Human history is nothing if not an ongoing saga of development at all costs. Sustainable development, more often than not, doesn’t even figure in our calculations. As long as there is enough money to be made, profit outweighs conscientious growth every time.
We have seen this happen in all spheres of development and at the cost of every kind of natural stability.
Whether it is the degradation of topsoil, due to large-scale commercial agriculture. The contamination of the water table is due to pesticides and other chemicals. The deforestation of rain forests and the loss of animal habitats. Or the sheer disappearance of entire ecosystems due to industrial mining operations.
We humans have a habit of plundering one resource reserve after another. With no thought of the destruction, we leave behind in our wake.
Yet, this is the only world we have access to. The condition we leave it in will have a big impact on the prospects of future generations. Therefore, we need to put certain constraints on our progress. To ensure that future generations will have enough resources to thrive.
This is the guiding principle behind the theory of sustainable development. As well as one of the key reasons why it is so important that we achieve this goal in our very lifetime. However, before we dive deeper into the importance of this goal. Let us first take a look into the objectives that make up the core of sustainability.
One of the main mistakes people make when considering sustainable development. Is that they limit the scope of their planning to just environmental protection. Since it is one of the more popular rallying cries that most people don’t mind supporting.
However, sustainability is more than just reserving a patch of land for endangered species. It is about leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Therefore, any development that takes place. Has to include the following considerations as a main objective.
The objective of social progress and equality is pretty self-explanatory. Humans beings, across the socio-economic spectrum. Deserve to have equal opportunity to succeed in life. In fact, people who are more unfortunate, deserve an extra helping hand. To get them to an even pace with the rest of the population.
Not only does that improve the quality of life of that person and their family. It also improves the economic prospects of the entire nation. As there are more healthy, capable people, living in stable households. That can contribute to the economy as both producers and consumers.
Moreover, poor people not having enough to live a healthy life is not just bad for them. It is also bad for the planet. As people who come from financially insecure environments. Tend to care less about environmental concerns in general.
On the contrary, since they lack the financial incentive to curb their carbon footprint. They tend to be some of the largest users of dirty, fossil fuels. Which tend to be pretty cheap and pretty polluting.
This is one of the reasons why Indian cities consistently top the charts in terms of pollution. Since a majority of our poor population still use coal and wood as their primary source of fuel.
If we helped them access better opportunities for work and social progress. They will be on a much more stable footing in their own lives. And much more inclined towards preserving the planet for their children.
We have observed this shift in a vast number of people, across the world, in the past few decades alone. UN has reported that we have lifted more than 1 billion people out of extreme poverty since 1990.
This has had a direct hand in the growth of the middle-class. Which supported the creation of the modern global economy. That is a unique combination of human interconnectivity and technology-driven development. We need to continue investing in social progress. In order to give more people, the chance to contribute to this collective growth. Without the shackles that inhibit their talent.
Once you improve the quality of life of people in this manner. People start to notice the bigger picture more. And understand the deep connection between humanity and nature.
Our whole growth as a species, up to this point. Has been predicated on the exploitation of the natural resources we have inherited. This includes both finite and non-finite resources. Like the living creatures across land, air, and sea. As well as mineral and fuel reserves spread across the globe.
As a result of this unchecked consumption, we have lost thousands of species of flora and fauna. That were wiped off the planet as a direct result of human greed. Whether through direct consumption, or collateral damage.
If we maintain this status quo, there won’t be enough resources left to sustain our future generations. We have already lost most of the groundwater and green cover, in and near major cities.
At some point, we will deteriorate the land and water table to the point. When it will be financially impossible to live in the modern urban centers. And people will have to migrate to other places where resources are even more scarce. This could lead to civil war over natural resources.
We might not see conditions get so bad in our own lifetime. But, our actions now will certainly have a big impact on the outcome of our future generations. This is why we need to protect the environment we live in. Both for us, as well as the other living inhabitants of the planet.
This could be done through a variety of changes. Enacted through public policy, as well as industry initiatives. That find safer, more sustainable alternatives to modern consumption patterns. As well as the valuable minerals and natural resources we use.
As well as secure huge parts of the still leftover natural heritage that remains. For future generations, so they can’t be bled dry in the name of growth.
Sustainable Development Goals – A way to a Green World
Now, just because we are talking about restraining certain environmentally harmful activities. This does not mean that all growth is bad. In fact, economic growth is a key pillar of sustainable development.
After all, how else are we going to maintain the level of social progress required. To meet the needs of current and future generations.
Economic activity plays a big part in delivering these additional benefits. As well as generating the capital needed for more socialistic programs. That is a key focus of sustainable development in countries like India.
We just need to invest in safer practices and better alternatives. Whether it be shifting to renewables for a better environment. Or transitioning to electric vehicles for a less polluted world.
The ongoing investment in these industries is also creating millions of jobs. That are spread across the world, as part of primary and secondary industries. Which will continue the growth trend towards a future. That is both economically secure and environmentally responsible.
As you can see, the path towards sustainable development is laid with the best intentions. Now, it is up to us to ensure that it doesn’t devolve into hell. That will devour the prospects of future generations.
We are already at a tipping point. Where the majority of the people in developed countries are elderly people. This means that the people that have benefited the most from unrepentant consumption. Will soon die out and get discounted from the population.
The generation that is replacing them in the working class today. Are inheriting the problems left behind. This includes the bad economic decisions as well as the bureaucratic red tape.
This makes it a tough time to ask for sustainable development. As the current generation feels unfairly targeted for the actions of their parents. Who still don’t want to take accountability for the climate and economic crisis. Or the corrupt practices that have stalled any action in the right direction.
Moreover, any action we take will have a negative economic impact in the short term. As we are just getting around to establishing the infrastructure for sustainable development. This is a big ask to make on a society level. When the first instinct of humans is to ensure personal profit first.
We need to avoid that temptation and work towards creating a system. That incorporates the objectives of sustainable development. With an understanding of the importance of paying it forward. Even if we ourselves don’t see any upside in the short-term.
This is the only way for us to undo the damage done by previous generations, to the planet. As well as leave a lasting legacy for those yet to come.
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