Sustainability
Sustainability is a social goal for people to co-exist on Earth over a long period of time. Definitions of this term are disputed and have varied with literature, context, and time. Sustainability usually has three dimensions (or pillars): environmental, economic, and social. Many definitions emphasize the environmental dimension. This can include addressing key environmental problems, including climate change and biodiversity loss. The idea of sustainability can guide decisions at the global, national, organizational, and individual levels. A related concept is that of sustainable development, and the terms are often used to mean the same thing. UNESCO distinguishes the two like this: "''Sustainability'' is often thought of as a long-term goal (i.e. a more sustainable world), while ''sustainable development'' refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it."Details around the economic dimension of sustainability are controversial. Scholars have discussed this under the concept of ''weak and strong sustainability''. For example, there will always be tension between the ideas of "welfare and prosperity for all" and environmental conservation, so trade-offs are necessary. It would be desirable to find ways that separate economic growth from harming the environment. This means using fewer resources per unit of output even while growing the economy. This decoupling reduces the environmental impact of economic growth, such as pollution. Doing this is difficult. Some experts say there is no evidence that such a decoupling is happening at the required scale.
It is challenging to measure sustainability as the concept is complex, contextual, and dynamic. Indicators have been developed to cover the environment, society, or the economy but there is no fixed definition of ''sustainability indicators''. The metrics are evolving and include indicators, benchmarks and audits. They include sustainability standards and certification systems like Fairtrade and Organic. They also involve indices and accounting systems such as corporate sustainability reporting and Triple Bottom Line accounting.
It is necessary to address many barriers to sustainability to achieve a ''sustainability transition''. Some barriers arise from nature and its complexity while others are ''extrinsic'' to the concept of sustainability. For example, they can result from the dominant institutional frameworks in countries.
Global issues of sustainability are difficult to tackle as they need global solutions. Existing global organizations such as the UN and WTO are seen as inefficient in enforcing current global regulations. One reason for this is the lack of suitable sanctioning mechanisms. Governments are not the only sources of action for sustainability. For example, business groups have tried to integrate ecological concerns with economic activity, seeking sustainable business. Religious leaders have stressed the need for caring for nature and environmental stability. Individuals can also live more sustainably.
Some people have criticized the idea of sustainability. One point of criticism is that the concept is vague and only a buzzword. Another is that sustainability might be an impossible goal. Some experts have pointed out that "no country is delivering what its citizens need without transgressing the biophysical planetary boundaries".
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4Texto bibliotecaFEDEPALMA
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6Report bibliotecaBanco Mundial
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9Briefs, Summaries, Policies and Strategies bibliotecaONU
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11by United Nations Environment Programme, Cities Alliance, Local Governments for Sustainability
Published 2007Reports and Books bibliotecaONU -
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13by United Nations Environment Programme, Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES)
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14by 120537 Somogyi, Z. Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, VA, Italy, 123899 Teobaldelli, M. (autor/a) Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, VA, Italy, 66700 Federici, S. (autor/a) Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, VA, Italy, 91826 Matteucci, G. (autor/a) Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo, Rende, CS, Italy, 102623 Pagliari, V. (autor/a) Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, VA, Italy, 73599 Grassi, G. (autor/a) Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, VA, Italy, 118149 Seufert, G. (autor/a) Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, VA, Italy
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15by United Nations Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability
Published 2022-03Reports, Books and Booklets bibliotecaONU -
16by United Nations Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability
Published 2022-03Briefs, Summaries, Policies and Strategies bibliotecaONU -
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18by United Nations Environment Programme, Asian Institute of Technology, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies
Published 2013Manuals and Guides bibliotecaONU -
19by United Nations Environment Programme, Canada Hub of Future Earth, Sustainability in the Digital Age
Published 2021Briefs, Summaries, Policies and Strategies bibliotecaONU -
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