impediments in the achievement of sustainability. Meeting the objectives of sustainable development will require a certain amount of political will which includes cooperation and commitment from genuinely interested leaders (UN, 5-10). Thus there should be regular funding from governments towards sustainability initiatives. There should be payment for use of environmental services with stiff penalties for those who endanger the earth’s resources based on the polluter pays principle which taxes heavily for environmental recklessness (UN, 12).
Use of environmentally friendly technologies
All countries should invest in technologies which do not endanger the environment even as they promote economic development. This includes focusing on research which will lead to the development of such initiatives. Examples of these initiates include investment in renewable sources of energy (UN, 12). The international community will support this by providing funding especially to the developing countries dependent on aid (UN, 9). Sustainability is achievable only if it involves the whole world.
References
Achieving Sustainable development An electronic journal of the U.S Department of State Vol.7, Number 1 Diane Publishing, 2002.
Everyday choices: opportunities for environmental stewardship: United States Environmental Protection Agency Innovation Action Council Report, 2005.
Lutz, E., Binswanger, H., World Bank. Agriculture and the environment World Bank Publications 1998.
Summary of eDiscussion on Achieving Sustainable Development: United Nations Development Group Millenium Development Goals Network (MDGNet), 2008.