SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable Development refers to the organizing principle for meeting human development
goals while at the same time sustaining the ability of natural system to provide natural resources
and ecosystem services upon which the economy and society depend.
(Means finding ways to improve people’s lives without harming nature or using up too much of
its resources.)
As tao we have endless demand,
We rely on our environment
From the air we breath, soild we use for farming, water and food sources gakuha ta sa
environmrnt
Samot na karon na nag kadaghan ang demand due to increasing population we need to have
measures that will help us conserve and preserve our natural resources
That is the main point of sustainable development, na mag gamit ta sa resources, maki bepisyo
ta, but without harming our environment, without abusing or paggamit ug sobra.
It is rooted in the earlier ideas about sustainable forest management and twentieth century
environmental concerns.

(Forest Management: emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Europe. This was a
response to the problem of deforestation and soil erosion caused by excessive logging and
agriculture. Sustainable forest management aimed to balance the demand for wood products
with the conservation of forest ecosystems and biodiversity. It also recognized the social and
cultural values of forests for local communities.)

(Twentieth century environmental concern: Another source of inspiration for sustainable

development is the environmental movement of the 20th century, which raised awareness of the
negative impacts of human activities on the natural environment and human health. Some of
the influential works that highlighted these issues were Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962), )

It aims to achieve sustainability, which is a state of balance between human and natural
systems

(Sustainable development refers to the holistic approach and temporal processes that lead us
to the end point of sustainability)

It faces criticism for being vague, unrealistic, and misused for political and economic purposes

 It is unclear what it means to sustain something that is not renewable or that can run out
 It is impossible to keep using natural resources without harming the environment or
future generations

SUSTAINABILITY versus STABILITY

Sustainability - is the utilization of resources without compromising the other, of the future
generation. Can hardly be used as solely ecological feature without considering human
perception and impact.

(Sustainability means using resources in a way that does not harm anything or the
environment or the people who will live in the future. For example, using renewable energy
sources like solar or wind power is more sustainable than using fossil fuels like coal or oil.
Sustainability is not only about the environment, but also about how people think and act
towards the resources they use and share with others)

Stability – is a way to characterize a system behavior and is quite well bounded to certain
method in dynamic system analysis.

(Stability means how a system behaves over time and under different conditions. For example,
a stable system is one that does not change much or stays in balance, while an unstable
system is one that changes a lot or goes out of balance. Stability can be measured by using
mathematical methods that analyze how a system responds to changes in its inputs or outputs.)

(One possible example that would connect sustainability and stability is:
 A sustainable farming system is one that uses organic methods, crop rotation, and
water conservation to produce healthy food without harming the environment or
depleting the soil.
 A stable farming system is one that can withstand changes in weather, pests, diseases,
and market prices without losing productivity or profitability.)

Sustainable Development Goals

The UN General Assembly agreed on a plan for sustainable development, with 17 goals to end
poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. The plan applies to
every country and started in 2016.

(In September, 2015 the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the “universal,
integrated and transformative” 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a set of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). The goals are to be implemented and achieved in every country
from year 2016 to 2030.)

Some Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Sustainable Environment
(Concerns the natural environment and how it endures and remain diverse and
productive. Since natural resources are derived from the environment, the state of air,
water, and the climate are of particular concern. Environment sustainability requires
society to design activities to meet human needs while preserving the life support
systems of the planet. For example, utilizing renewable energy, and sustainable material
supplies (e.g. harvesting wood from forest at a rate that maintains the biomass and
biodiversity.)

2. Sustainable Agriculture
(Consist of environmentally friendly methods of farming that allow the production of
crops or livestock without damage to human or natural systems. It involves preventing
 adverse effects to soil, water biodiversity, surrounding or downstream resources
Eutrophication is primarily caused by the excessive presence of nutrients,
particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in water bodies.. It includes permaculture,
agroforestry, mixed farming, multiple cropping, and crop rotation.

Permaculture- worldwide holistic agricultural and land management design approach

that attempts to mimic patterns found in surrounding natural ecosystems to reduce
waste, prevent pollution, maximize sustainability, protect wildlife, and improve the
land’s resiliency and biodiversity. E.g. Companion planting: Growing plants that
benefit each other in terms of pest control, nutrient cycling, or pollination. For example,
planting marigolds near tomatoes can repel nematodes and attract beneficial insects.
Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation or other uses.

3. Sustainable Development on Environment Economies

(As countries around the world continue to advance economically, they put a strain on
the ability of the natural environment to absorb the high level of pollutants that are
created as part of this economic growth (As numerous industries emerging).

In the world of economics, the amount of environmental quality must be considered as

limited in supply and therefore treated as a scarce resource. This is a resource to be
protected. One common way to analyze possible outcomes of policy decisions on the
scarce resource is to do cost-benefit analysis. This type of analysis contrasts the
different options of resource allocation and, based on an evaluation of the expected
courses of action and the consequences of these actions, the optimal way to do so in
the light of different policy goals can be elicited

Suppose a mining company is considering whether to extract gold from a deposit in a

remote area. The gold extraction would have benefits such as increased profits,
employment, and tax revenues for the company and the local community. The costs of
the gold extraction would include the capital and operating expenses for the mining
equipment, infrastructure, and labor, the opportunity cost of forgone alternative uses of
the land, such as agriculture or ecotourism, and the potential environmental and social
impacts of the mining activities, such as water pollution, deforestation, habitat loss,
biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions (mainly carbon dioxide, sorces industries,
transportation, relevant saa atong gina face ron na kainit, health risks, human rights
violations, and social conflicts.)

4. Sustainable Energy
(Sustainable energy is clean and can be used for a long period of time. Unlike fossil
fuels and biofuels that provide the bulk of the world energy, renewable energy like
hydroelectric, solar and wind energy produce far less pollution.

some types of energy are better for the environment and can last forever, while others
are harmful and can run out. Fossil fuels and biofuels are energy sources that come
from plants and animals that lived a long time ago. They make a lot of smoke and gas
when we burn them, which can hurt the air, the water and the climate. Renewable
energy is energy that comes from natural forces that are always there, like water, sun
and wind. They make very little or no smoke and gas when we use them, which can help
the air, the water and the climate.)
5. Sustainable Technology
(Sustainable technology is a way of using tools and machines to help people live better
without hurting the environment or the future. Sometimes, these tools and machines are
called appropriate technology, because they are good for the people and the planet.
They are not too expensive, too complicated, or too wasteful. Some examples of
appropriate technology are solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and biogas
Technology is the practical application of scientific knowledge to achieve
specific goals or solve real-world problems. . These technologies are often made by
the people who use them, and they can share their ideas and designs with others on the
Internet. This way, more people can learn and improve these technologies, and make
them more sustainable.)

6. Sustainable Transport
(Transportation is a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, It is said that one-
third of all gasses produced are due to transportation. Motorized transport also releases
exhaust fumes that contain particulate matter which is hazardous to human health and
contributor to climate change.

Some of the plans created in order to address this problem includes:

I. Improve public transit. This means more buses and trains that can go to more
places, faster and easier.
II. Encourage walking and biking. This means more space for people and bikes on
the road, less space for cars, and less parking near the shops.
III. Increase the cost of car ownership and gas taxes through increased parking fees
and tolls. This means more money for parking and driving on some roads, and
make people want to use less gas. This can be unfair for poor people who have
old cars that use more gas. The government can use the extra money to make
public transportation better and help poor people.

7. Corporate Sustainability

(Corporate sustainability is the idea that businesses should balance their economic,
environmental, and social impacts. It involves using natural resources efficiently,
reducing ecological damage, and creating positive social value. It also requires going
beyond the business case and considering the long-term goals of sustainable
development. Corporate sustainability is closely related to corporate social
responsibility, which is how businesses make profits in a responsible way.
I. Neste Corporation is an oil company that invests in biofuels and renewable
energy. They also have a goal to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by
50% by 20302.
II. Banco de Brasil is a bank that offers green loans to environmentally-focused
projects. They also support social causes such as education, health, and
culture.)

8. Sustainable Income
(Sustainable income means that people can earn enough money to live well without
harming the environment or society. It is based on the idea of solidarity, which means
that people who have more resources share them with those who have less. This way,
everyone can benefit from sustainable development, which improves the economy, the
 environment, and the social conditions of people. For example, a company that pays fair
wages to its workers, uses renewable energy sources, and supports local communities
is practicing sustainable income.)

9. Sustainable Architecture
(Sustainable architecture means building in a way that is good for the environment, the
economy, and the society. It follows the ideas of new urbanism and new classical
architecture, which value the beauty and harmony of old-style buildings and cities. It is
different from modern and international architecture, which often create isolated and
wasteful buildings and neighborhoods. These two styles of architecture became popular
in the 1980s. (It should also be mentioned that sustainable architecture mainly affects
the money aspect of sustainability, while architectural landscaping mainly affects the
nature aspect of sustainability.

Here are three buildings that are designed to be environmentally friendly and energy
efficient:

 Beitou Public Library in Taipei, Taiwan2: This library is the first green library in Taiwan.
It has solar panels that generate power and a rainwater collection system that provides
water for toilets and plants. It also has a wooden balcony that blocks excessive sunlight
and keeps the rooms cool.
 Bullitt Center in Seattle, Washington, U.S.3: This commercial building is the greenest in
the world. It has net-zero energy, water, and carbon emissions. It uses composting
toilets, toxic-free materials, and a solar roof. It also has a stairway that encourages
physical activity and a ventilation system that provides fresh air.)

10. Sustainable Politics

(Sustainable political development is about how people use and share power to make
decisions that affect their common life. It is not only about governments and laws, but
also about how people communicate, cooperate, and solve problems together.
Sustainable political development is important because it helps people deal with the
challenges of the environment, the economy, and the society. It also helps people
change the economy in a fair and responsible way. There are seven aspects of
sustainable political development.)

1) Organization and governance (How people organize and manage their common
life)
2) Law and justice (How people make and follow rules and laws)
3) Communication and critique (How people express and listen to different opinions
and ideas)
4) Representation and negotiation (How people represent and negotiate their
interests and needs)
5) Security and accord (How people protect and respect each other’s rights and
safety)
6) Dialogue and reconciliation (How people talk and make peace with each other
when there is conflict)
7) Ethics and accountability (How people act honestly and accountably for their
actions and decisions.

11. Sustainable Culture

 (Culture is the way people live, think, and create, and it can help us to respect each
other and find new solutions. Some groups of cities and local governments, a project by
the European Union, and a person from UNESCO support this idea. They say that
culture should be included in all public policies and strategies for sustainable
development. The idea comes from a report by the United Nations in 1987 that said we
need to think differently about the future. Culture is not only something we have, but also
something we do and make, and it can change or stay the same over time.

ustainable culture is important because it helps people understand and appreciate each
other and their surroundings. It also helps people create and share new ideas and
solutions for their problems. There are four aspects of sustainable culture:

 How people make and implement policies that support their culture
 How people include and promote their culture in all their actions and decisions
 How people balance and protect their economic, ecological, political and cultural
needs and goals
 How people express and change their culture over time through their practices,
discourses, and material expressions)

12. Sustainable Natural Capital

(The main point of sustainable natural capital is that we need to take care of the
environment and use its resources wisely, because they are essential for our well-being
and prosperity, and they cannot be easily replaced or restored. We also need to make
sure that everyone has fair access to the benefits of natural capital, and that we do not
harm future generations by using up more than we can replenish.)

13. Business-as-usual

(Business as usual” is the idea that companies continue to operate as they have always
done, SDG aim to disrupt that mentality. The SDGs are a call to action for businesses
to change their practices and become more sustainable. They encourage companies to
think about the long-term impact of their actions on society and the environment, and
to make changes that will help achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
The SDGs challenge businesses to:

 Innovate and find new ways to operate that are good for both the planet and
people.
 Collaborate with others to solve big problems that no one can solve alone.
 Take responsibility for their impact on the world and work to reduce negative
effects.

So, the SDGs are all about encouraging companies to move away from “business-as-
usual” and to adopt new, more responsible, and sustainable ways of working
14. Sustainable Education

(Sustainable Education
Many institutes, such as Wharton, Columbia, and CASI Global New York, offer certifications in
sustainability. Companies also prefer employees who are certified in sustainability because they
understand how to balance progress with taking care of our planet) 🌍 is about creating a better
world by teaching people in a way that considers three important things:
1. People: It helps build human skills and abilities so that we can be productive, solve
problems, and be creative. Imagine it as giving everyone the tools they need to succeed.
2. Planet: It encourages us to live in harmony with nature. Think of it as learning how to
take care of our environment and use resources wisely.
3. Prosperity: It ensures that everyone has access to education throughout their lives.
When this happens, it sets off a quiet revolution – education becomes the driving force
behind making the world better.
Additionally, higher education in sustainability (like engineering, finance, and supply chain) is
gaining importance.

15. Sustainable Progress

(Sustainable progress means moving forward in a way that doesn’t harm our planet or leave
anyone behind. It’s like taking steps toward a better future while being mindful of the
environment and people.

Challenges: Not all nations meet the criteria for sustainable development yet. Some places
are more advanced, while others struggle with inequalities and limited access to basic
rights.)

16. Sustainable Development Models

(Sustainable development is a way of planning for the future that
considers the social, economic, and environmental needs of people and
the planet. There are different ways of representing how these three
aspects are related and balanced.

1. The 3-legged stool model: 3-Legged Model

Also known as the three pillars of sustainability, this model
compares sustainable development to a stool with three legs1.
Each leg represents one of the core areas:

Economic: Wealth creation and financial stability.

Environmental: Protection of natural resources and ecosystems.
Social: Well-being of people and communities.
 Just like a stool needs all three legs to be stable, sustainable
development requires a balance between these three areas. If
one is weak, the whole system becomes unstable.
2. The 3-overlapping-circles model: This model visualizes
sustainability as three interlocking circles, each representing the
economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The
overlapping areas highlight that:

The economy depends on society and the environment.

Society relies on a healthy environment and a stable economy.
The environment is affected by economic activities and societal
choices.
The center, where all three circles overlap, represents the ideal
state of sustainability, showing that all areas are interconnected
and must work together.

3. Nested Model
The nested model places these three areas in a hierarchy, like a
set of Russian dolls1. It suggests that:

The environment is the largest and most fundamental level,

encompassing all life and resources.
Society sits within the environment, depending on it for survival
and quality of life.
The economy is nested within society, as all economic activities
ultimately come from social interactions and decisions.
This model emphasizes that the economy is not separate from
society or the environment but is contained within them,
highlighting the importance of environmental and social health
for a thriving economy.

In essence, all these models serve to illustrate the importance of integrating economic,
environmental, and social considerations to achieve a sustainable future where the needs of the
present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.