The age of sustainable development Flashcards
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is a central concept for our age that serves both as a way to understand the world and as a method for solving global problems. It aims to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?The
The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015, aimed at addressing challenges like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation to achieve sustainable development for all by 2030.
Why is the SDGs framework important?
The SDGs will guide global economic diplomacy and help navigate the complex interactions between the economy, society, and the environment, promoting socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth.
What are the four basic objectives of sustainable development?
The four pillars are economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
How does sustainable development address global inequality?
Sustainable development seeks to eliminate extreme poverty, reduce wealth gaps, promote social mobility, prevent discrimination, and foster social cohesion, aiming for broader economic improvement for all 7.2 billion people.
What historical events shaped the concept of sustainable development?
Key events include the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment, the 1980 World Conservation Strategy, and the 1987 Brundtland Commission’s report, which defined sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
What are the environmental threats posed by the global economy?
The global economy threatens the Earth through climate change, water scarcity, and altering ocean chemistry, significantly impacting essential natural cycles like water, nitrogen, and carbon cycles.
Why is understanding complex systems important for sustainable development?
Sustainable development involves navigating interdependent and nonlinear systems—global economy, social systems, and the environment. Small changes can lead to large impacts, making it essential to manage these complexities with adaptive and holistic approaches.
How does technology influence sustainable development?
Technology drives long-term economic growth but can have negative environmental side effects. Effective governance and policy are needed to steer technological advances toward sustainable solutions
What does a “good society” look like from a sustainable development perspective?
A good society balances economic wealth with social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and ethical governance, promoting well-being for current and future generations.
What concerns does sustainable development address regarding well-being distribution?
it addresses extreme poverty, inequality, social mobility, discrimination, and social cohesion, calling for the elimination of extreme poverty and fostering trust and mutual support in society.
What are the three complex systems that sustainable development interacts with?
Sustainable development interacts with the world economy, global society, and the Earth’s physical environment.
How is sustainable development a normative outlook?
It recommends goals for a desirable world, including widespread economic progress, the elimination of extreme poverty, social trust, and environmental protection.
What role does governance play in sustainable development?
Good governance is essential for achieving SDG objectives, including the provision of social services, infrastructure, crime protection, scientific promotion, and environmental regulations.
How do multinational companies impact sustainable development?
Multinational companies can be powerful actors but may also engage in public corruption, tax evasion, and environmental damage, undermining sustainable development efforts.
