CD 111: DEVELOPMENT

PRACTICES &
SUSTAINABILITY

LECTURE 4
Week 5
Principles of Sustainability
Sustainable Development Practices

PRESENTER: Mr. John Milba

Wednesday 15th, March, 2023
 Presentation Outline
 What is sustainability?
 Key principles of sustainability
 What is sustainable development?
 The definitional problems of SD
 3 pillars of sustainable development
 The Brundtland report & SD
 The 2030 agenda for SD
 United Nations 17 SDGs
 SD and the environment
 Promoting SD
 Environmental sustainability
 Economic sustainability
 Social sustainability
 References
 What is Sustainability?
∙ The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
∙ Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order
to maintain an ecological balance.
∙ The ability to be sustained, supported, upheld for future
use and to replenish.

∙ The definition of sustainability may be taken further and

it is widely accepted that to achieve sustainability we
must balance economic, environmental and social factors
in equal harmony.
 Key Principles of Sustainability
∙ The principles of sustainability differ based on different perceptions. Some
refer to 3 pillars of sustainability – social, economic and environmental.
However, these pillars provide foundations but not definitive statements that
can serve as principles for sustainable living. Dr. Michael Ben-Eli proposed
framework identifies the 5 principles:

▶ The Material Domain – calls on entities to reduce entropy and improve

the distribution of resources within and outside of an economy.
(Efficiency).
▶ The Domain of Life – calls on people and organizations to consider
biodiversity when making policy decisions for sustainability.
(Environmental Stewardship).
▶ The Economic Domain – calls for the adoption of an accounting system
that helps align human consumption with the earth’s natural regenerative
cycle. (Taxation policies for environmental outcomes).
▶ The Social Domain – advocates for human self-realization and freedom,
without impacting the rights and freedoms of other groups. (Inclusive
society).
▶ The Spiritual Domain – advocates for finding the purpose of human
existence and helping humans to fulfill that purpose in our communities
and families. (Reverent treatment).
 What is Sustainable Development?
∙ The concept of sustainable development (SD) has been a part of
the global ecological dialogue among scientists and governmental
leaders for more than two decades.
∙ The Earth Charter (UNCED/Earth Summit) – a policy statement
about the ethics of international SD opens:

▶ ‘We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society

founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic
justice, and a culture of peace’
This statement capture the ethical context in which policy-makers
developed the SD concept.

∙ The commonly used definition of SD comes from the WCED (1987)

report prepared for Earth Summit (Our Common Future):
▶ SD is “development that meets the needs of the present without
comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs”
 Cont…
∙ The SD idea contrast with development that focuses on
socio-economic gain often at the expense of the
environment. Some natural resource extractive industries,
such as mining and fishing, deplete resource in the name of
promoting socio-economic growth [and leads to
unsustainable development].
∙ Unsustainable development however, can be devastating
for the environment and society. (Eg: over fishing of Tuna
& sea cucumber; over logging – deforestation; mining
waste into the river system).
∙ The tension between biological/ecological concerns and
human socio-economic concerns, in this case and others
like it, highlights the importance of finding a balance
between society and the environment. (socio-economic
growth; environmental protection; & social equity).
 Cont…
∙ The discourse on SD presents a shift in thinking about human
development. SD is presented as a solution to the problems of
economic development and environmental degradation.
∙ International aid agencies, such as World Bank, USAID, etc.
adopted the SD framework for the design of their development
programs. The emergence of the concept came at the same
time that environmental policymakers began framing
environmental problems such as biodiversity loss, the
greenhouse effect, and the thinning of the ozone layer, as global
problems. No longer was it enough to think globally, act locally.
In an era of globalization, the new interpretation of
environmental problems suggested that people must think
globally, act globally. SD ethically frames many of these
actions.
 The Definitional Problems of SD
∙ However there are critics on lack of clarity from policy
makers. What should be sustained in SD: the economy, the
environment, human welfare? Whose needs and
whose development should be promoted? What should
be developed? Is development the same as growth? Does
development refer to production growth, as is typically
indicated by growth of gross national product; does it refer
to environmental growth, such as an improvement of
environmental resources; or does development refer to
growth in human welfare, including health, working
conditions, and income distribution?
 Cont…
∙ Some critics argue that it is old wine in new bottles in
that it only requires slight modifications to existing modes
of production, existing political structures, and existing
values. New laws, international treaties, and better
education, among others, will produce SD.
▶ There are 3 realms involved in SD that must be
harmonized: ecological, economic, and social.
▶ In other words, for development to be sustainable, the
environment should be protected; people’s economic
situation should be improved; and social equity should be
achieved.
Three Pillars of Sustainable Development
∙ There are 3 Pillars of sustainable development:
▶ 1. ‘Economic sustainability’ – which aims to reduce
extreme poverty and guarantee fair paid employment for
all.
▶ 2. ‘Environmental sustainability’ – which aims to protect
the natural balance of the planet, while limiting the
impact of human activities on the environment.
▶ 3. ‘Social sustainability’ – which aims to guarantee
access to basic resources and services for all.
∙ The sustainable development definition is, therefore, a
development that is economically efficient, ecologically
sustainable and socially equitable.
 The Brundtland Report & SD
∙ SD as a recent concept, first appeared in the Brundtland
Report established within the framework of WCED in 1987
by Gro Harlem Brundtland. The Brundtland report
highlighted the negative environmental consequences of
economic development and proposed possible solutions to
problems arising from globalization and population growth.
∙ In 1997, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro the
concept of SD became official.
 The 2030 Agenda for SD
∙ As a new roadmap to achieve sustainable development, in
September 2015, the United Nations approved the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development that sets out
the Sustainable Development Goals, a series of common
goals to protect the planet and guarantee social well-
being. By adopting this new strategy, the states committed
themselves, over the next fifteen years, to mobilise all the
necessary means for its implementation.
∙ The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aims
to help implement the Goals. The Sustainable Development
Goals, also known as the Global Goals, seek to reconcile
economic growth, environmental balance and social
progress, ensuring that all people have the same
opportunities and can lead a better life without
compromising the planet.
UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health & well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water & sanitation
7. Affordable & clean energy
8. Decent work & economic growth
9. Industry, innovation & infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities & communities
12. Responsible consumption & Production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice & strong institution
17. Partnership for the goals
 SD and the Environment
∙The human population continues to grow and is expected
to reach 10 billion by 2100. Such an increase entails an
increase in needs and, as a result, more individual
consumption. The influence of human activities on the
climate to meet these needs is undeniable. If we do not
take climate change into account, it will set back the
development gains of recent years and prevent further
progress. Investing in sustainable development helps to
tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Conversely, initiatives to combat climate change
will drive sustainable development.
 Cont…
∙The contribution to sustainable development begins with
an awareness process through the calculation of our
personal carbon footprint. This allows us to assess the
areas of our lives and consumption habits that are having a
negative impact on the environment. When we can see how
our habits impact the environment, we can put into place
some of the principles of sustainable development in our
personal lives and help reduce the carbon footprint.
∙ Carbon is an important part but there are a larger range of
environmental issues to consider also –
e.g: toxicity, acidification, eutrophication, smog … etc.
 Promoting SD
∙ Human beings face various challenges, such as climate change,
respect for human rights, hunger, water scarcity, etc. These
challenges can only be solved from a global perspective and
promoting sustainable development through various initiatives. In
order to promote sustainable development and mobilise citizens,
many organisations and entities are hosting events or launching new
initiatives.
Examples
(i) European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW)
• The European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) is an annual
Europe-wide event. The week aims to promote sustainable
development goals through awareness-raising actions, and present
the 2030 Agenda and its 17 goals.
(ii) European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR)
• European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is an annual initiative
to raise awareness about sustainable resource management and
waste reduction through awareness actions.
• The actions implemented during the week are based on the 3R
strategy: 1. Reduce waste 2. Reuse the products 3. Recycle
materials.
 Cont…
► The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Business
Certification
• The objective of the SDG Business Certification is to raise
awareness of the sustainability efforts being carried out by a
company, and promoting the incorporation of the 17 SDGs in
its business strategy.
• Many companies across the UK have adopted schemes to
promote sustainabilty. The BBC, PwC, ASDA and
GlaxoSmithKline have adopted cycle to work programmes in a
bid to reduce dependency on cars and switch to cleaner
modes of transport. Other examples of companies making
efforts to help meet the SDGs include cutting single-use
plastics from their cafes and restaurants, launching social and
educational enterprises, and organising events to increase
awareness of sustainable food.
 Cont…
(iii) Sustainable Development: UK Initiatives
Since the UK committed to achieving the UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals in 2015 the Government has put in
place a number of initiatives to help achieve those targets.
As part of the commitments, each nation needs to produce
at least one Voluntary National Review (VNR) in which it
updates other members on progress made in achieving the
goals.
In 2019, the UK published its first VNR in which it
highlighted progress made in key areas but also identified
other areas for improvement.
 Cont…
∙ Some of the achievements to date included:
1. A high-quality health service, free for all at the point of use.
2. High and rising standards of education.
3. Increasing employment, with more women and disabled people in
work.
4. Progress made on climate and the environment.
5. Some of the world’s strongest legislation on equality issues.
∙ Areas identified for further progress included:
1. Tackling injustice to ensure no one is left behind.
2. Further increasing efforts to address climate and environmental
issues.
3. Ensuring the housing market works for everybody.
4. Responding to mental health needs.
5. Supporting a growing and ageing population.
 Environmental Sustainability
∙ Environmental sustainability is defined as responsible
interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or
degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term
environmental quality. The practice of environmental
sustainability helps to ensure that the needs of today's
population are met without jeopardizing the ability of future
generations to meet their needs.
When we look at the natural environment, we see that it has a
rather remarkable ability to rejuvenate itself and sustain its
viability. E.g: Tree.
When nature is left alone, it has a tremendous ability to care for
itself. However, when man enters the picture and uses many of
the natural resources provided by the environment, things
change. Human actions can deplete natural resources, and
without the application of environmental sustainability methods,
long-term viability can be compromised.
 Cont…
∙ Sustainable Agriculture
One-way environmental sustainability is being applied is
through sustainable agriculture. This is defined as the use
of farming techniques that protect the environment.
Sustainable agriculture has grown out of concerns over the
industrialization of agriculture that began in the 20th
century.
▸Industrial agriculture – ability to produce abundant,
farming method is detrimental to the environment
(chemical fertilizers, pesticides – on soil & water → water
pollution). Monocrop – one crop year after year.
With sustainable agriculture, farmers minimize water use
and lower the dependence on chemical pesticides and
fertilizers. They also minimize tillage of the soil and rotate
crop planting each year to ensure higher soil quality.
 Cont…
∙ Sustainable Forestry
Sustainable forestry is another application of environmental
sustainability. This is defined as the practice of regulating
forest resources to meet the needs of society and industry
while preserving the forest's health. Forests are important to
local and national economies. Wood can be used as a source of
fuel; timbers can be used in the construction industry and wood
pulp can be used in the manufacture of paper.

Beyond what forests can do for an economy, they also have

environmental benefits. Trees capture and store carbon dioxide,
keeping it out of the atmosphere. Forests also play a key role in
the water cycle. Tree roots gather water from the ground and
release it into the air as water vapor. If forests are cleared
without environmental sustainability methods in place, these
benefits are lost.
 Economic Sustainability
∙ Economic Sustainability requires that a business or
country uses its resources efficiently and responsibly so
that it can operate in a sustainable manner to consistently
produce an operational profit.
Without an operational profit a business cannot sustain it’s
activities. Without acting responsibly and using its
resources efficiently a company will not be able to sustain
it’s activities in the long term.
E.g. Sustainable Banking and Investment – 60 biggest
banks have given a staggering $4.6 trillion to the fossil fuel
industry since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015.
Cutting the supply of money is absolutely critical to stop
the expansion of fossil fuels and reversing global heating
(Hagen, 2023).
 Social Sustainability
∙ Social Sustainability is the ability of society, or any social
system, to persistently achieve a good social well being.
Achieving social sustainability ensures that the social well
being of a country, an organisation, or a community can be
maintained in the long term.
End of Presentation

Thank you
for your attention
 References
Circular Ecology (nd). What is Sustainability and Sustainble Development ? Retrieved on 14
March 2023 from :https://www.circularecology.com/sustainability-and-
sustainable- development.html
Environmental Sustainability (nd). Definition and Application. Retrieved from :
https://study.com/academy/lesson/environmental-sustainability-definition-a
nd- application.html
Everything Sustainable (n.d).Retrieved from: https://everythingsustainable.com/5-
principles-of-
Hagen, R (2023). Stop Dirty Banks: Day of Action? Breaking up with Fossil Fuel Banks.
LinkedIn. Retrived from: linkedin.com/pulse/day-action-breaking-up-fossil-fuel-banks-
32123-ryan-hagen/
Maino, L. (2022). CD 111 Development Practices & Sustainability: Subject Guide &
Module. PNG University of Technology, Lae PNG. Department of Communication &
Development Studies.
Sustainability and Sustainable Development (nd). Sustainability and Sustainable
development. Encylopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics. Retrieved January 24
from: Encyclopedia.com
: https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs- transcripts-
and-maps/sustainability-and-sustainable-development