Sustainable Development: What Is It, and Why Does It Matter?

On the pacific coast of Colombia, there is a battle occurring for the soul of a port city. The town of Nuquí and the nearby bay of Tribugá are teeming with extraordinary biodiversity. Tribugá plays host to acres of mangroves, natural reserves, untouched forests, and a variety of other natural resources—but right now, these natural resources are at risk. The Colombian government has been pushing for the construction of a Tribugá megaport that would inevitably lead to environmental damage. Indigenous communities have been fighting back. 

“The sustainable development of Chocó and Nuquí are in the hands of the communities” 

Arnold Rincón Lopéz

In July of 2020, the communities in Tribugá were granted an award by the Global Compact Network Colombia for contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable development corporation CODECHOCÓ was instrumental in giving a voice to those local communities. Director of CODECHOCÓ, Arnold Rincón López, stated “The sustainable development of Chocó and Nuquí are in the hands of the communities,” he said. “They are the ones that need to make the decisions about their sustainable development.”. 

So, what is sustainable development and how does it affect us? 

A little history

In 1987, the United Nations published the Brundtland Report. The Brundtland Report, also known as Our Common Future, formulated a mandate for change. The report focused on multilateralism—a method of diplomatic interaction in which multiple countries pursue a common goal, following international norms.  In addition, the Brundtland Report investigated the role of humans in the environment. Through the findings of the Brundtland Report, governments and international organizations were able to create the groundwork for sustainable development in the modern world. 

What does sustainable development mean?

The Brundtland Report defines sustainable development as follows:
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Essentially, we could see a society where resources are used to meet basic needs without destroying the Earth.

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Despite its origins in environmental sustainability, sustainable development is a broad, all-encompassing topic. It is an economic, social, and political process. The goals are wide and holistic. They range from poverty and food inequality to strong institutions and justice. When practiced successfully, sustainable development can improve the lives of all humans—now and in the future.

United Nations sustainable development goals 

In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by every single member of the United Nations Member States. At the core of the Agenda for Sustainable Development are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

These goals provide a path to effective sustainable development for the current and future generations of the planet. The SDGs serve as a comprehensive call to action—a recognition by the United Nations that change is not just beneficial to the earth and its people. Change is also necessary for addressing the most urgent humanitarian issues we face as a society.

Most importantly, the SDGs are integrated, meaning that changes in one goal will impact other areas. For instance, SDG 7—affordable and clean energy—calls for “access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all”. There is a synergy between affordable and clean energy and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). SDG 11 and SDG 7 have a symbiotic relationship, mutually benefitting each other.  The goal of ensuring access to sustainable energy for all will have a positive impact on sustainability within cities.

The SDGs have created a “global blueprint for dignity, peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future”.

Sustainable development can be used to build empathy and create connections. The SDGs have created a “global blueprint for dignity, peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future”. As a result, governments across the globe can use the SDGs to set tangible goals.

Why It Matters

Today, the concept of sustainable development has entered every sphere of the developed world. It is the language of economic, social, and environmental practices. We can use it to understand our connection to the world because we know the impact our actions have on other people.

Through sustainable development, we have become conscious of the increased environmental stress we place on the planet. We understand the sacrifice of natural resources in global economic growth. Awareness is key in creating a balance between economic growth and the preservation of the Earth and humans.

Sustainable development is development that uses resources without depriving future generations. In 2020, we’ve witnessed severe Australian bushfires, staggering temperature increases, and a plethora of natural disasters caused by climate change. The “staggering rise” in climate emergencies has culminated in the realization that the future is now. Sustainable development is the solution. If we don’t develop sustainably today, we will be condemning future generations to irreversible global crises.