Define sustainable development.

Sustainable development is a concept that refers to a mode of human development where resource use aims to meet human needs while ensuring the sustainability of natural systems and the environment. This approach seeks to balance different, and often competing, needs against an awareness of the environmental, social, and economic limitations we face as a society.

The most widely recognized definition comes from the Brundtland Report, formally known as "Our Common Future," published by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. It defines sustainable development as:

"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

This definition emphasizes two key concepts:

1. Needs: Particularly the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given.
2. Limitations: The limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs.

Sustainable development encompasses three main pillars:

1. Economic Sustainability: Achieving economic growth and development without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage. It involves efficient resource use, technological innovation, and promoting sustainable industries.
2. Environmental Sustainability: Protecting and preserving natural resources and ecosystems. It focuses on reducing pollution, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change impacts.
3. Social Sustainability: Ensuring that development benefits all segments of society, promoting equity, social inclusion, and improved quality of life. This includes access to education, healthcare, clean water, and other fundamental services.

By integrating these pillars, sustainable development aims to create a harmonious and balanced approach to growth, ensuring that the needs of both present and future generations are met without degrading the planet's health and resources.