The concept of sustainable development began to enjoy great popularity almost three decades ago, specifically in 1987, when it was used within the Brundtland report “Our common future” of the World Commission for the Environment, where it is defined as the satisfaction of current needs without compromising those of the future.
“Satisfy the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs,” reads the document. All a declaration of commendable principles with which it is tremendously easy to agree, although the truth is that it has not been possible to put into practice. But, why is it so difficult to achieve it? There are many vested interests that impede it, from those of the big companies to the same production schemes that characterize the world economy. In lorecentral.org , we show what are the advantages and disadvantages of sustainable development.
Table of Contents
Advantages of sustainable development.
A review of the advantages and disadvantages of sustainable development allows us to better answer this question, while helping us to understand the different dimensions of the concept, beyond its simple and idyllic definition, incomplete in reality.
Among the pros of sustainable development , obviously its objective, perhaps utopian, but at the same time necessary to save the planet from a major crisis , must be cited . To do this, it proposes a feasibility solution by harmonizing the economic, social and environmental aspects.
Consider any of these issues separately will lead us to a dead end sooner or later. On the other hand, taking care of the environment, its resources, without renouncing social and economic progress is synonymous with sustainability and avoids a disastrous outcome.
The proliferation of sustainable products and services has the advantage of creating a better world for all , not only more sustainable but more ethical. In an environment that tends to sustainability , governments must be responsible and citizens are more aware and ask important questions in their role as consumers.
Lower environmental impact
The main pillar on which all this is sustained and where ideas take shape to develop the economy without compromising nature. As it involves reducing the emissions of gases that create phenomena such as acid rain or global warming, it directly causes the search for alternative, clean and equally effective forms of energy.
In the same way, as a large part of human activities are responsible for the deterioration of the environment, adopting this ideology entails doing something to reduce pollution, which can bring positive results such as better air quality, more green areas, the preservation of biodiversity of the planet, the subsistence of more species, etc.
Guarantee of a better future.
With the current situation of the delicate environment, the fact that actions are taken to reduce the effect of the warming of the land or other events such as the melting of the poles or changes in such an abnormal climate, guarantees that the Next generations of people can have an adequate life in the future.
This also means ensuring that the planet’s natural resources are not exhausted and there is enough to be renewed or, if not, that they last for a good number of years, as in the case of oil or gas. natural.
Disadvantages of sustainable development
One of the main obstacles that the application of sustainable policies finds itself in is the duality that exists between the need for solutions and strategies that transcend borders , since it is a cooperation that today is not being produced, much less there are visos of a hopeful future.
Currently, unfortunately, global patterns of production and consumption go in the opposite direction to that required by a sustainability policy. However, everything that glitters is not gold, and there are also numerous negative elements in sustainable policies.
Governance itself has to face a constant uncertainty , because there are many aspects that must be married to achieve a result that achieves that desired sustainability.
And, in the same way, even the tools considered more sustainable, such as organic farming or renewable energy sources have a host of drawbacks that need to be tackled intelligently in order to really help that sustainability.
Thus, although sustainable development can help to end poverty in the world and adjust social inequalities, addressing human needs in a fairer way and reorienting technology to respect the planet and ensure its long-term viability, there are also negative consequences.
Among others, that change of mentality that is demanded would hurt the big capitals, which means that a radical transformation of society would be necessary so great that it is difficult to trust that it will happen.
Do not abuse nature, the human being or turn the economy into an instrument that enriches only a few is the goal of sustainable theory, a paradigm that today invites you to dream and, of course, also to fight to do so reality. A better world is possible.
Costs
Although intentions are good, carrying them out costs work because it is about reducing or completely dispensing with energy that already supplies part of the population with a new one, changing infrastructure, consumption habits and this whole transition can be very expensive
In this sense, the perspective also influences from the point of view, because the countries of the first world would not have much difficulty in adopting new forms of energy, but in the developing nations, it would not be possible to assume these expenses.
Unemployment in some areas.
Changes to preserve and care for ecosystems and biodiversity can cause several industries to reduce their activities or, in the last case, stop them altogether. This can bring unemployment for many people who have dedicated their whole lives to work in a single sector, such as the coal industry.
Although in sustainability a better quality of life is contemplated in the future, it does not take into account the collateral effects for the population in the present.
Fragile commitment.
As the transition to a more environmentally friendly industry is more costly and difficult to meet because of the points mentioned above, there is a risk that the commitment made with society is not so serious. This inconvenience would occur because the results obtained are generally long-term, but in places that are just developing, it may not be possible to wait so long.
More requirements.
The companies, plants, factories and others responsible for affecting the environment would have more requirements to function, such as reducing their carbon dioxide emissions or correct treatment of their waste, and although they seem necessary and common sense, not everyone could meet them without compromising their efficiency and their work, in addition to the entry requirements would be very high for small companies.
If you want to read more articles similar to this you can read Sustainability examples at home ,
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND EXAMPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
