The concept of sustainable development – what is it and why is it important for the development of society?
The idea of sustainable development has accompanied society for many years. In 1987, its concept was presented in the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. Sustainable development presupposes intergenerational solidarity, so current generations should take into account the needs of future ones when meeting their needs. But that’s not all. This idea is not only about reducing the negative impact on the environment and the economy, but also about driving positive processes that will benefit all inhabitants of the Earth.
The definition of sustainable development is included in the World Commission on Environment and Development Report, where sustainable development is described as „development in which the needs of the present generation can be met without compromising the chances of future generations to meet them.” It is therefore about solidarity between people living today and those who are just being born.
The principle of sustainable development requires responsibility for actions taken in the context of the economy, economy or the environment. In order to act responsibly, it is necessary to acquire valuable knowledge that will facilitate making specific economic decisions. Such knowledge will help to make specific decisions, e.g. related to the choice of governments offering solutions for ecology and nature in their programs, but will also facilitate everyday life. Being aware of how harmful to the whole nature, including humans, is on a household scale, for example, burning garbage in the furnace, and on a global scale industrial industries, generating large amounts of pollution. Therefore, the principle of sustainable development is often followed by the promotion of behaviours that reduce excessive consumption.
Initially, in the context of the principle of sustainable development, only the need to reduce the negative impact of the economy on the natural environment was discussed. Today, the discussion on sustainable development is not only about environmental protection, but also about issues of social progress and economic growth. These three elements are interconnected and together they can lead to the well-being of present and future generations.
The principle of sustainable development is also referred to in Article 5 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, which states that: „The Republic of Poland shall safeguard the independence and inviolability of its territory, ensure the freedoms and rights of man and citizen as well as the security of citizens, protect the national heritage and ensure environmental protection, guided by the principle of sustainable development”.
At this point, the Basic Law indicates that it is the duty of the state to protect the environment in such a way that the needs of present and future generations are taken into account.
The concept of sustainability is an ideal to strive for. This is a model that must be followed when building modern societies. Of course, the implementation of all postulates may take many years, but it is worth making an effort for a better life for the whole humanity.
The first actions are already being taken. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which has been adopted by 193 UN member states, contains 17 goals and 169 targets to be implemented. Among them were such issues as: eliminating poverty and hunger in the world, sustainable consumption and production, as well as the management of natural resources, caring for technological development in accordance with nature, building a society free from fear and violence, focusing on global solidarity of countries for the well-being of humanity.
Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.
