Core elements of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development or ‘Sustainability for development’ refers to the development that is done without damaging the environment and other resources. In other words, Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development simply means that resources should be naturally used in such a way that they are not over-exploited.

There are three core elements of sustainable development. These are environmental protection, social aspects,s, and economic growth. These elements are interconnected and crucial for sustainability.

Environmental protection can be defined as the protection, preservation, and restoration of ecosystems and natural resources. It is essential for maintaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, preventing unwanted changes to ecosystems, and ensuring the long-term well-being of humans and the planet.

The social aspect of sustainable development refers to ensuring human well-being, quality of life, inclusiveness, and community benefits within the built environment. This includes aspects such as good health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life on land.

The social aspect of sustainable development recognizes the importance of social development in achieving overall sustainability and emphasizes the role of social indicators and targets in assessing and promoting sustainable practices. It also highlights the significance of incorporating social sustainability principles into the design of neighborhoods and residential complexes, as well as the impact of the social component on the functioning of enterprises. Social sustainability is often overlooked compared to environmental and economic sustainability, but it is crucial for creating a healthy, safe, and resilient built environment.

The social dimension of sustainable development is concerned primarily with poverty reduction, social investment, and the building of safe and caring communities. In addition to clear goals, sustainable development provides guidance as to possible means. For example, affordable housing, physical & mental medical support, education training opportunities, employment opportunities, access to support, and of course safety and security.

Sustainable economic growth means maintaining growth without creating economic problems or complications. It’s the practice of supporting long-term economic growth without depleting resources. in other words, sustainable economic growth is economic development that attempts to satisfy the needs of humans but in a manner that sustains natural resources and the environment for future generations. It’s the practise of supporting long-term economic growth without depleting resources. An economy functions in the ecosystem. An economy cannot exist without it.

Sustainable economic growth means maintaining growth without creating economic problems or complications. It’s the practice of supporting long-term economic growth without depleting resources.

Sustainable Development Goal 8 is about “decent work and economic growth” and is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that were established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Over the past 25 years, the number of workers living in extreme poverty has declined dramatically, despite the lasting impact of the 2008 economic crisis and global recession. In developing countries, the middle class now makes up more than 34 percent of total employment – a number that has almost tripled between 1991 and 2015. However, as the global economy continues to recover we are seeing slower growth, widening inequalities, and not enough jobs to keep up with a growing labour force. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 204 million people were unemployed in 2015.

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