Definition
Sustainable development is an approach to growth and progress that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic advancement, social equity, and environmental protection.
Example
Curitiba in Brazil
The city of Curitiba, Brazil, has been recognized for its sustainable urban planning since the 1970s. Under the leadership of architect and urban planner Jaime Lerner, the city implemented innovative solutions such as a bus rapid transit system, increased green spaces, and efficient waste management programs.
Ask yourself
- How can we balance economic growth with environmental conservation?
- What long-term impacts will our current decisions have on future generations?
- What technologies or innovations could help us achieve more sustainable practices?
- How can we make the needs of future generations more tangible to people in the current age?
Tools
- Backcasting: To envision a sustainable future and plan backwards
- Systems Thinking: To understand the interconnections between economic, social, and environmental factors
- Life Cycle Assessment: To evaluate the environmental impacts of products or services
- Stakeholder Analysis: To identify and engage all parties affected by development decisions
- Scenario Planning: To explore different possible futures and their sustainability implications
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