UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES

DIVISION-CHEMISTRY
B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry

Subject Name – Introduction to Environmental

Law and Policy

Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma DISCOVER . LEARN . EMPOWER

E14600
 Sustainable
Development: An
Introduction
Sustainable development is a holistic approach to meeting the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing
economic, social, and environmental considerations to create a
more equitable and resilient world.
Sustainable development can be defined as an approach to the economic
development of a country without compromising with the quality of the
environment for future generations. In the name of economic development, the
price of environmental damage is paid in the form of land degradation, soil
erosion, air and water pollution, deforestation, etc. This damage may surpass
the advantages of having more quality output of goods and services
The Three Pillars of Sustainability
Environmental Economic Social
Sustainability Sustainability Sustainability
This pillar focuses on This pillar is about This pillar focuses on
protecting natural creating economic ensuring that
resources, reducing growth and prosperity development benefits
pollution and that can be all members of
greenhouse gas maintained over the society, regardless of
emissions, and long term. It involves their background or
preserving using resources social status. It
biodiversity. It aims to efficiently, promoting involves promoting
ensure that innovation, and social equity, human
development meets ensuring that rights, and access to
the needs of the economic activities are education, healthcare,
present without financially viable and and other essential
compromising the socially responsible. services.
Environmental Sustainability

Renewable Energy Sustainable Waste Reduction and

Agriculture Recycling
Transitioning to clean,
renewable energy sources Adopting sustainable Implementing effective
such as solar, wind, and agricultural practices, waste management
hydropower is crucial for including organic farming, systems, such as
reducing our reduces reliance on comprehensive recycling
environmental impact. harmful pesticides and and composting programs,
These sustainable energy promotes soil health. This helps minimize the amount
solutions minimize approach ensures long- of waste sent to landfills
greenhouse gas emissions term food security while and incinerators. This
and help protect the planet preserving natural reduces pollution and
Economic Sustainability
Economic sustainability refers to the
ability of an economy to support a defined
level of economic production indefinitely.
This involves ensuring that economic
activities are financially viable and can be
maintained over the long-term without
depleting natural resources or causing
significant environmental damage.
Key aspects of economic sustainability
include efficient resource utilization,
investment in infrastructure and
innovation, promoting diversified
industries, and fostering equitable wealth
distribution. Sustainable businesses focus
on maximizing profits while minimizing
Social Sustainability
• Social sustainability focuses on creating equitable, inclusive,
and resilient communities. It involves addressing issues like
poverty, education, healthcare, and social justice to ensure all
people have access to the resources and opportunities they
need to thrive.
• Fostering social sustainability requires collaboration between
governments, businesses, non-profits, and citizens. Initiatives
may include affordable housing, skills training, community
centers, and programs that promote diversity, equity, and
social cohesion.
Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs)
Comprehensive Ambitious Targets Collaborative
Framework Approach
The SDGs set ambitious
The Sustainable targets for issues like Achieving the SDGs
Development Goals poverty, hunger, requires a collaborative
(SDGs) are a health, education, approach involving
comprehensive gender equality, clean governments,
framework of 17 water, affordable businesses, civil
interconnected global energy, economic society, and individuals
goals adopted by the growth, infrastructure, working together. By
United Nations in 2015. inequality, cities, aligning their strategies
They provide a holistic consumption, climate, and actions,
roadmap for achieving oceans, biodiversity, stakeholders can drive
a sustainable future by and global progress across the
2030, addressing partnerships. interlinked goals and
challenges across create a more
social, economic, and sustainable, equitable,
Implementing Sustainable Practices
1 Assess and Identify
Begin by thoroughly assessing your current practices and identifying areas
where sustainability can be improved. This involves evaluating energy usage,
resource consumption, waste management, and supply chain processes.

2 Develop a Plan
Create a comprehensive sustainability plan with clear goals, timelines, and
actionable steps. Engage stakeholders, allocate resources, and establish
accountability measures to ensure successful implementation.

3 Take Action
Implement the sustainable practices outlined in your plan. This may involve
investing in renewable energy, optimizing logistics, adopting circular economy
principles, or promoting sustainable behaviors among employees and
customers.
Challenges and Barriers to
Sustainability

Structural Barriers Financial Constraints Knowledge Gaps

Existing infrastructure, Transitioning to sustainable Lack of awareness,
policies, and economic technologies and practices education, and skills
systems can pose can be capital-intensive, around sustainable
significant challenges to especially for individuals practices can hinder
implementing sustainable and small businesses. adoption. Bridging this gap
practices. Overcoming Access to funding, through public campaigns,
entrenched interests and incentives, and innovative training programs, and
outdated regulations financing models is crucial knowledge-sharing is
requires systemic change for driving sustainable essential for empowering
and collaborative efforts. development. individuals and
The Role of Individuals and
Communities
Sustainable development is not only the responsibility of governments and large
organizations, but also requires active participation from individuals and local communities.
Each person has the power to make sustainable choices in their daily lives, from reducing
energy usage to recycling and minimizing waste.

Communities can also play a vital role in driving sustainable practices. When neighbors
come together to support local initiatives, such as community gardens, renewable energy
projects, or eco-friendly transportation options, they can have a significant impact on their
local environment and inspire others to follow suit.

By engaging with their communities and taking personal action, individuals can contribute
to the global movement towards a more sustainable future. Through collective effort and
shared responsibility, we can protect the planet and ensure a better quality of life for
present and future generations.
The Future of Sustainable
Development
As we look to the future, the path towards a more sustainable world holds
great promise and challenges. Advancements in renewable energy, green
technologies, and circular economies offer hope for a greener, more
resilient future. However, overcoming entrenched systems, shifting
mindsets, and addressing global inequalities will require
unprecedented collaboration and commitment. With visionary
leadership, innovative solutions, and empowered communities, the next
chapter of sustainable development can forge a truly sustainable future
From
for all.smart cities that prioritize renewable resources to regenerative
agriculture that restores ecosystems, the tools for a sustainable tomorrow
are emerging. By aligning economic progress with environmental
stewardship and social justice, we can create a future where prosperity,
planetary health, and human well-being are intrinsically linked. The road
ahead may be complex, but the potential for a more equitable, resilient,
and thriving world has never been greater.
THANK YOU