The concept of sustainability, on the other hand, was popularized by the 1987 Brundtland Report, which defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. This approach focuses on social and economic advancement, ensuring a healthy and productive life for human beings, without endangering natural resources in the long term.

Principles of sustainability

The American ecological economist Herman Daly, who was awarded the Alternative Nobel Prize in 1996, defined several fundamental principles for sustainability:

• Use of renewable resources: renewable resources should not be used at a rate greater than their natural regeneration.

• Management of polluting substances: polluting substances should not be produced at a higher rate than the environment can recycle, neutralize or absorb them.

• Substitution of non-renewable resources: no non-renewable resource should be exploited at a faster rate than is necessary for its substitution by a renewable resource used in a sustainable manner.

In addition, Daly emphasizes the importance of promoting technologies that increase the productivity of natural resources and reducing those that require a greater amount of resources to produce the same thing. 

In essence, the relationship between the growth of human activities (which involve the consumption of natural resources), the resilience of the ecosystem and actions to renew or mitigate the impact on resources, determines whether a process is sustainable or contributes to environmental deterioration.

Principles of sustainability

Sustainable development is a concept that extends beyond the simple conservation of resources. It includes a holistic approach that encompasses social, economic and environmental aspects. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in the 2030 Agenda, are a clear manifestation of this global approach. 

These 17 goals are interrelated and range from the elimination of poverty and inequality, to the promotion of quality education, health, justice and peace, and the protection of the environment.

The SDGs reflect the vision of a world where all people can live a dignified and prosperous life without compromising the health of the planet. In this sense, sustainability seeks a balance between present and future needs, promoting human well-being and social equity, along with environmental conservation.

SDG controversy to consider

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while widely supported, have generated controversy in several areas. One of the main points of criticism is their ambitious nature and the difficulty of global implementation. The SDGs encompass a broad range of objectives, from eradicating poverty to climate action, which some consider too extensive and complex to achieve effectively within the established timeframe.

Additionally, there are concerns about the funding required to achieve these goals. The scale of the necessary investment is enormous, and many countries, especially developing ones, lack the financial resources and infrastructure needed. This raises issues of equity and justice, as poorer nations might fall behind, perpetuating existing inequalities.

Another controversy focuses on the lack of accountability mechanisms. Although the SDGs set clear targets, there are not always robust structures in place to monitor and evaluate progress, making it difficult to measure the true impact of the initiatives. Furthermore, some critics argue that the SDGs do not sufficiently address the structural roots of global problems, such as rampant capitalism and neoliberal economic policies, which may conflict with the principles of sustainability and equity.

There are also debates about the influence of corporate interests on the SDG agenda. Some large companies publicly support the SDGs, but their internal practices may contradict sustainability principles, generating skepticism about their genuine commitment. In summary, while the SDGs represent a positive vision for the future, the controversy surrounding their implementation, funding, and accountability presents significant challenges that must be addressed to achieve truly sustainable development.

Nevertheless, although sustainability and sustainability are interrelated and are often used interchangeably, there are nuances that we believe must be taken into consideration and it is necessary to differentiate them:

Approach

• Sustainability: focuses on the ability to maintain specific processes or systems over time without depleting resources. Its approach is more technical and practical, related to the management and conservation of natural resources.

• Sustainability: has a broader and more holistic approach, integrating social, economic and environmental aspects. It seeks a profound and equitable change in all dimensions of human and planetary life.

Objectives

• Sustainability: its main objective is the preservation and rational use of natural resources to ensure their future availability.

• Sustainability: seeks a balanced and equitable development that improves the quality of life of all people, promoting social justice and environmental protection.

Scope

• Sustainability: tends to be more specific and technical, focusing on practices and policies that ensure the continuity of natural resources.

• Sustainability: encompasses a broader and more integrated vision, also considering social and economic well-being, and promoting global development that is inclusive and respectful of the environment.

Challenges and opportunities

Challenges

• Climate change: The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges to sustainability and sustainability. The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is urgent.

• Ecosystem degradation: the destruction of natural habitats and loss of biodiversity threaten the planet's ability to sustain life.

• Social and economic inequality: the gap between rich and poor remains a significant obstacle to achieving sustainable and equitable development.

Opportunities

• Technological innovation: advances in clean and efficient technologies can help reduce environmental impact and improve resource management.

• Circular economy: promote production and consumption patterns that minimize waste and maximize the reuse of materials.

• Education and awareness: increasing education and awareness of the importance of sustainability and sustainability can generate significant changes in attitudes and behaviors globally.

Although sustainability and sustainability are related terms, each has its own focus and objective. Sustainability focuses on the ability to maintain natural resources over time, while sustainability encompasses a broader, more holistic approach, including social, economic and environmental well-being. Understanding these differences is essential to implementing policies and practices that promote truly balanced and fair development, ensuring the health of the planet and the well-being of all present and future generations.

Authors: Helen and Caroline Mathew

Researchers and writers