Concept of Sustainable Development

The word sustainability is derived from the Latin word ‘sustinere’ which means ‘to hold up’, ‘to
endure’. It means to use natural resources in such a way that there is no damage to the
environment and can be used for longer time.

The concept of Sustainable Development is defined as “Development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs”.

Caring for the Earth is defined as ‘Sustainable Development as improving the quality of
human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystem’.
 Pillars of Sustainable Development

Environment

Sustainable
Development

Economy Society
 Society, environment and economy are the three pillars on which sustainable development
thrives. People, their living environment and economic development are interrelated. Any
imbalance between the three can create alarming situations.

 People are dependent on services provided by the ecosystem for living and development.
Ecosystems provide food, shelter, business and growth. Every component of ecosystem is
important.

 If soil is required for growing food, water for drinking then, equally important is the waste
degradation, maintenance of balance in biogeochemical cycles and production of oxygen.
 We cannot live in an isolated system and very much dependent on environment for our
existence. Any disturbance in the natural balance by human activity leads to harmful
consequences which pose threat to existence of living organisms.

 Stability and success of any society is dependent on healthy and productive population.

 Healthy biosphere is needed for social and economic growth of the society as poverty, disease
and unhealthy environment are the major obstacles for overall growth and development.

 Understanding the role of each component is necessary for sustainable development. Long-
term stability of the economy and environment are the main goals of sustainable development
which can be achieved by the integration and accepting all the aspects related to economy,
environment and society while decision making process.
 Role of Renewable Energy Technologies in
Sustainable Development

 Sustainable development is a concept which seeks to balance economic, social and

environmental aspects to ensure a better future for all. The idea is to create a world in which
everyone has access to the resources they need to live a decent life, without harming the planet.
It is about ensuring that the economic, social and environmental aspects of development are
interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

 Renewable energy technologies play a crucial role in sustainable development by reducing

greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security and providing access to energy to
communities that previously lacked it. For instance, when compared to coal-fired power plants,
electricity from renewable energy sources emits between 90 and 99% less greenhouse gases
(GHGs) and produces 70 to 90% less pollutants.

 These technologies also create jobs and stimulate economic growth, which is essential for
sustainable development.
 Renewable energy for sustainable development

Some of the key ways in which renewable energy technologies contribute to sustainable
development are:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The use of renewable energy sources can reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate the effects of climate change. By relying on clean,
renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, we can reduce our dependence on
fossil fuels and decrease the amount of harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide that are emitted
into the atmosphere.

2. Improving energy security: Renewable energy technologies can increase energy security by
reducing dependence on imported fuels and improving the reliability of the energy supply. By
relying on locally available resources, such as solar and wind power, countries can reduce their
dependence on foreign energy sources and become more self-sufficient.
 3. Providing access to energy: Renewable energy technologies can provide access to energy to
communities that previously lacked it, particularly in developing countries. This can help to reduce poverty
and improve quality of life, as access to energy is essential for many aspects of daily life, such as lighting,
cooking, and heating.

4. Creating jobs:

Renewable energy technologies can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly in the
manufacturing and installation of renewable energy systems. For example, the growth of the solar power
industry has created a large number of jobs in the production of solar panels and the installation of solar
systems.

5. Supporting rural development:

Renewable energy technologies can support rural development by providing access to energy to rural
communities, which can help to improve quality of life, increase agricultural productivity and stimulate
economic growth.
6. Poverty alleviation and Social equity

Investments in renewable energy projects can help in poverty alleviation by providing job
opportunities in rural areas. China, Brazil, and India, the three largest developing nations, strongly
encouraged renewable energy investments, where a gradual increase in renewable energy
investments from $94.8 million to $197.5 million was observed from 2016 to 2017. The required
workforce during the manufacturing, equipment installation, operation, and maintenance
processes of the hybrid renewable energy systems was assessed. Renewable energy can achieve
gender equality by mitigating the harmful health impacts on women's health in many developing
countries, resulting from the frequent use of firewood as an energy source.

With the adaptation of clean, renewable sources of energy, we can ensure a sustainable
future for all, with economic, social and environmental benefits for the present and future
generations. Governments, businesses and individuals must work together to accelerate the
transition to a more sustainable energy future, which will help to mitigate the negative
impacts of climate change and ensure a better future for all.
 Contribution of renewable energy technologies to
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

 To mitigate the adverse impacts associated with fossil fuel consumption and achieve
sustainability, the United Nations organization has established 17 goals for sustainable
development.

 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by
the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet,
and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs are integrated
—they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development
must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.

 Countries have committed to prioritize progress for those who're furthest behind. The SDGs
are designed to end poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women and girls.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Goal 1: NO POVERTY

Eradicating poverty in all its forms remains one of the greatest challenges facing humanity.
By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal
rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land
and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and
financial services, including microfinance. The SDGs are a bold commitment to end poverty in all
forms and dimensions by 2030.

Goal 2: ZERO HUNGER

By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed
targets on stunting (Low “height for age”) and wasting (Less “weight for height”) in children
under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating
women and older persons. Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient
agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems,
that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and
other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
Goal 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
Also, to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all
countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality.

 By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and
combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.

 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and
harmful use of alcohol.

 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals
and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
Goal 4: QUALITY EDUCATION

 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and
secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

 By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical,
vocational and tertiary education, including university.

 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of
education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities,
indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.

 By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through

international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least
developed countries and small island developing states.
Goal 5: GENDER EQUALITY

 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres,
including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all
levels of decision making in political, economic and public life.

 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in
accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population.

 Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications

technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
Goal 6: CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open
defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable
situations.

 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable
withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the
number of people suffering from water scarcity

 By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing

countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water
harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse
technologies.
Goal 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
 By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and
technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel
technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
 By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable
energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small
island developing States.
Goal 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation,
including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors.

 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per
cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.

 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young
people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

 Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant
workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.

 By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local
culture and products.
Goal 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

•Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and
transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus
on affordable and equitable access for all.

•Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s
share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double
its share in least developed countries.

• Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all
countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and
substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people
and public and private research and development spending.
Goal 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES

•By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the
population at a rate higher than the national average.

•By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective
of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

•Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating

discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and
action in this regard.

•Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve
greater equality.

•Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and
strengthen the implementation of such regulations
Goal 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

 By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and
upgrade slums.

 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for
all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the
needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older
persons.

 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces,
in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

 Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in
building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials.
Goal 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

 Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production,

all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the
development and capabilities of developing countries.

 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

 To achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout
their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce
their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health
and the environment.

 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and
reuse.
Goal 13: CLIMATE ACTION

•Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all
countries.

•Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

•Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change
mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

• Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and
management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing
on women, youth and local and marginalized communities.
Goal 14: LIFE BELOW WATER
The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that
make the Earth habitable for humankind. How we manage this vital resource is essential for
humanity as a whole, and to counterbalance the effects of climate change.

To prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based
activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific
cooperation at all levels.

To conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and
international law and based on the best available scientific information.

To increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed
countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable
management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
 Goal 15: LIFE ON LAND

 To ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater
ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line
with obligations under international agreements.

 To promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt

deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and
reforestation globally.

 To ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to

enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development.

 To take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the
loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
Goal 16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
We cannot hope for sustainable development without peace, stability, human rights and effective governance,
based on the rule of law. Yet our world is increasingly divided. Some regions enjoy peace, security and
prosperity, while others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. This is not inevitable and
must be addressed.

•Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
•End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
•Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
•To significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets
and combat all forms of organized crime.
•Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms and Develop effective, accountable and
transparent institutions at all levels
Goal 17: PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

Finance

•Strengthen domestic resource mobilization, including through international support to

developing countries, to improve domestic capacity for tax and other revenue collection.

•Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.

•Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated

policies aimed at fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring, as appropriate, and
address the external debt of highly indebted poor countries to reduce debt distress.

• Adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries.
Technology
•Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to
developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed.

•Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism for
least developed countries and enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications
technology.

Capacity building
•Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to
support national plans to implement all the sustainable development goals, including through North-South, South-
South and triangular cooperation.

Trade
•Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the
World Trade Organization.