What are the three pillars of sustainability? How many sustainable goals have been adopted by the UN General assembly for 2030?
What are the three pillars of sustainability? How many sustainable goals have been adopted by the UN General assembly for 2030?
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The three pillars of sustainability, also known as the "three E's" or "triple bottom line," refer to the three interconnected dimensions that must be balanced to achieve sustainable development. These pillars are:
Environmental Sustainability: This pillar focuses on preserving and protecting natural resources and ecosystems to ensure their continued availability for present and future generations. Environmental sustainability emphasizes the conservation of biodiversity, reduction of pollution and waste, sustainable use of renewable resources, and mitigation of climate change impacts.
Social Sustainability: Social sustainability emphasizes the well-being and equity of human communities. It encompasses factors such as access to education, healthcare, housing, and basic services; promotion of social justice and human rights; empowerment of marginalized groups; and fostering inclusive and equitable societies where all individuals have opportunities to thrive.
Economic Sustainability: Economic sustainability involves managing economic activities and resources in a way that supports long-term prosperity and minimizes negative impacts on the environment and society. It includes fostering economic growth, promoting fair and equitable distribution of wealth, ensuring decent work and livelihoods, and encouraging responsible consumption and production patterns.
These three pillars are interconnected and interdependent, meaning that progress in one dimension often relies on or influences progress in the others. Achieving sustainability requires integrating these dimensions into policies, practices, and decision-making processes to ensure holistic and balanced development.
Now, regarding the sustainable development goals adopted by the UN General Assembly for 2030, there are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) collectively known as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals were adopted in September 2015 and provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development by the year 2030. The SDGs cover a wide range of interconnected issues related to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. They are as follows:
Each SDG includes specific targets and indicators to measure progress towards its achievement. The SDGs provide a global roadmap for governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to work together towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future for all. Achieving these goals requires concerted efforts and collaboration at local, national, regional, and international levels to address the complex and interconnected challenges facing our planet and humanity.