Are sustainability and development mutually exclusive?
- 3 ins.ide
- Jun 14, 2020
- 2 min read
Written by : Tanya
Now the first question which arises after reading this heading is, what is Sustainability ? and and Is there any correlation between Sustainability & Development? and if not then how are they mutually disalligned or apart from each other?
Let's try to find the answer keys for your questions,
So, Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The concept of sustainability is composed of three pillars: economic, environmental, and social—also known informally as profits, planet, and people. Sustainability is not an easy concept to measure. Many aspects are intangible, but others can, in fact, be quantified.
Development means different things to different people. It has been critically analysed, challenged and changed in meaning over time. Sustainability is also a much-debated term. ‘Development’ as an ideal of progress was articulated during European colonialism, and international development, as we currently use the term, links to the institutions and policies that emerged post World War II in the drive to create stability and a new world order. This hunt for ways to change the world for the better is grounded in a belief in modernity.
Too often, sustainability and economic development are viewed as mutually exclusive – yet one does not have to be sacrificed to achieve the other. In fact, in many situations, an investment in sustainability results in positive economic development outcomes, and vice versa.
On the other hand, one is also aware that with the exponential increase in the world population, the scarce resources are on a rapid decline to cater the needs of all. Economic growth leads to exploitation of the environment. The environment is a provider of resources and a sink for waste generated.
No matter how people choose to frame it, it is a common misconception to think that these two concepts are mutually exclusive. Not only are they compatible with each other, both are essential to each other’s success. Thus, economic development strategies need to reflect the values of sustainability and energy efficiency. Sustainable economic development means that private companies and the government should invest in projects that increase prosperity for everyone, now and for the future generation.
Comments