What Is Sustainability?

     Sustainability means living in a way to create lasting economic prosperity, environmental health, and social justice for current and future generations.
     There is a growing concern that population growth, consumption, and inappropriate development are combining to weaken the ecological systems on which we depend. Although environmental fluctuations have occurred throughout history, changes generated by human activity may be altering ecological systems to the point that future generations will be limited in their ability to meet their needs. Indeed, the choices we make today will affect life on the planet for generations to come.
     
      A 1987 report by the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development concluded that today's generations need to "meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs." This is the challenge of sustainability.

     Balancing the economy, the environment, and equity (the three “E’s”) is a key characteristic of sustainability. Intergenerational equity — long term thinking about future generations — is another central concept.

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