Sustainability
Ability to continue over a long period of time.
Sustainability is the ability to continue over a long period of time. In modern usage it generally refers to a state in which the environment, economy, and society will continue to exist over a long period of time. The concept is regarded as a normative concept, based on what people value or find desirable, and can guide decisions at the global, national, organizational, and individual levels.
- field
- Environmental, economic, and social concept
- known_for
- Framework for long-term viability of environment, economy, and society; linked to sustainable development
Lore & Background
The term sustainability is derived from the Latin word sustinere, meaning to maintain, support, uphold, or endure. Historically, it referred to environmental sustainability, particularly the long-term responsible use of natural resources.
Reader's Guide
Sustainability is a broad, normative concept that connects scientific study to applications pursuing what people want for the future. It is closely related to sustainable development, though scholars note sustainability is a broader concept while sustainable development focuses mainly on human well-being. The concept is complex, contextual, and dynamic, making measurement challenging; indicators, benchmarks, audits, and certification systems like Fairtrade and Organic have been developed, but no fixed definition of sustainability indicators exists. Global issues of sustainability require global solutions, but existing organizations such as the UN and WTO are seen as inefficient in enforcing regulations due to a lack of suitable sanctioning mechanisms. Barriers to sustainability include nature's complexity and dominant institutional frameworks. Critics argue the concept is vague, a buzzword, or an impossible goal, noting that no country delivers what its citizens need without transgressing biophysical planetary boundaries. Despite disputes, sustainability remains a guiding framework for decisions at global, national, organizational, and individual levels, with business groups, religious leaders, and individuals all contributing to sustainability transitions.
Did You Know?
- The term sustainability is derived from the Latin word sustinere, meaning to maintain, support, uphold, or endure.
- Some experts have pointed out that 'no country is delivering what its citizens need without transgressing the biophysical planetary boundaries.'
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