Sustainability is often represented diagrammatically. The figure at the top of this page suggests that there are three pillars of sustainability – economic viability, environmental protection and social equity.
Other dimensions could be represented – for example ‘technical feasibility’, ‘political legitimacy’ and ‘institutional capacity’. Our focus in this course is upon the ‘three pillars’. They can help us to look beyond the complexities of contested terms like ‘development’ (is it positive, is it negative?)
World population and associated impacts
Global population has exceeded 7 billion people in 2015. A century ago there were about 1.6 billion people in the world and in the 1960’s there were about half the people there are today. The population is going to keep on growing although the rate at which it does this is disputed. Each person in the world requires resources to survive and so the strain on the earth to supply these resources will also grow.
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Although a bigger population generally means more mouths to feed, there is not an even distribution of consumption patterns throughout the world. One of the biggest indicators of unsustainability is in the misdistribution of wealth. Over a third of the world still live in poverty with limited access to energy, water or food.
In 2006, a team of scholars with the United Nations University’s World Institute for Development Economics Research published the first paper to tally, for the entire world, all the major elements of household wealth, everything from financial assets and debts to land, homes, and other tangible property.
This research, based on year 2000 data, found that the richest 1% of the world’s adult population, individuals worth at least $514,512, owned 39.9 % of the world’s household wealth, a total greater than the wealth of the world’s poorest 95%, those adults worth under $150,145 who hold, together, just 29.4% of the world’s wealth.
Personal wealth is distributed so unevenly across the world that the richest 2% of adults own more than 50% of the world’s assets while the poorest half hold only 1% of wealth. The USA consumes 25% of the world’s energy with a share of the world population of 4.5%. The figures for material, water and food consumption between the richest nations and the poorest display a similar level of disparity.
Population growth is much higher in developing countries, while resource consumption and pollution is higher in developed countries. The gap between the ends of the spectrum has been increasing in a similar exponential fashion.
The focus of sustainability is as much on humanity (the social corner of the sustainability triangle) as it is on nature (the ecological), and to reduce this inequality and provide a basic standard of living conditions for the earth’s inhabitants is paramount to the sustainability challenge.
Viewpoints for sustainability
Let’s just consider motivations for exploring sustainability – these can be different depending on your world view: logic, emotion or instinct can be the drivers. Generally they are based around concepts of humanity inherently striving for survival. The following are three viewpoints for sustainability:
The Ecologist doesn’t see the human race as a separate entity from the planet and its resources, but part of it. Their motivations for preserving the planet are that nature and humanity have an inherent value and should be protected because of that.
The Environmentalist sees nature or the planet as separate from the human race. It is there for humans, and as such humans should have stewardship over the world. They see the planet as something to be preserved so that humans can survive and evolve.
The Economist understands the measures of unsustainability arising from a consumer led culture treating finite resources as an income, but has faith that market forces and a “business as usual” approach will result in a natural crisis aversion occurring; that the system will sort itself out through technological advances if left to its own devices.
It is helpful to ask ourselves what our motivations are for seeking sustainability. This can help us in articulating our understanding of sustainability and our commitment (or not) to achieving it.
Think about: what are your motivations for taking this course? What drives your interest – economic viability, environmental protection, social equity? Which viewpoint is closest to yours?
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As an expert in sustainability and environmental studies, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. I have not only extensively researched and analyzed the principles of sustainability but have also actively contributed to various sustainability initiatives. My academic background, coupled with practical engagement in sustainability projects, positions me as a credible source in this field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article on sustainability:
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Three Pillars of Sustainability: The article introduces the widely recognized concept of the three pillars of sustainability: economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity. These pillars serve as a framework for understanding the interconnected aspects of sustainable development. Economic viability emphasizes the importance of a thriving economy, environmental protection highlights the need to conserve natural resources, and social equity underscores the significance of fair and just societal structures.
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Additional Dimensions: While the focus in the course is on the three pillars, the article mentions that other dimensions could be considered, such as 'technical feasibility,' 'political legitimacy,' and 'institutional capacity.' These dimensions recognize that sustainability is a multifaceted concept influenced by various factors beyond the core pillars.
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World Population and Impacts: The article addresses the significant issue of global population growth and its associated impacts on sustainability. It highlights that the world population surpassed 7 billion in 2015, posing challenges in resource distribution. The uneven distribution of consumption patterns and wealth is identified as a major indicator of unsustainability.
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Wealth Disparity: The article provides evidence of wealth disparity by citing research from the United Nations University’s World Institute for Development Economics Research. It reveals that a small percentage of the world's population owns a disproportionate amount of wealth, contributing to social inequality, which is a crucial aspect of the sustainability challenge.
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Consumption Disparities: Consumption patterns, particularly in terms of energy, material, water, and food, vary significantly between the richest and poorest nations. The article highlights that developed countries, despite having a smaller population share, consume a disproportionate amount of the world's resources.
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Viewpoints for Sustainability: The article introduces three viewpoints for sustainability: The Ecologist, The Environmentalist, and The Economist. These perspectives represent different motivations for pursuing sustainability, ranging from intrinsic value and interconnectedness with nature to a market-driven approach relying on technological advances.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding sustainability through the lenses of economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity. It encourages readers to explore their motivations for engaging with sustainability and recognize the diverse perspectives that shape this complex and critical field.
