Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?
Why is the issue of sustainability important for development? Have we ever wondered what ideal development is? Is it just maneuvering around the financial lift-ups, expansion of working stations, and technological advancements? Or is there something beyond that??? Development without sustainability is identical to the expansion without conviction…a conviction of delivering a balanced ecosystem to future generations.
Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?
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It is an important question to answer why is the issue of sustainability important for development? Somewhere deep within, we all know that we are growing but at the cost of playing with the existence and survival of future generations. Why is this happening? It is transpiring because we are not sensing the utility of sustainable development.
Sustainable development will take shape when we prefer sustainability in our choices. The choices would become habits, and such habits would lead to the foundation for sustainable development.
The existing ecological scenario is evident to elaborate on the connotation of sustainable development or the significance of sustainability for development.
Sustainable development targets accomplishing the requirements of today without endangering the needs of the upcoming generations.
Let’s uncover why sustainability is important for development?
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Cut-throat corporate clashes and our avarice to grab more have devastated the ecological communion. Reckless exploitation of natural reserves due to industrialization and economic expansion can be restricted to rational use by shifting towards sustainable preferences. It will also help to lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
Sustainability in development is indispensable. The devastation will be at its peak without sustainable development. Here is a glance at threats to ecosystem viability without sustainability-
- *Losing grazing and cropland due to erosion, land conversion to nonfarm purposes, desertification — around 20 million hectares every year
- The deficit of freshwater resources
- Acid rain, more commonly, the impact of a complicated mix of air pollutants on crops, forests, and fisheries.
- Human-health threats due to improper management of pesticides, harmful substances, and waterborne pathogens.
- Pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing in the marine environment — overfishing has severely depleted 25 of the world’s most important fisheries.
- Species’ Extinction due to global loss of habitat and correlated loss of genetic diversity — More than 1000 animal and plant species every year.
- The immense burden on energy resources, including a shortage of wood and fuel.
These points clearly show the level of devastation we are facing due to not preferring sustainable solutions.
How to shift toward sustainable development and choices?
Somewhere we know that development and economic growth have come at a social and environmental cost. The accelerated stride of the development has tested the patience of the natural resources.
Poverty, habitat destruction, and global warming have become more evident due to the avoidance of sustainable preferences.
We should understand that sustainable development is far more than merely the environment. It also has the inclusion of economic and social stewardship. Therefore, it is like meeting the different needs of distinct communities to create a better life and future for all. Take a look at the instances of sustainable development–
Crop Rotation
Soil fertility can be improved along with controlling diseases and insects by doing successive planting of several crops on the same land. It is Crop Rotation. It is an older way of doing chemical-free farming along with maximising the growth potential of the land.
Solar Energy
It is the revolution for renewable energy. You will be amazed to know that a solar farm reduces 94% of emissions emitted by coal power plants. It also removes hazardous pollutants like mercury and sulphur nitrous oxides that create immense air pollution and are responsible for millions of premature deaths globally.
According to IREA (International Renewable Energy Agency), 220 million to 330 million tons of CO2 are conserved due to solar photovoltaics.
Wind Energy
Energy generation through wind power is a sustainable resource. Turbines are a good solution for energy generation as they need a very little land footprint. Other significant land uses like conservation, farming, and recreation can be done simultaneously.
In addition to this, water-efficient fixtures and establishing green spaces are also a significant part of sustainable development. But before doing all this, we need to shift towards a sustainable mindset within. We should understand that our sustainable perception can lead us towards our sustainable role in the ecosystem.
In the Corporate sector at large, it is assumed, that when you go sustainable you go expensive in your product, you go costly in your infrastructure, and the feasibility of the product as a commercial and marketable lot is reduced. It’s nothing more than a myth. There may be an initial investment that may come a little higher, but overall it is going to be much more economical.
The live example we know or we have or tried in front of us is that if you go for an electric car or you go for an SUV driven by petrol or diesel. Petrol or diesel may cost around ₹7-8 per km while the electric car may cost around ₹1 per km. The initial cost of having an electric vehicle may be higher, but eventually, you will save a lot of money. This is how sustainable things work actually.
Nature is the most inexpensive thing but it may become the most expensive when we misuse it. So, it’s all about making the right choices. Therefore, adding sustainability to your preferences can lead to ideal development.
Read More about- https://www.yaweronsustainability.com/textile-industry-slowly-gaining-the-momentum-back-with-the-new-normal/
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*Source – World Business Council for Sustainable Development (1998)
https://sumas.ch/5-examples-of-sustainable-development/
