Limitations of Sustainable Future

"Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." - The Brundtland Commission.

Sustainable development is both conceptually and practically a broad and multifaceted issue (Kates et al., 2001; WCED, 1987). It is an issue of paramount importance for the continued existence of the world, as we know it. At its core lies the idea that in planning for the future, we must think about what to do and not to do today, to bring about that future (Simon, 1990: 11).

Many of the objectives of sustainable development seem to conflict with each other- economic, social and environmental. While food, nutrition and security seem to be an elusive goal for many, the problem of malnutrition is greater than the issue of the food supply. People may have enough food to survive but lack of proper nutrition is posing a bigger threat to the developing nations. Good health and well being, therefore, is hard to achieve.

If we focus on industrial development, then it becomes very difficult for us to make industries eco-friendly as the transition to a more environmentally friendly industry will increase the cost of production which in turn makes the necessities even costlier. In developing countries, this is a big concern because they lack enough resources to even to meet the basic needs. Also, the increase in industries will mean an increase in carbon footprints which acts as a major source of pollution in the world. The rapid growth of population and rapid urbanisation almost renders it impossible to achieve equality of income at all levels. Unemployment may increase in the process of preserving our ecosystem as it will cause many industries to reduce their activities and compel them to bring about a change in their production process to care for our environment.The hazard which is the production of interaction between society and nature acts as a barrier in the process of sustainable development as it influences the regional sustainable development process.One of the biggest limits to sustainability is the dumping of our wastes. Extensive recycling too will not be able to save some the rare non-renewable resources of our planet.

We also know that economic growth does not essentially mean economic development. Increase in the total output of the country does not ensure improvement in the quality of living standards. Women have been considered inferior since ages and gender equality ceases to prevail in our so-called modern society. It can only be achieved by providing quality education. But again, people lack necessities like food, shelter and clothing and most of the resources are spent on these and education takes a back seat.

Another factor that comes in the process of creating a sustainable future is the lack of responsible citizens as well as leaders in our society who would go beyond their selfish needs and come together to protect our environment through equal distribution of resources and responsible uses of the recourses.

We can never achieve sustainable development without a “Social Awakening” taking place. It will take place when human beings start thinking beyond their selfish needs. History has never witnessed such an awakening ever and we, human beings are known to be greedy by nature. Therefore, a sustainable future seems like an elusive dream.

Co-Author : Trishita Chatterjee, Lead - Content Creation and Development, CodeBinary Initiatives (https://community.codebinary.in/)