What is a Sustainable Development?
Sustainability is one of those words that seems to be on everyone’s lips these days – at least everyone in Government! But it can be difficult to define. In essence it is about all of us: young and old, able and less able, having a good quality of life now, but in a way that has no negative effects elsewhere, and also ensures that future generations will too. It is about living within the carrying capacity of the environment so that how we live, work and play, does not harm, or put undue pressure on the environment. It is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to have a decent education, a quality environment that they can take pride in, good health a decent job and enjoyable leisure activities.
To be truly sustainable, a new development must strike a balance between the economic, social and environmental needs of the community. Developments that seek to conserve the environment, but which are not economically viable cannot have a long term future. This means thinking carefully about finding new ways to meet our basic requirements for jobs, homes, food, warmth, and recreation, that are equally beneficial to the environment, the economy and society.
