Part 1: Introduction to
Sustainable Development
Objectives:
• Understand the basic principles of sustainable development
• Identify current environmental, social, and economic issues
• Understand the role of individuals and organisations in promoting sustainable development
Sustainable development, a concept that gained prominence in the mid-20th century, seeks to balance the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
It is based on three main pillars: environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
The environmental pillar emphasizes protecting biodiversity, managing natural resources sustainably, and combating climate change. This involves actions like conservation efforts, pollution reduction, and promoting renewable energy sources.
The social pillar aims to foster equity, social justice, and quality of life improvements. Key activities include ensuring access to essential services like healthcare and education, promoting gender equality, and supporting marginalized communities.
The economic pillar focuses on creating long-term viable economic models that do not deplete natural resources, such as promoting green technologies, sustainable agriculture, and fair trade practices.
Current challenges in sustainable development include climate change, ecosystem degradation, growing social inequalities, and global economic instability. Addressing these requires a coordinated effort from individuals, organizations, and governments. For example, the European Green Deal, an ambitious plan by the European Union, aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050 through measures like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in green technologies, and fostering a circular economy.
Individuals can contribute by adopting sustainable lifestyles, reducing waste, and supporting eco-friendly products. Organizations can implement sustainable practices, reduce carbon footprints, and engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Governments play a crucial role by enforcing environmental regulations, promoting sustainable policies, and supporting green initiatives. In Europe, the Erasmus+ program integrates sustainable development principles into its mobility projects, encouraging participants to adopt and spread eco-friendly practices.
Don't hesitate to activate the subtitles in your language to watch the videos.
What is Sustainable Development? - UNEP (Programme des Nations Unies pour l'Environnement) (2 min)
Climate Change 101 with Bill Nye - National Geographic (4 min)
What is Sustainability - UCLA (3 min)
The EU Green Deal by 2050 - EU Made Simple (4 min)