Sustainable development is an approach to growth and human development. It is the organizing principle for achieving human development goals and at the same time preserving the capacity of natural systems for future generations to provide the natural resources and ecosystem services on which the economy and society depend in future.
The SDGs and associated targets are linked to sustainable growth, tourism development, food safety and hygiene, improved health, reduced energy and water costs, and increased productivity.
Environmental sustainability in products, processes and services is increasingly is very important in some industrial transformations, or should be at least on par with competitiveness.
In this blog, we will discuss the relationship between globalization and sustainable development. So, let’s explore the future of sustainable development in the context of globalization.
Exploring the Future of Sustainable Development in the Context of Globalization
What is Sustainable Development?
The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) has set a special definition for sustainable development as it is a development that meets the needs of the present (without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs). Sustainable development includes several pillars to achieve it, such as: preserving the integrity of the environment, satisfying basic human needs, achieving social justice, and providing multiple societal solidarity.
Sustainable development is a comprehensive activity for all sectors, whether in the state, in organizations, in public or private sector institutions, or even among individuals. For the future, through the optimal utilization of human and material resources and energies, including information, data and knowledge possessed by residents of the development process, while ensuring the absolute belief in the importance of continuous learning and the acquisition of experiences and knowledge and their application.
Development is not limited to one aspect or only one area of life but includes social, economic, political, military, humanitarian, psychological, mental, medical, educational, technical, and other development so that it mainly aims to raise and improve the standard of living of individuals, and to ensure a better life for future generations.
The Future of Sustainable Development in the Context of Globalization
The future of sustainable development in the context of globalization depends on a range of factors, including the political will of governments, the actions of businesses and civil society, and the emergence of new technologies and social innovations.
Achieving sustainable development is a shared responsibility that falls on all members of the international community, especially in light of the globalized world in which the market is growing and the role of global financial institutions and multinational companies is increasing. Therefore, it has become necessary to adapt to globalization and manage it in a way that supports sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations.
The 1987 “Our Common Future” report issued by the World Commission on Sustainable Development showed that the current development model is failing due to increasing poverty and worsening environmental degradation in the world.
The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development of 1992 also emphasized the importance of establishing a global economic system that achieves economic growth and sustainable development for all countries of the world, as well as achieving the best treatment of environmental problems.
Since globalization is that sweeping wave of changes that affect many aspects of life, political, economic, cultural and social, globalization has made sustainable development and environmental protection a global dimension and a common goal. On the one hand, globalization has had a negative impact on sustainable development and the environment.
Critics of sustainable development see it as a vague and ambiguous concept that is difficult to apply. The focus on balancing economic growth, social development, and environmental protection can lead to trade-offs and conflicts between these goals, making it difficult to achieve the three goals simultaneously. It can sometimes be used as a cover to continue unsustainable practices, such as resource extraction and industrial agriculture, under the guise of sustainability.
The Importance of Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is a difficult issue to deal with, apply, or even overcome obstacles to achieve. Because it consists of a large package of facts, and given the nature and complexities of this topic, it is ideal to be aware of its importance in order to reach a comprehensive understanding and perception.
Population is the basic foundation that pushes the wheel of sustainable development forward, and thus the importance of sustainable development appears.
Let’s explore the importance of sustainable development and its objectives:
Basic human needs: Sustainable development provides basic human needs such as shelter, food, and water, by using renewable and sustainable energy as an alternative to energy based on fossil fuels. Sustainable development involves creating inclusive societies that value diversity and ensure that everyone has access to basic human needs such as food, shelter, and health care.
Climate variability: The sustainable development approach seeks to reduce the use of fossil fuel sources, such as: oil, natural gas, and coal, as they affect the climate and emit greenhouse gases.
Agricultural requirements: Using sustainable agricultural methods such as effective seed sowing technology and crop rotation technology, the world can fulfil agricultural requirements, as these techniques contribute to reducing soil erosion, maintaining its health, and increasing its fertility from a productive standpoint.
Biological diversity: Sustainable development practices encourage investment in and use of renewable energy resources. Organic farming practices that do not emit any greenhouse gases into the atmosphere preserve plant diversity and reduce air pollution.
Financial balance and stability: We can achieve financial stability through sustainable development practices. The development of renewable energy technologies can create continuous job opportunities as an alternative to jobs restricted by fossil fuel source technology.
Conclusion:
Sustainable development is the idea that human societies should survive and meet their own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Although globalization has led to increased trade, investment, and job creation in developing countries, which has helped reduce poverty and improve living standards, it has also led to increased consumption and production, leading to environmental degradation, such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
In order to achieve a more satisfactory relationship between society and its environment, timely arrangements should be made for changes that may occur due to human activities and competition for the use of resources in order to reduce and minimize potential conflicts.
