What Does
Sustainable Development Mean?
Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These needs come in different forms within society. They include social, economic and environmental needs. Those concerned about sustainable development suggest that the best way to take the needs of future generations into account in development is to balance these three areas as equally as possible.
Safeopedia Explains Sustainable Development
A problem encountered with development to fulfill social, economic and environmental needs today is that these needs are often at odds with one another. For example, people may require clean air to breathe and protection from the environmental effects of atmospheric pollution, but they may also need transportation and the regular use of a car. These goals may be at odds with each other, especially on a long term basis, and to plan for future generations may require a choice between one or the other.