argumentative essay about sustainable development

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Essay on Sustainable Development: Samples in 250, 300 and 500 Words

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  • Nov 18, 2023

Essay on Sustainable Development

On 3rd August 2023, the Indian Government released its Net zero emissions target policy to reduce its carbon footprints. To achieve the sustainable development goals (SDG) , as specified by the UN, India is determined for its long-term low-carbon development strategy. Selfishly pursuing modernization, humans have frequently compromised with the requirements of a more sustainable environment.

As a result, the increased environmental depletion is evident with the prevalence of deforestation, pollution, greenhouse gases, climate change etc. To combat these challenges, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019. The objective was to improve air quality in 131 cities in 24 States/UTs by engaging multiple stakeholders.

‘Development is not real until and unless it is sustainable development.’ – Ban Ki-Moon

Sustainable Development Goals, also known as SGDs, are a list of 17 goals to build a sustained and better tomorrow. These 17 SDGs are known as the ‘World’s Best Plan’ to eradicate property, tackle climate change, and empower people for global welfare.

This Blog Includes:

What is sustainable development, essay on sustainable development in 250 words, 300 words essay on sustainable development, 500 words essay on sustainable development, what are sdgs, introduction, conclusion of sustainable development essay, importance of sustainable development, examples of sustainable development.

As the term simply explains, Sustainable Development aims to bring a balance between meeting the requirements of what the present demands while not overlooking the needs of future generations. It acknowledges nature’s requirements along with the human’s aim to work towards the development of different aspects of the world. It aims to efficiently utilise resources while also meticulously planning the accomplishment of immediate as well as long-term goals for human beings, the planet as well and future generations. In the present time, the need for Sustainable Development is not only for the survival of mankind but also for its future protection. 

To give you an idea of the way to deliver a well-written essay, we have curated a sample on sustainable development below, with 250 words:

To give you an idea of the way to deliver a well-written essay, we have curated a sample on sustainable development below, with 300+ words:

Essay on Sustainable Development

We all remember the historical @BTS_twt speech supporting #Youth2030 initiative to empower young people to use their voices for change. Tomorrow, #BTSARMY 💜 will be in NYC🗽again for the #SDGmoment at #UNGA76 Live 8AM EST welcome back #BTSARMY 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/pUnBni48bq — The Sustainable Development Goals #SDG🫶 (@ConnectSDGs) September 19, 2021

To give you an idea of the way to deliver a well-written essay, we have curated a sample on sustainable development below, with 500 + words:

Essay on Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs are a list of 17 goals to build a better world for everyone. These goals are developed by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations. Let’s have a look at these sustainable development goals.

  • Eradicate Poverty
  • Zero Hunger
  • Good Health and Well-being
  • Quality Education
  • Gender Equality
  • Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Affordable and Clean Energy
  • Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • Reduced Inequalities
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Climate Action
  • Life Below Water
  • Life on Land
  • Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • Partnership for the Goals

Essay Format

Before drafting an essay on Sustainable Development, students need to get familiarised with the format of essay writing, to know how to structure the essay on a given topic. Take a look at the following pointers which elaborate upon the format of a 300-350 word essay.

Introduction (50-60 words) In the introduction, students must introduce or provide an overview of the given topic, i.e. highlighting and adding recent instances and questions related to sustainable development. Body of Content (100-150 words) The area of the content after the introduction can be explained in detail about why sustainable development is important, its objectives and highlighting the efforts made by the government and various institutions towards it.  Conclusion (30-40 words) In the essay on Sustainable Development, you must add a conclusion wrapping up the content in about 2-3 lines, either with an optimistic touch to it or just summarizing what has been talked about above.

How to write the introduction of a sustainable development essay? To begin with your essay on sustainable development, you must mention the following points:

  • What is sustainable development?
  • What does sustainable development focus on?
  • Why is it useful for the environment?

How to write the conclusion of a sustainable development essay? To conclude your essay on sustainable development, mention why it has become the need of the hour. Wrap up all the key points you have mentioned in your essay and provide some important suggestions to implement sustainable development.

The importance of sustainable development is that it meets the needs of the present generations without compromising on the needs of the coming future generations. Sustainable development teaches us to use our resources correctly. Listed below are some points which tell us the importance of sustainable development.

  • Focuses on Sustainable Agricultural Methods – Sustainable development is important because it takes care of the needs of future generations and makes sure that the increasing population does not put a burden on Mother Earth. It promotes agricultural techniques such as crop rotation and effective seeding techniques.
  • Manages Stabilizing the Climate – We are facing the problem of climate change due to the excessive use of fossil fuels and the killing of the natural habitat of animals. Sustainable development plays a major role in preventing climate change by developing practices that are sustainable. It promotes reducing the use of fossil fuels which release greenhouse gases that destroy the atmosphere.
  • Provides Important Human Needs – Sustainable development promotes the idea of saving for future generations and making sure that resources are allocated to everybody. It is based on the principle of developing an infrastructure that is can be sustained for a long period of time.
  • Sustain Biodiversity – If the process of sustainable development is followed, the home and habitat of all other living animals will not be depleted. As sustainable development focuses on preserving the ecosystem it automatically helps in sustaining and preserving biodiversity.
  • Financial Stability – As sustainable development promises steady development the economies of countries can become stronger by using renewable sources of energy as compared to using fossil fuels, of which there is only a particular amount on our planet.

Mentioned below are some important examples of sustainable development. Have a look:

  • Wind Energy – Wind energy is an easily available resource. It is also a free resource. It is a renewable source of energy and the energy which can be produced by harnessing the power of wind will be beneficial for everyone. Windmills can produce energy which can be used to our benefit. It can be a helpful source of reducing the cost of grid power and is a fine example of sustainable development. 
  • Solar Energy – Solar energy is also a source of energy which is readily available and there is no limit to it. Solar energy is being used to replace and do many things which were first being done by using non-renewable sources of energy. Solar water heaters are a good example. It is cost-effective and sustainable at the same time.
  • Crop Rotation – To increase the potential of growth of gardening land, crop rotation is an ideal and sustainable way. It is rid of any chemicals and reduces the chances of disease in the soil. This form of sustainable development is beneficial to both commercial farmers and home gardeners.
  • Efficient Water Fixtures – The installation of hand and head showers in our toilets which are efficient and do not waste or leak water is a method of conserving water. Water is essential for us and conserving every drop is important. Spending less time under the shower is also a way of sustainable development and conserving water.
  • Sustainable Forestry – This is an amazing way of sustainable development where the timber trees that are cut by factories are replaced by another tree. A new tree is planted in place of the one which was cut down. This way, soil erosion is prevented and we have hope of having a better, greener future.

Related Articles

 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015. These include: No Poverty Zero Hunger Good Health and Well-being Quality Education Gender Equality Clean Water and Sanitation Affordable and Clean Energy Decent Work and Economic Growth Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Reduced Inequality Sustainable Cities and Communities Responsible Consumption and Production Climate Action Life Below Water Life on Land Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Partnerships for the Goals

The SDGs are designed to address a wide range of global challenges, such as eradicating extreme poverty globally, achieving food security, focusing on promoting good health and well-being, inclusive and equitable quality education, etc.

India is ranked #111 in the Sustainable Development Goal Index 2023 with a score of 63.45.

Hence, we hope that this blog helped you understand the key features of an essay on sustainable development. If you are interested in Environmental studies and planning to pursue sustainable tourism courses , take the assistance of Leverage Edu ’s AI-based tool to browse through a plethora of programs available in this specialised field across the globe and find the best course and university combination that fits your interests, preferences and aspirations. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session

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Home — Essay Samples — Business — Community Development — Sustainable Development

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Sustainable Development

  • Categories: Community Development

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Words: 889 |

Published: Oct 22, 2018

Words: 889 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited

  • United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
  • United Nations Development Programme. (2021). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals
  • World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Our Common Future (Brundtland Report). Retrieved from https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf
  • Speth, J. G. (2008). The bridge at the edge of the world: Capitalism, the environment, and crossing from crisis to sustainability. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
  • Sachs, J. D. (2015). The age of sustainable development. New York, NY: Columbia University Press.
  • Steffen, W., et al. (2015). Planetary boundaries: Guiding human development on a changing planet. Science, 347(6223), 1259855.
  • Rockström, J., et al. (2009). Planetary boundaries: Exploring the safe operating space for humanity. Ecology and Society, 14(2), 32.
  • Greenpeace. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.org/
  • Sierra Club. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sierraclub.org/
  • UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. (n.d.). UAE Green Growth Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/our-initiatives/sustainable-development/UAE-Green-Growth-Strategy

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argumentative essay about sustainable development

Essay On Sustainable Development

500 words essay on  sustainable development.

Sustainable development is basically an action plan which helps us to achieve sustainability in any activity which makes use of the resource. Moreover, it also demands immediate and intergenerational replication. Through essay on sustainable development, we will help you understand the concept and its advantages.

Through sustainable development, we formulate organising principles which help to sustain the limited resources essential to provide for the needs of our future generations. As a result, they will be able to lead a content life on the planet .

essay on sustainable development

What is Sustainable Development?

The World Commission on Environment and Development popularized this concept in 1987. Their report defines the idea as a “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”

In other words, they aimed to prevent the stripping the natural world of resources which the future generations will require. As we all know that usually, one particular need drives development. Consequently, the wider future impacts are not considered.

As a result, a lot of damage happens due to this type of approach. Thus, the longer we continue to pursue unsustainable development, the more severe will the consequences be. One of the most common is climate change which is being debated widely worldwide.

In fact, climate change is already wreaking havoc on our surroundings. So, the need of the hour is sustainable development. We must ask ourselves, must we leave a scorched planet with an ailing environment for our future generations?

In order to undo the mess created by us, we must follow sustainable development. This will help us promote a more social, environmental and economical thinking. Most importantly, it is not that difficult to attain this.

We must see that world as a system which connects space, and time. Basically, it helps you understand that water pollution in South Africa will ultimately impact water quality in India. Similarly, it is the case for other things as well.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Measures to Practice Sustainable Development

There are many measures to take up for practising sustainable development. To begin with, it is important to ensure clean and hygienic living and working conditions for the people.

Next, sponsoring research on environmental issues which pertains to regions. Further, ensuring safety against known and proven industrial hazards. It is also important to find economical methods to salvage dangerous industrial wastes.

Most importantly, we must encourage afforestation . Including environmental education as part of the school and college curriculum will also help. Similarly, it is essential to socialize and humanize all environmental issues.

Further, we must encourage uses of non-conventional sources of energy, especially solar energy. Looking for substitutes for proven dangerous materials on the basis of local resources and needs will help. Likewise, we must produce environment-friendly products.

It is also essential to popularize the use of organic fertilizers and other biotechniques. Finally, the key is environmental management which must be monitored and ensure accountability.

Conclusion of Essay on Sustainable Development

To sum it up, sustainable development continuously seeks to achieve social and economic progress in ways which will not exhaust the Earth’s finite natural resources. Thus, we must all develop ways to meet these needs so that our future generations can inherit a healthier and greener planet.

FAQ on Essay on Sustainable Development

Question 1: State two measures we can take for sustainable development.

Answer 1: The first measure we can take is by finding economical methods for salvaging hazardous industrial wastes. Next, we must encourage afforestation.

Question 2: What is the aim of sustainable development?

Answer 2 : The aim of sustainable development is to maximise human well-being or quality of life without having to risk the life support system.

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What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary?

By India Willsher Categories: Environment & Nature August 25, 2023, 4:00 PM

What is sustainable development

The UN’s sustainable development goals are a universal call to action to end poverty and social inequality while tackling climate change. Learn what sustainable development is and how it can be achieved.

In an era where headlines are dominated by tales of climate change, resource depletion , and vanishing wildlife and ecosystem diversity , the concept of sustainable development has emerged as a beacon of hope for our planet’s future.

For many, this term might seem like just another buzzword, or perhaps a vague ideal that sounds too good to be true. But for those who dig deeper into the environmental movement and the dire needs of our world, it’s clear that sustainable development is not only crucial but completely attainable .

At the intersection of economic growth, environmental integrity and societal wellbeing, sustainable development charts a path towards a world where humans and nature coexist harmoniously. Below, we unpack the significance of this concept, and why championing its cause is essential for the survival and flourishing of our civilization and the Earth.

What Is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future.

Sustainable development is an approach to development that balances different needs against an awareness of the environmental, social and economic limitations we face as a society.

Examples of sustainable development include:

  • investing in various types of renewable energy such as solar energy , hydropower , wind or biomass fuels
  • creating more green cities and green spaces like parks where plants and wildlife can thrive
  • promoting sustainable agriculture and farming methods such as crop rotation

A commonly referenced definition comes from the Brundtland Report : “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs .”

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What are CSA farms? Community Supported Agriculture refers to a farming operation in which growers and consumers join forces to…

The Flip Side: What Is Unsustainable Development?

What is sustainable development? The 17 SDGs were developed to set specific goals to work toward it.

Unsustainable development occurs when current progress is at the expense of future generations. Unsustainable development includes unsystematic planning that causes environmental degradation , such as the use of fossil fuels , or farming methods that cause damage to animals and ecosystems, such as industrial slash-and-burn farming .

In 2015, all UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda proposes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on tackling climate change and ending poverty.

The UN’s SDGs are:

  • Zero Hunger
  • Good Health and Well-Being
  • Quality Education
  • Gender Equality
  • Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Affordable and Clean Energy
  • Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Reduced Inequalities
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Climate Action
  • Life Below Water
  • Life on Land
  • Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • Partnerships for the Goals

Overall, the development goals recognize strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, erase hunger and spur economic growth.

Why is Sustainable Development Important?

Sustainable development focuses on promoting sustainable farming methods that will not lead to environmental degradation.

The world is facing serious environmental challenges including climate change, freshwater depletion, ocean over-fishing , deforestation , water and air pollution and hunger. Sustainable development is crucial as it focuses on improving human-environment interaction by prioritizing the management and protection of the earth’s natural resources for future generations, as well as for the millions of other species on our planet.

By promoting stable economic growth, conservation of natural resources, environmental protection and social progress and equality, we can conserve and enhance our natural resources so that all countries can meet basic needs of employment, food, energy, water and sanitation.

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How Can the US Achieve Sustainable Development?

The UNs' 17 sustainable development goals work to improve social inequality whilst tackling climate change and protecting the environment.

The US was ranked 35th globally on sustainable development out of 162 countries in 2019. The ranking is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which were unanimously adopted in 2015 by the 193 member states of the United Nations. Issues such as poverty, income inequalities, and universal access to healthcare and other public services are areas that the US needs to improve.

President Joe Biden, who entered office in 2021, promised to aim for sustainable development with economic transformations including the promotion of opportunity and inclusive economic growth, while addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.

Compared to other developed countries — or countries in the Global North — America ranks low in regard to social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Social inequality is high, and there are substantial gaps between the richest and the poorest in society. For example, the richest ten percent of people in the US own 70 percent of the country’s wealth.

Today, more than two million Americans live without running water and basic indoor plumbing, and many more live without sanitation. This can easily be interpreted as environmental racism , as these communities largely comprise marginalized people in low-income and rural areas, people of color and Indigenous communities.

Environmental sustainability is weak because powerful corporate lobbies for fossil fuels and heavy industry have precedence over sustainable environmental development.

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Sustainable Development Essay

500+ words essay on sustainable development.

Sustainable development is a central concept. It is a way of understanding the world and a method for solving global problems. The world population continues to rise rapidly. This increasing population needs basic essential things for their survival such as food, safe water, health care and shelter. This is where the concept of sustainable development comes into play. Sustainable development means meeting the needs of people without compromising the ability of future generations. In this essay on sustainable development, students will understand what sustainable development means and how we can practise sustainable development. Students can also access the list of CBSE essay topics to practise more essays.

What Does Sustainable Development Means?

The term “Sustainable Development” is defined as the development that meets the needs of the present generation without excessive use or abuse of natural resources so that they can be preserved for the next generation. There are three aims of sustainable development; first, the “Economic” which will help to attain balanced growth, second, the “Environment”, to preserve the ecosystem, and third, “Society” which will guarantee equal access to resources to all human beings. The key principle of sustainable development is the integration of environmental, social, and economic concerns into all aspects of decision-making.

Need for Sustainable Development?

There are several challenges that need attention in the arena of economic development and environmental depletion. Hence the idea of sustainable development is essential to address these issues. The need for sustainable development arises to curb or prevent environmental degradation. It will check the overexploitation and wastage of natural resources. It will help in finding alternative sources to regenerate renewable energy resources. It ensures a safer human life and a safer future for the next generation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need to keep sustainable development at the very core of any development strategy. The pandemic has challenged the health infrastructure, adversely impacted livelihoods and exacerbated the inequality in the food and nutritional availability in the country. The immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic enabled the country to focus on sustainable development. In these difficult times, several reform measures have been taken by the Government. The State Governments also responded with several measures to support those affected by the pandemic through various initiatives and reliefs to fight against this pandemic.

How to Practise Sustainable Development?

The concept of sustainable development was born to address the growing and changing environmental challenges that our planet is facing. In order to do this, awareness must be spread among the people with the help of many campaigns and social activities. People can adopt a sustainable lifestyle by taking care of a few things such as switching off the lights when not in use; thus, they save electricity. People must use public transport as it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. They should save water and not waste food. They build a habit of using eco-friendly products. They should minimise waste generation by adapting to the principle of the 4 R’s which stands for refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle.

The concept of sustainable development must be included in the education system so that students get aware of it and start practising a sustainable lifestyle. With the help of empowered youth and local communities, many educational institutions should be opened to educate people about sustainable development. Thus, adapting to a sustainable lifestyle will help to save our Earth for future generations. Moreover, the Government of India has taken a number of initiatives on both mitigation and adaptation strategies with an emphasis on clean and efficient energy systems; resilient urban infrastructure; water conservation & preservation; safe, smart & sustainable green transportation networks; planned afforestation etc. The Government has also supported various sectors such as agriculture, forestry, coastal and low-lying systems and disaster management.

Students must have found this essay on sustainable development useful for practising their essay writing skills. They can get the study material and the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams, at BYJU’S.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sustainable development Essay

Why is sustainable development a hot topic for discussion.

Environment change and constant usage of renewable energy have become a concern for all of us around the globe. Sustainable development must be inculcated in young adults so that they make the Earth a better place.

What will happen if we do not practise sustainable development?

Landfills with waste products will increase and thereby there will be no space and land for humans and other species/organisms to thrive on.

What are the advantages of sustainable development?

Sustainable development helps secure a proper lifestyle for future generations. It reduces various kinds of pollution on Earth and ensures economic growth and development.

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Sustainability Argumentative Essays Samples For Students

53 samples of this type

Over the course of studying in college, you will definitely have to craft a bunch of Argumentative Essays on Sustainability. Lucky you if putting words together and organizing them into meaningful text comes easy to you; if it's not the case, you can save the day by finding a previously written Sustainability Argumentative Essay example and using it as a model to follow.

This is when you will definitely find WowEssays' free samples directory extremely helpful as it embodies numerous expertly written works on most various Sustainability Argumentative Essays topics. Ideally, you should be able to find a piece that meets your criteria and use it as a template to build your own Argumentative Essay. Alternatively, our competent essay writers can deliver you a unique Sustainability Argumentative Essay model written from scratch according to your custom instructions.

Example Of Argumentative Essay On Protect the city of Baltimore

Councilman Kraft James who is also the chairman of the judicial and legislative investigations committee has been a frustrated man since 2008. His frustrations accrue to lack of progress in Baltimore despite the many attempts, numerous meetings and set legislature (Tim par3).Tim Wheeler, an environmental reporter in Chesapeake bay, uses Kraft’s James frustrations to describe the real situation in the city. The city has officially been declared as ‘harbor impaired’ by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Sample Argumentative Essay On The Future Of Green Architecture

Introduction, theatre studies argumentative essay examples, technology and its impact on live performing arts.

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Urban Sustainability In Vancouver Argumentative Essay Example

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»WHILE THE ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS OF PUBLICLY LISTED COMPANIES RESEMBLE THOSE OF DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNMENTS, IN PRACTICE, THESE MECHANISMS ARE OFTEN LARGELY INEFFECTIVE.«

Introduction 3

The Concept of Accountability 4 Governance and its Relationship to Accountability 5 Publicly listed companies and accountability 6 Accountability with regards to various participants 9 The Challenges of Technology 11 Conclusion 12

Bibliography 14

Free passive energy designs maximize economical and environmental attributes of contemporary architecture argumentative essay: top-quality sample to follow, introduction.

My research will examine techniques that optimize financial, environmental, quality, and energy aspects of contemporary architecture. The work of Norman Foster and Partners will be considered in detail. This award-winning firm has many high-profile projects concerned with energy efficacy. I will examine Foster designed buildings in order to better understand strategies for maximizing savings and encasing ecological conservation through passive solar design.

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Introduction Since the 90s of last century, the European Union as a whole and each of the participating countries have begun to implement various initiatives in the area of ​​climate change. In early 2000, the Commission launches the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP), in which collaboration has been initiated with the industries, organizations for the protection of the environment and other concerned agencies. The purpose of co-operation - identify cost-effective measures to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

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As the need for energy conservation and preservation of the environment becomes more popular, many countries and firms are now utilizing renewable energy in order to generate power. Renewable energy, also known as green energy, is defined as the energy that comes from natural resources which can be replenished constantly, such as sunlight, tides, wind, biomass, and geothermal heat. Because the sources of this energy can be constantly renewed, it can be said that this type of energy cannot be exhausted completely (Ciolkosz).

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What is global warming, and how is it affecting the Earth and its inhabitants? Global warming is sometimes referred to as the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is the absorption of energy radiated from the Earth's surface by carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere, causing the atmosphere to become warmer. The greenhouse effect is what is causing the temperature on the Earth to rise, and creating many problems that will begin to occur in the coming decades.

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Vegetarianism, in essence, is the voluntary abstinence of a person from eating meat products. Vegetarianism has been shown to have tremendous health benefits as a practice, and is often employed as a more ethical and sustainable diet than carnivorous diets. It is a preferable lifestyle compared to being carnivorous or omnivorous, as it also means taking a stand against animal slaughter.

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Vegetarianism, in essence, is the voluntary abstinence of a person from eating meat products. There are many different facets of vegetarianism, but the activity itself has been found in many cultures throughout human history. In Western cultures, in particular, it is finding significant support, as more and more people in America and other countries choose to eat only vegetables (and optionally dairy). Vegetarianism has been shown to have tremendous health benefits as a practice, and is often employed as a more ethical and sustainable diet than carnivorous diets. Because of these reasons, vegetarianism is a preferable lifestyle compared to being carnivorous or omnivorous.

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  • SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
  • DEVELOPMENT & SOCIETY
  • PEACE & SECURITY
  • HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
  • HUMAN RIGHTS

Debate: Is Sustainable Development Still Relevant?

sustainable-development

It is hard to believe but sustainable development will celebrate its 25th birthday in 2012.

The World Commission on Environment and Development, commonly referred to as the Brundtland Commission , defined the concept as development “that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”, and at the same time takes into account the needs of the poor in the developing world.

Even if it might still be next to impossible to come up with a user-friendly consensus definition of an idea as complex and complicated as sustainable development, it may be worthwhile to reflect on its relevance as a concept almost a quarter of a century after the term was coined with the release of the Commission’s Our Common Future report in 1987.

What important trends in global environmental governance might we highlight as we reflect on this question?

I would first start with the fact that we will have added two billion people to the planet since the Brundtland report. The seven billionth person will be born sometime in 2011, despite falling birthrates in many industrialized countries. As a recent issue of National Geographic Magazine points out , the less developed world will account for more than 95 percent of future population growth. Perhaps we need to discuss equity between the rich and poor in the present time rather than framing sustainable development as inter-generational equity as we did 25 years ago.

Another critically important trend has been the emerging economic footprint of China, India, Brazil, and other emerging economies in the global economic landscape. China, most notably, replaced Japan as the second largest economy in the world. This is a bit ironic given that at the time of Our Common Future’s publication, Japan was regarded by many observers as the economic superpower that was bound to challenge the United States and Europe for global economic and business supremacy. China is widely expected to overtake the US as the largest economy in the world within two decades (or less if China continues to grow at nearly 10% a year and the US continues to have an anaemic 2.5% annual growth rate).

What may arguably be more dramatic than the changes in the global economic landscape in the past 25 years is the scientific consensus over the global environmental, social, and yes, even economic, impacts of climate change.

Buried amidst the floods in Australia and Brazil and the historic drought that continues to plague parts of Africa and the Middle East was the news that 2010 was the planet’s wettest year in the historical record, and tied 2005 as the hottest year since record-keeping began in 1880.

Perhaps it is unrealistic for any single concept to fully capture the complex array of global environmental governance dilemmas, and maybe it is not even worth trying.

But, what do you think?

Jacob Park teaches at Green Mountain College in Vermont and is a senior fellow at the Environmental Leadership Program and associate fellow at the Asia Society , among others. E-mail him at [email protected].

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Fairness and Futurity: Essays on Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice

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Fairness and Futurity: Essays on Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice

1 Sustainable Development as a Contested Concept

  • Published: April 1999
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Here Michael Jacobs notes that sustainable development has come to mean all things to all people but argues this does not mean it has no theoretical or policy relevance. It is a ‘contested’ rather than an empty concept, and Jacobs identifies four ‘faultlines’ that produce two distinct conceptions of sustainable development which he calls ‘radical’ and ‘conservative’. The faultlines are: limits to growth, environmental protection, equity, and participation. Jacobs argues in favour of the radical conception.

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Introductory essay

Written by the educators who created Ecofying Cities, a brief look at the key facts, tough questions and big ideas in their field. Begin this TED Study with a fascinating read that gives context and clarity to the material.

Right now, our economy operates as Paul Hawken said, "by stealing the future, selling it in the present and calling it GDP." And if we have another eight billion or seven billion people, living on a planet where their cities also steal the future, we're going to run out of future really fast. But if we think differently, I think that, in fact, we can have cities that are not only zero emissions, but have unlimited possibilities as well. Alex Steffen

The urgency of urban planning today

Within a few decades' time, we can expect the planet to become more crowded, resources more precious, and innovative urban planners increasingly important. By midcentury, the global population will likely top nine billion, and more than half will live in cities. What will these cities look like? Will we have the resources to power them and comfortably provide for their residents? Will global urbanization harmonize with efforts to curb climate change and secure a sustainable future, or are these forces hurtling towards a head-on collision?

The TED speakers featured in Ecofying Cities underscore the urgency, but also suggest that some optimism's in order as they outline the issues and offer imaginative solutions.

There's no single reason for or response to the complex environmental, economic and social challenges that are part of our future in cities. They call for multiple approaches, originating from different sources — individuals, communities, governments, businesses — and deployed at different levels — in the home, the neighborhood, the city, region, nation and across the globe — to respond to the challenges at hand. As Alex Steffen reminds the urban planners, architects, designers, elected leaders and others involved in the effort, "All those cities are opportunities."

Urbanism and the environment: A brief history

For centuries, successful city-building has required careful attention to the environmental consequences of urban development. Without this, as Jared Diamond demonstrated in Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed , a city inevitably ended up fouling its nest, thus entering a spiral of epidemics, economic hardship, decline and, ultimately, oblivion. Civilizations evolved different ways of dealing with environmental considerations — some with more success than others. For example, thanks to elaborate aqueducts and sewer systems, the Romans were able to build and sustain for centuries large cities that featured a reliable public water supply and state-of-the-art public health conditions.

In other civilizations, however, residents simply abandoned cities when they could no longer rely on their environment to supply the resources they needed. Often this was a direct result of their own activities: for example, deforestation and the attendant erosion of fertile soil, epidemics due to contaminated water and, with the advent of coal-fired industrialization, air pollution.

Urban planning got its start as a profession largely dedicated to averting different types of crises arising from urban growth and providing conditions for public health. This was particularly true in the many 19th century European and North American cities transformed by industrialization and unprecedented rates of population growth. Rapidly deteriorating air and water quality made it necessary to introduce regulations to protect the health of the residents of these cities.

The planners' first-generation improvements included sewers, water treatment and distribution, and improved air quality through building codes and increased urban green space. It's especially remarkable today to think that these interventions were adopted in response to observable health consequences, but without knowledge of the contamination mechanisms at work: germ theory didn't arrive on the scene until Louis Pasteur published his work in the 1860s. From the late 19th century onward Pasteur's findings bolstered the case for even more urban sanitation improvements, particularly those designed to improve water quality.

Starting in the 1950s, however, planners no longer narrowly targeted immediate health effects on urban residents as their chief environmental concern. Their work also absorbed and reflected Western society's deeper understanding of, and respect for, natural processes and growing awareness of the long-term environmental impacts of cities from the local to the planetary scale.

Rachel Carson is often credited as the first to popularize environmentalism. Published in 1962, her landmark book Silent Spring sounded a warning call about how pesticides endanger birds and entire ecological systems. Soon after, air pollution became a rallying point for environmentalists, as did the loss of large tracks of rural and natural land to accelerated, sprawling development. Today, sustainable development and smart growth, which largely overlap and address multiple environmental considerations, enjoy wide currency; most urban planning is now based on these principles.

Today, as we reckon with population growth, advancing rates of urbanization, and widespread recognition of climate change, we know that the cities of the future share a common destiny. The choices we make about how we build, inhabit and maintain these cities will have global and long-term effects.

Sustainable development: Two schools of thought

In modern urban planning, there are two general categories of sustainable development. The first doesn't challenge the present dynamics of the city, allowing them to remain largely low-density and automobile-oriented, but still makes them the object of measures aimed to reduce their environmental load (for example, green construction practices). Ian McHarg spearheaded this approach as a way to develop urban areas in harmony with natural systems; the planning principles he formulated gave special care to the preservation of water and green space. His lasting influence is visible in many of the more enlightened suburban developments of recent decades which respect the integrity of natural systems. Today, the Landscape Urbanism movement promotes these same ideas.

A second school of urban development focuses on increasing urban density and reducing reliance on the automobile. This approach advocates transit-oriented and mixed-use development along pedestrian-friendly "complete streets." On a regional scale, it aims to reduce sprawl by creating a network of higher-density multifunctional centers interconnected by public transit. Today, it's common for plans with a metropolitan scope to follow this approach.

Studying the city: About these materials

Cities are arguably the most complex human creation (with the possible exception of language) so it's not surprising that we study them at multiple scales and from diverse perspectives. We can approach cities through a narrow focus on an individual building or a neighborhood, expand the investigation to consider a metropolitan region in its entirety, or study the global system of cities and its interconnections. What's more, we can think about cities as built environments, social networks, modified ecologies, economic systems and political entities. Aware of the multiple ways that we engage with cities, the Romans had two words to refer to them: urbs referred to the physical city with its wall and buildings, and civitas , the city as a collection of residents.

Ecofying Cities explores urban areas at different scales. In some cases, the TED speaker focuses on a neighborhood project, like The High Line in Manhattan; others describe city-wide transformation, as in Curitiba, Brazil, or a regional or national initiative like China's plan for a network of eco-cities to house its growing urban population. Likewise, the talks explore cities from different disciplinary perspectives including urban planning, urban design, transportation planning, architecture, community organization and environmental science. What unites them all? A commitment to sustainability and a belief that sustainability is more about creating positive effects rather than reducing negative impacts.

The message emanating from Ecofying Cities is one of complexity, optimism and uncertainty. We can't be sure that the changes these speakers suggest will be enough to help us balance supply and demand in the sustainability equation. But we can expect that their ideas and efforts will improve the built environment — as well as quality of life — in cities, thereby providing hopeful perspectives for a sustainable future.

Let´s begin with writer and futurist Alex Steffen´s TEDTalk "The Sharable Future of Cities" for a look at the interplay between increasing urban density and energy consumption.

The shareable future of cities

Alex Steffen

The shareable future of cities, relevant talks.

Retrofitting suburbia

Ellen Dunham-Jones

Retrofitting suburbia.

A song of the city

Jaime Lerner

A song of the city.

The ghastly tragedy of the suburbs

James Howard Kunstler

The ghastly tragedy of the suburbs.

Greening the ghetto

Majora Carter

Greening the ghetto.

Using nature's genius in architecture

Michael Pawlyn

Using nature's genius in architecture.

Building a park in the sky

Robert Hammond

Building a park in the sky.

Cradle to cradle design

William McDonough

Cradle to cradle design.

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argumentative essay about sustainable development

Why do the Sustainable Development Goals matter?

The environment underlies each of those goals – from eliminating hunger to reducing inequalities to building sustainable communities around the world.

UNEP is committed to working with all concerned parties to support the achievement of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We promote environmental sustainability as a crucial enabling factor in implementing the SDGs and ensuring the health of our planet. We build countries’ capacities to track their progress toward the goals, and we aim to ensure that the environment is integrated into all aspects of sustainable development.

Four core principles underpin UNEP’s approach to the 2030 Agenda:

Universality: The 2030 Agenda is global in nature and universally applicable, taking into account different national realities, levels of development, and respecting national policies and priorities. It is a shared agenda that requires a collective response, with countries developing their own pathways to national targets. This will require strengthened governance practice and institutions.

Integration: The 2030 Agenda moves beyond acting as if sustainable development is about three disconnected pillars. Approaches must balance and integrate the social, environmental and economic dimensions, also looking at governance, and interconnect the areas.

Human rights and equity: Inequalities are not just determined by economics. To achieve basic levels of goods and services for all; better redistribution of wealth and resources (both within and between countries); and equitable access to opportunities, information and rule of law, new approaches that build capacities at all level of society are needed.

Innovation: Innovative pathways are needed to allow countries to leap forward. The acceleration and transfer of technological innovations is a common concern.

In 2018, UNEP and other partners developed  Goodlife Goals . The  Good Life Goals  are a set of personal actions that people around the world can take to help support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are lifestyle asks for individuals that are carefully aligned with the  SDGs’ 169 targets and indicators .

To learn more, check out our Frequently asked questions . 

Related Sustainable Development Goals

argumentative essay about sustainable development

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Against ‘Sustainability’

By Jeremy Butman

  • Aug. 8, 2016

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Among the many stories that can be told about the origins of the environmental movement in the West, perhaps the most common is that it began with the emergence of Romanticism in the late 18th century. In this version, environmentalism was born as the good twin to evil industrialization. Today, when we talk about ecological sustainability and environmental preservation, we typically still understand them in terms of a battle between nature and industry.

For environmental thinkers, the prequel to this origin story involves Descartes, and he is an arch-villain. By restricting the sphere of knowledge to only “clear and distinct ideas,” Descartes in effect reduced the natural world to its mathematical aspect. In doing so, he set the stage for a purely scientific, technological worldview, cleared the way for the domination of nature by industry, and prepared philosophy for Nietzsche’s dramatic declaration of the death of God.

This story has been told ad nauseam in philosophy classrooms and in books of environmental thought. What is given less consideration is the way that, as the Christian God retreated after Descartes, the attributes traditionally ascribed to Him — goodness, perfection and permanence — were in different ways transposed onto the body of nature.

Such idealizations of nature can be found in the work of the German Romantics (like Schiller, Hölderlin and Goethe), the English Romantics (Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, et al) and later in that of the American transcendentalists, most notably Emerson and Thoreau. Much of this work directly counters the philosophical view of nature that reigned in centuries before them.

For Aristotle, the primary principle of nature — “physis” — is change, and what changes can never be perfect: If a perfect form were to change, it would necessarily become imperfect. For Hobbes, writing in the 17th century, the state of nature was harsh, and man’s life in that pure state, “nasty, brutish and short.” According to Hobbes, a person who chose to live in the woods would thereby renounce the very thing that made her human, and forfeit her ability to reach the divine.

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argumentative essay about sustainable development

* Acknowledging that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the primary international, intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change.

United Nations Sustainable Development Logo

Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change , environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are all interconnect ed, and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve them all by 2030. Click on any specific Goal below to learn more about each issue and take action.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 1: No Poverty

Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty eradication.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 4: Quality Education

Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Investments in infrastructure are crucial to achieving sustainable development.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Responsible Production and Consumption

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 13: Climate Action

Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 14: Life Below Water

Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 15: Life on Land

Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

argumentative essay about sustainable development

Goal 17: Partnerships

Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Electric Car Speech: the Future of Sustainable Transportation

How it works

So, we’re kinda at this big turning point with cars right now. Electric cars are at the front of this change. They’re not just about ditching gasoline; they’re about changing how we think about getting around. In this essay, I’ll look at the good stuff, the tough stuff, and what’s next for electric cars. Trust me, they’re a big part of our future if we wanna keep things green.

  • 1 The Environmental Imperative
  • 2 Technological Advancements and Economic Benefits
  • 3 Challenges and the Road Ahead
  • 4 Conclusion

The Environmental Imperative

First off, why should we care about electric cars? Well, they’re a lot better for the environment than the old gas-guzzlers.

Regular cars pump out a ton of CO2 and other nasty stuff, messing up our air and heating up the planet. Electric cars, on the other hand, don’t spit out emissions while driving. Sure, the electricity they use might come from plants that emit CO2, but overall, they’re still way better. Especially as we get more renewable energy in the mix.

Plus, switching to electric cars fits right in with global goals to fight climate change. Countries all over are setting big targets to cut down on greenhouse gases, and transportation is a big part of that. For example, the EU wants new cars to emit 37.5% less CO2 by 2030 compared to 2021. Some places, like the UK and France, even plan to ban new gas and diesel cars by 2040. So yeah, electric cars aren’t just a cool idea—they’re kinda necessary.

Technological Advancements and Economic Benefits

The tech behind electric cars has come a long way, too. Batteries are getting better, which means more energy, faster charging, and longer drives. Some electric cars can now go over 300 miles on a single charge. That’s pretty solid for both daily commutes and road trips. And things like regenerative braking, which saves energy that’d usually be lost, make them even more efficient.

Money-wise, electric cars have some perks. They might cost more upfront, but they can be cheaper in the long run. They have fewer moving parts, so there’s less that can break. No oil changes needed, and brakes last longer because of that regenerative braking thing. Plus, electricity is usually cheaper than gas, so you save money there over time.

Governments are also sweetening the deal with incentives. You can get tax credits, rebates, and sometimes access to carpool lanes. In some cities, you might even get free or cheaper parking. All these perks make electric cars more affordable and show a commitment to greener transportation.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

But it’s not all smooth sailing. One big issue is the availability of charging stations. There are more popping up, but we still need a lot more, especially in rural areas. A lot of people worry about running out of juice before finding a station—this “range anxiety” is a real thing.

There’s also the environmental impact of making and getting rid of batteries. Mining for materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be pretty harmful to the environment and communities. Plus, figuring out how to dispose of old batteries is a headache. However, better recycling methods and more sustainable materials are giving us some hope.

To tackle these issues, everyone needs to pitch in—governments, car makers, and us, the consumers. We need more investments in charging infrastructure, better battery tech, and policies that support sustainable practices. People also need to know more about the benefits of electric cars and why sustainable transportation matters.

Looking ahead, things are looking good for electric cars. With continued innovation and support, they could become the norm. The car industry is already shifting, with big names like Tesla, Nissan, and Chevy leading the way. Even traditional makers like Ford and GM are jumping on the electric bandwagon.

So, to wrap it up, electric cars are a big step towards a greener future. They cut down on emissions, have cool tech, and can save you money in the long run. Sure, there are challenges, but with everyone working together, we can overcome them. The road to widespread electric car adoption might be long, but it’s a journey worth taking for our planet and future generations.

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COMMENTS

  1. 500+ Words Essay on Sustainable Development with PDF ...

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  7. PDF DISSERTATION ESSAYS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ...

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  14. Sustainable Development as a Contested Concept

    Here Michael Jacobs notes that sustainable development has come to mean all things to all people but argues this does not mean it has no theoretical or policy relevance. It is a 'contested' rather than an empty concept, and Jacobs identifies four 'faultlines' that produce two distinct conceptions of sustainable development which he ...

  15. Introductory essay

    Introductory essay. Written by the educators who created Ecofying Cities, a brief look at the key facts, tough questions and big ideas in their field. Begin this TED Study with a fascinating read that gives context and clarity to the material. Right now, our economy operates as Paul Hawken said, "by stealing the future, selling it in the ...

  16. Why do the Sustainable Development Goals matter?

    The environment underlies each of those goals - from eliminating hunger to reducing inequalities to building sustainable communities around the world. UNEP is committed to working with all concerned parties to support the achievement of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We promote environmental sustainability as a crucial enabling factor in implementing the SDGs and ensuring ...

  17. Opinion

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  18. Sustainable development: Meaning, history, principles, pillars, and

    academic papers, as well as the slogan of development and environmental activists (Ukaga, Maser, & Reichenbach, 2011). The concept seems to have attracted the broad-based attention that other ... agenda for sustainable development, a clear definition of this concept and explanation of its key dimensions are needed (Gray, 2010; Mensah & Enu ...

  19. Sustainable Development Goals: 17 Goals to Transform our World

    Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. The manufacturing industry's recovery from COVID-19 is incomplete and uneven. Global ...

  20. Sustainability Essay

    Sustainability is defined as, "the ability to continue a defined behavior indefinitely." ("Finding and Resolving the Root Causes of the Sustainability Problem", 2014) There are three pillars that make up overall sustainability: social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Social sustainability focuses on all human needs being met and ...

  21. SDGs & Topics .:. Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform

    1.1. By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day. 1.2. By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. 1.3.

  22. Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals

    Read more about Goal 17. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those ...

  23. Electric Car Speech: the Future of Sustainable Transportation

    To tackle these issues, everyone needs to pitch in—governments, car makers, and us, the consumers. We need more investments in charging infrastructure, better battery tech, and policies that support sustainable practices. People also need to know more about the benefits of electric cars and why sustainable transportation matters.