sustainabilityonderwerpen

Sustainability is the concept of meeting present needs while preserving the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It integrates environmental protection, social equity, and economic development, often described as three pillars. The idea gained prominence with the Brundtland Report in 1987 and has since been embedded in international policy, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Approaches emphasize systems thinking, long-term planning, and the avoidance of irreversible damage. Core concepts include planetary boundaries, precaution, intergenerational equity, circular economy, and life cycle thinking. In practice, sustainability involves reducing resource extraction, preventing pollution, conserving biodiversity, and promoting fair labor and inclusive growth. Indicators and metrics such as ecological footprints, carbon and water intensity, material footprints, and SDG indicators are used to assess progress, though data gaps and trade-offs can complicate assessment. Applications span government policy, business strategy, and civil society, from regulations and standards to sustainability reporting and resilient urban planning. Critics note governance gaps, unequal distribution of benefits, measurement challenges, and the risk of greenwashing. Overall, sustainable decision-making seeks to balance environmental limits, social inclusion, and economic viability to support long-term well-being.