Sustainability

Sustainable agriculture, sustainable fashion, sustainable development, sustainable future, sustainable water resources management… Most of us have already heard about these expressions. However, it may be hard to define exactly what sustainability is. Moreover, is it an achievable goal for humanity to develop sustainably, or only a dream that never comes true?

In 1987, the United Nation’s Brundtland report defined sustainable development as „it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. The definition clearly shows the limits: now we cannot know humanity’s future needs. On one hand, current development and welfare is unimaginable without the use of natural resources, so we cannot keep all of them for future generations. But on the other hand, wasting resources can mean the end of development one day. We must find the best way of sustainability between the previous two extremes.

In terms of sustainability the most important message is to manage the natural resources frugally. Prefer renewable ones that are reproducing or permanently available. Support scientific researches to understand natural interactions. We must collect more information through exact measurements about climate, water resources, biodiversity, ecosystems and all other natural factors that can have an impact on development. Then, we will be aware of our possibilities and consequences of the decisions.

In 2015, the UN gathered world leaders and adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to finish poverty, promote prosperity, ensure well-being for all, and protect the planet. Within the 17 global goals there are 169 targets and indicators to guide action. UN member states are expected to align their agendas and political policies with the SDGs. The SDGs came into force 1 January 2016 and the deadline for achieving them is 2030. Most SDGs related to water, but specifically water objectives are the sustainable water management and access to water and public health for all are set out in “6. Clean Water and Public Health”.

UN Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs

To plan sustainably, we must admit that nothing is permanent around us. Natural systems, engineered components, and even society changes over time. A sustainable system has to adapt to this changing world. Climate change may be the most important as it is thought to be the biggest challenge of the 21 century.

Sustainability plays a major role in water management as well, to preserve the natural drinking water resources. We must take into account natural and socioeconomic needs to ensure safe drinking water. Countries have to fight against pollution and support modern wastewater treatment technologies to control water quality.

A huge change in our attitude and lifestyle is indispensably needed to preserve the Earth for future generations. It’s time to act until it’s too late. As Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations said: „There is no Plan B, because there is no Planet B”. 

Ban Ki-moon the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016.

The text uses the paper of Loucks  an article published in Water International.



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