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Sustainability Matters: An
Introduction
Our modern world is complex and turbulent with a
wide range of challenges from the economic meltdown and climate change to
widening poverty, deepening conflict and rapid globalization. With such intensity of challenges come
serious obligations and remarkable opportunities. Businesses, organizations and individuals all
need to understand these contemporary circumstances and conditions in order to
manage, survive and even thrive. It is
important to know that many of our problems have come not overnight, but rather
through decades and centuries of over-consumption, insensitivity and above all
ignorance of the forces at play. Today,
however, awareness is growing about the inter-relationships, causes and
effects, and systems in action in our societies. The term ‘sustainability’ has become widely
used and highlights the urgent responsibilities we have not only to take care
of the present but more importantly to genuinely consider the well-being of
future generations. Decisions we make
now have both immediate and long-term impacts.
In considering the generations that will follow us it is imperative that
we act fairly, thoughtfully and with unswerving ethics.
Sustainability in its
simple definition means living within our means. In other words, it can be understood as taking
care that our resources are well used, our environment is truly respected, and
people’s needs are fairly considered and duly honored. When we speak about sustainability it can be
seen as comprising three main inter-connected features: Environment; Economy; and Equity. These three components should be viewed as a
three-legged stool – all are essential to stability and proper function. Attention to these three components, known
commonly as the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), moves us from a more selfish and self centered
existence to a more just, responsible and sustainable world. Sustainability, arising through the
successful and systems-oriented attention to social, physical, financial and
cultural matters, is being aggressively pursued around the world with the
understanding that all countries and all people together share the problems and
together must find the solutions.
It is important to
emphasize that while solutions vary in size and significance, all efforts big
and small are important. Steps to greater
sustainability must be taken by individuals, such as reducing energy
consumption at home, as well as by companies and governments, such as ensuring
greener products, processes and policies.
It is critical to question how choices made at any level might result in
improvements in our way of life and quality of living. Education is a fundamental part of our push
for a more sustainable society. Public
education, professional education and continuing education all need to include
curriculum and content that teaches us about being more responsive and
responsible at local, regional, national and international levels. The more we understand about the causes of
environmental degradation, economic dysfunction and social concerns, the sooner
we can effect changes needed to enhance sustainability.
We desperately need to
push hard for a greener, safer and better world. There is no doubt the tasks before us are
difficult and many, especially considering the severe crises confronting our
countries, cities and societies. Yet,
despite this tsunami of tough challenges we must be highly dedicated, very focused
and able to make a positive difference.
We must work smarter. We must
work harder. And we must work together. It is said that a journey of a thousand kilometers
begins with a single step. Now is the
time to take your step.
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