The complexity of sustainability

Let’s look at some examples to better understand the complexities of sustainability.

In the previous step, we introduced the SDGs and discussed the three dimensions of sustainable development: environmental, social, and economic. Now, we will examine some examples to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of sustainability.

To illustrate, consider something that is commonly thought of as ‘environmentally friendly’. Perhaps a metal straw, a community garden, a solar panel, or even an electric vehicle? You might have thought of your own example.

Solar panel example

Let’s take the solar panel as an example. A solar panel might help us use energy from the sun to power our home, and so we think of it as eco-friendly. In everyday language we might even call solar panel an example of ‘sustainability’.

However, the minerals used to manufacture that solar panel were possibly mined using forced labour, in ecologically sensitive ecosystems where habitat has been destroyed, and people forcibly dispossessed of their land.

Consider – for these communities, for these ecosystems, does the production of that solar panel align with the practice of sustainable development?

Does it “meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations to meet their own needs” (WCED 1987, p43)?

Is it an example of ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’ (SDG no. 12), or contributing positively to ‘Life on Land’ (SDG no. 15)?

While individual solar power might be an example of ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’ (SDG no.7), does making electricity cheaper for those financially well-off enough to purchase individual household solar power, at the expense of others, further contribute to the economic disparity between rich and the poor, essentially undermining, the SDG of ‘No Poverty’ (SDG no. 1)?

What is true sustainability?

With this considered, can we really call all products and services that are advertised as ‘environmentally friendly’ an example of true sustainability? When we start to pull the threads of the true ecological, social, and economic costs of a product or service, we often find the answer to “is this sustainable?” far more complex that it initially seems. So, how might we consider the wider principals of sustainable development to ensure that we are working towards truer sustainability?

Some may be concerned that taking social justice and economic prosperity into account alongside ecological goals might mean that less progress is made towards our environmental goals. If we are in an environmental crisis, shouldn’t we be putting all our attention towards the environment?

Reflect and share

Reflect on an example of something that is generally considered ‘environmentally friendly’ in your own life and comment on how it is also an example of sustainability. What principles of sustainability, or which SDGs, does your example illustrate?

For example, my tea might be considered ‘environmentally friendly’ because I buy it loose leaf from a bulk food store without plastic packaging, but it is also an example of sustainability; by helping to ensure ‘climate action’ (SDG no. 13) and ‘no poverty’ (SDG no. 1) as it is grown organically by a local farmers cooperative.

Share your thoughts in the comments section, and be sure to read and engage with the interesting perspectives shared by your peers.