importance of environmental sustainability essay

• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Climate Change
• Policy & Economics
• Biodiversity
• Conservation

Get focused newsletters especially designed to be concise and easy to digest

• ESSENTIAL BRIEFING 3 times weekly
• TOP STORY ROUNDUP Once a week
• MONTHLY OVERVIEW Once a month
• Enter your email *
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Explainer: What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important?

It seems like nowadays, the term ‘sustainable’ is used all around us – from food packaging to clothing companies and even tourism. In fact, ‘sustainability’ was one of the most-searched terms in fashion in 2019, and Google searches for the term have been on the rise, illustrating the public’s growing interest in the topic. But what is sustainability exactly and why is it so important?

What Is Sustainability

The go-to definition when discussing sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. And though you may have heard this before, many people do not know the origins of this definition in particular. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission published this particular definition of sustainability in the Brundtland report , which called for a strategy that united development and the environment. Over the years, alternative definitions have emerged, but the Brundtland report’s 1980s take on the explanation is still commonly used. 

The ‘ Three Pillars of Sustainability’ is another popular framework used to describe what sustainable development is. This tool conveys that sustainability consists of environmental, social, and economic factors that are vital when discussing the topic:

• Environmental sustainability is perhaps the most obvious of the three pillars, as it symbolises the importance of things like natural resources and biodiversity to support life on Earth. 
• Social sustainability places importance on social structures, well-being, and harmony; all factors that poverty, wars, and injustices can affect.
• Economic sustainability describes the ability of an economy to grow. This is especially important in today’s societies, at a time when many sustainable initiatives require financing and a strong economic rationale. 

In order to find solutions to ongoing sustainability issues, it is imperative that we consider all three pillars.

You might also like: We Need Sustainable Food Packaging Now. Here’s Why.

What Are the Planetary Boundaries And How Do They Relate to Sustainability?

The concept of planetary boundaries (PB) is focussed on nine aspects that humanity needs in order to thrive in the future. This idea was developed in 2009 by the Stockholm Resilience Centre and other groups: “ We propose a new approach to global sustainability in which we define planetary boundaries within which we expect that humanity can operate safely. Transgressing one or more […] may be deleterious or even catastrophic due to the risk of crossing .”

At the time when this new concept was introduced, scientists believed that humanity had already transgressed three boundaries, and was rapidly approaching several others. In 2022, a re-assessment of the PBs by fourteen scientists concluded that humanity had transgressed additional boundaries, relating to freshwater and environmental pollutants in particular.

The PBs have been widely cited in sustainability literature over the last decade, and provide an illustrative tool to track and evaluate how we are depleting the Earth’s valuable ecosystem services and precious systems. Though the tool is mainly environmentally focused, it has informed various policies and practices, including the World Business Council on Sustainable Development’s Action 2020 Strategy. In turn, this has had a knock-on effect on social and economic aspects of global policy and governance, including “financial investment, food, textiles, building, technology and household goods sectors”. 

You might also like: Sustainable Alternatives to Fast Fashion

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by the UN Member States. One of the most well-known elements of this were the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which set out various goals that the international community must work together to achieve – ranging from environmental and social to economic issues. 

We cannot discuss the SDGs without first acknowledging their predecessor – the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – set out in September 2000. These goals ranged from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. By the end of the 15-year cycle of the MDGs in 2015, the UN established an even more ambitious set of goals – the SDGs – to enter into force on 1 January 2016. While not all of the MDGs were met globally, significant progress was made in several areas.

The SDGs have been continually monitored and provide key benchmarks for us to understand how sustainability is being achieved worldwide. Overview reports are regularly published and comment on the nuances that significant events bring to achieving the SDGs (like the COVID-19 pandemic, for example). You can read the 2022 SDG Report here . 

You might also like: Why the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 Are More Important Than Ever

Why Is Sustainability Important?

So far, we’ve discussed the different ways that sustainability is defined and the tools and metrics we have developed on a global scale to measure our impact on the environment, societies, and economies worldwide. But why is sustainability important? 

Here are a few reasons, although the list could go on for a lot longer: 

• Sustainability joins social, environmental, and economic issues together throughout global discussions, ensuring that key elements do not get left behind. Focusing on aspects other than the environment alone ensures a fairer, more equitable discussion (as long as a diverse range of players is at the table). 
• Sustainability opens up new conversations between a range of people with diverse skills and thought processes – for example scientists, sociologists, and economists all have key skills to enable humanity to thrive and sustain the Earth. 
• The SDGs are an impactful way to evaluate our progress and have encouraged key ideas and strategies to flourish while remaining realistic about the next steps and improvements.

This story is funded by readers like you

Our non-profit newsroom provides climate coverage free of charge and advertising. Your one-off or monthly donations play a crucial role in supporting our operations, expanding our reach, and maintaining our editorial independence.

About EO | Mission Statement | Impact & Reach | Write for us

Top 7 Smart Cities in the World in 2024

The Green Dilemma: Can AI Fulfil Its Potential Without Harming the Environment?

How Does Overpopulation Affect Sustainability? Challenges and Solutions

Hand-picked stories weekly or monthly. We promise, no spam!

Boost this article By donating us $100, $50 or subscribe to Boosting $10/month – we can get this article and others in front of tens of thousands of specially targeted readers. This targeted Boosting – helps us to reach wider audiences – aiming to convince the unconvinced, to inform the uninformed, to enlighten the dogmatic.

Essay on Environmental Sustainability

Students are often asked to write an essay on Environmental Sustainability in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Environmental Sustainability

Understanding environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability is about making decisions that do not harm the environment. It’s about preserving nature for future generations.

Importance of Environmental Sustainability

Our survival depends on the environment. If we don’t sustain it, we risk losing resources like water and air. It’s crucial for our health and economy.

Ways to Achieve Sustainability

We can achieve sustainability by reducing waste, recycling, and using renewable energy. It’s about changing our lifestyles to protect the environment.

Environmental sustainability is crucial for our future. We all need to play our part to ensure our planet remains healthy.

Also check:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Environmental Sustainability

250 Words Essay on Environmental Sustainability

Introduction to environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability is an integral aspect of our existence, intertwined with the notion of preserving the natural world for future generations. It encapsulates the concept of stewardship, wherein we are responsible for managing the Earth’s resources responsibly and efficiently.

The Imperative of Sustainable Practices

The current environmental crisis, characterized by climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, underscores the urgency of sustainable practices. These practices aim to minimize the environmental footprint by reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting recycling. They are not merely an ethical obligation, but a necessity for human survival.

Role of Innovation in Sustainability

Innovation plays a pivotal role in environmental sustainability. Technological advancements like renewable energy, green architecture, and waste management systems pave the way for a sustainable future. They provide practical solutions to environmental problems, enabling us to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.

Individual Responsibility and Collective Action

Environmental sustainability demands individual responsibility and collective action. Each of us can contribute by adopting sustainable lifestyles, such as minimizing waste, conserving water, and reducing energy consumption. Collective action, on the other hand, involves policy changes, corporate responsibility, and international cooperation.

In conclusion, environmental sustainability is a multidimensional concept, involving the careful management of natural resources, innovative technologies, and concerted human effort. As stewards of the Earth, we must strive to ensure the sustainability of our planet for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is a concept that has grown in prominence as the world grapples with the effects of climate change. It refers to the practice of using resources in a way that preserves the environment for future generations. This includes reducing waste, promoting renewable energy, and maintaining biodiversity.

The Importance of Environmental Sustainability

The significance of environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for resources. This increased demand, coupled with unsustainable practices, has led to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. By practicing environmental sustainability, we can help ensure that future generations inherit a planet that is as rich and diverse as the one we enjoy today.

Principles of Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is underpinned by several key principles. First, we must recognize the finite nature of our planet’s resources and strive to use them sparingly. Second, we must work towards reducing waste and promoting recycling. Third, we must strive to reduce our carbon footprint and promote renewable energy. Lastly, we must value and protect our biodiversity, recognizing the intrinsic worth of all living things.

Challenges to Environmental Sustainability

Despite its importance, achieving environmental sustainability is not without its challenges. There is often a conflict between economic development and environmental protection, with many arguing that the latter hampers the former. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness and understanding about environmental issues, leading to apathy and inaction. Lastly, there is a lack of political will to implement and enforce environmental regulations.

Role of Individuals and Institutions in Promoting Environmental Sustainability

Individuals and institutions have a crucial role to play in promoting environmental sustainability. Individuals can make a difference by making sustainable choices in their daily lives, such as reducing waste, recycling, and choosing renewable energy. Institutions, on the other hand, can implement sustainable practices in their operations and advocate for environmental sustainability at the policy level.

In conclusion, environmental sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity for our survival and the survival of future generations. It requires a collective effort from individuals, institutions, and governments alike. By understanding the importance of environmental sustainability and the principles that underpin it, we can all play a part in preserving our planet for future generations.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Environmental Issues
• Essay on Environmental Hygiene
• Essay on Environmental Hazards

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Environmental Sustainability: The Importance, Issues and Benefits

Beth Howell

Beth has been writing about the environment and climate change for over four years now – with her work being featured in publications such as The BBC, Forbes, The Express, Greenpeace, and in multiple academic journals.

It's estimated that plastic releases more emissions per year than aviation and shipping , which is mostly down to its reliance on oil, contributing to climate change . And given h umans throw away 353 million tonnes of plastic per year, this figure is likely to increase in the coming years. 

Not only are we eating through fossil fuels at a rapid rate, but we are also destroying the air, land, and water quality through the emissions associated with this industry.

If we want to move away from this destruction, we need to intertwine environmental sustainability into our everyday lives.

So let's look at why environmental sustainability is crucial, how can we achieve it, the benefits of it, and the environmental challenges the planet currently faces . 

Want to find out how your brand can reduce plastic waste? Check out our guide on Capturing the Conscious Consumer , where you can find the benefits of how to introduce a sustainable strategy, advice on how to do this effectively, and ways CleanHub can help you with the transition.

What's on this page?

The importance of environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability is one of the biggest hopes we have in reversing the climatic disasters taking place on the planet right now.

To give you a better idea of how it works, let's take a look at why we need environmental sustainability for a healthy future.

There isn’t a future without environmental sustainability

Our increasing levels of waste and the rising global temperatures suggest our planet is not on a good trajectory — with some experts claiming we're heading towards the point of no return.

Without environmental sustainability, climate disasters and severe weather events will become increasingly common . We only need to look at the past couple of years to see this unfold in real-time. 

For example, more than 33% of Pakistan went underwater in 2022, due to severe floods caused by climate change. It was estimated that 33 million people were displaced and roughly 1,200 died from this disaster — and this all started with a severe heat wave that melted glaciers, followed by an extreme monsoon.

At the same time, more than 66% of Europe received a severe drought warning — the worst drought in at least 500 years. 

And in 2023, countries across the world broke records for blistering temperatures. For example, Vietnam recorded its highest temperature ever at 111.3 °F  in the south of Hanoi on 6th May, while Sanbao (a remote town in China) reached a national record of 125.96 °F. China’s capital even endured a temporary ban on outdoor work during its hottest month of the year.

This all seems very bleak — but there is hope that we can change things around. That's why cities around the world have already started working towards environmental sustainability. Find out more by visiting our page on the nine greenest cities in the world . 

Wildlife protection

People around the world have become disconnected from nature over the past century, so it's easy to forget how dependent we are on wildlife.

Everything is connected — decreasing fish populations can put large sea mammals at risk of extinction, just the same as lower smaller pollinator numbers can put human food stocks at risk.

Unfortunately, we are failing wildlife miserably at the moment. Humans are pumping out harmful emissions, destroying habitats for industrialization, wiping out ecosystems for materials, poaching animals, littering waste in the open environment, and contributing to ocean pollution. 

We urgently need to protect habitats and precious ecosystems — and here's how:

• Protect vulnerable animal populations – When laws are put in place to protect animals, populations naturally rise. The figures speak for themselves. For example, t he ban on commercial whaling in 1986 led to a strong recovery of humpback whales around the world, and now this population is thought to be around 93% of its original size
• Continue conservation efforts – We need to carry on supporting coral reefs, rebuilding wetlands, planting trees in depleted regions, and creating wildflower meadows. All of this needs to be done with expert knowledge, to make sure it's done effectively and puts wildlife first
• Introduce more legislation on protecting nature  – As well as protecting wildlife, we need to protect the nature they live in too. But this can only be effective if laws are put in place. For example, fully protected marine areas can increase the total biomass of marine life by more than 400%  
• Reduce emissions  – We drastically need to reduce our emission output to limit the impact of climate change and global warming. As the years go by, we're seeing more severe weather events, which are destroying habitats, reducing food and water supplies for animals, and causing detrimental impacts on population sizes of some animals
• Create a circular economy – Fed up of seeing plastic waste littered around the planet? The key solution is to introduce a circular economy. This way, we can feed materials back into businesses, reduce our reliance on raw materials, lower emissions, and lessen the chance of animals eating plastic

Improved human health 

It's estimated that an average of 9 million people die globally from air, water, soil, or ocean pollution each year . This clearly shows that we need environmental sustainability to not only improve our health but also remove a major threat to life. 

From breathing in polluted air to eating contaminated food, there are numerous ways in which environmental degradation is taking a toll on our lives. You can find out everything you need to know by visiting our page: How Does Plastic Impact Human Health?  

What are the benefits of environmental sustainability?

Embracing sustainability is crucial for reversing climate change. Its benefits aren’t just limited to nature either — there are also numerous commercial and financial benefits for brands and organizations. 

Here are the top benefits of environmental sustainability for businesses.

Reduced energy costs

Energy and water consume a massive chunk of organizations' finances.

When companies focus on reducing their consumption to achieve environmental sustainability in the manufacturing process, they observe long-term savings. For instance,   businesses that install solar panels can save  up to 70%  on their electricity bills , according to the Solar Trade Association.

Attracts a wider customer base

Roughly 73% of Americans  and 84% of Europeans are likely to stop purchasing from companies that don’t incorporate sustainability in their businesses and don’t care about climate change. 

This shows that sustainability is no longer a choice for brands — they need it to stay relevant in the business arena. 

And by publicizing your green initiatives, you’ll also gain a new customer base that wasn’t aware of your sustainable business practices. 

Tax benefits

Many governments around the world have acknowledged the current environmental crisis, and are providing tax incentives to companies carrying out sustainable business practices. The main ones include:

• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - This is based in the US, but the number of incentives will vary from state to state
• Council Directive 2003/96/EC - This is available for countries in the European Union (EU)

Improves workforce morale 

Introducing sustainability in a business is a collaborative effort. When teams within organizations work and collaborate toward developing green initiatives, they feel a sense of pride, which improves their morale and positively impacts the corporate culture.

In fact, a recent study found that 71%  of job seekers want to work for environmentally friendly employers.

Lowers environmental impact

Having an environmentally sustainable business isn’t just about profitability and making your business look good, it can make a real difference.

By incorporating eco-friendly practices, you’ll reduce your company’s carbon footprint, which will result in fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less waste, and improved air, land, and water quality. 

How to achieve environmental sustainability

Achieving environmental sustainability isn’t possible without striving on both personal and professional levels. So here’s how you can make your life and business more sustainable:

In personal life

Change starts from within, so there’s no better way to improve the environment without changing our day-to-day lives.

Here are a few tips that you can incorporate into your daily life to help reduce your carbon footprint:

• Try to consume less — Products all require materials and energy to make them. That means it's a good place to start by reducing your overall consumption
• Find eco-friendly brands — If you do need to buy something, make sure the brand you choose has a positive environmental impact. For example, does it have a low energy rating, use limited packaging, or utilize sustainable materials?
• Try to eliminate plastic from your life — It's a good idea to start off small. For instance, getting reusable straws, cups, and grocery bags might seem like small swaps, but they have a big impact over time
• Investigate labels  for harmful materials/ingredients — This goes for all products, but especially on clothing (steer clear of polyester!)
• Avoid wasting water — You can even go a step further and recycle water where possible, or carry out rainwater harvesting
• Cut back on car emissions — An easy way to do this is by simply opting for public transport, cycling, or walking, rather than driving
• Invest in renewables for your home — Solar and wind are both much more accessible and affordable for homeowners than they were a few years ago
• Consider the carbon footprint of your diet — Reduce meat consumption (or avoid meat altogether), purchase from your local farmer’s market, and avoid wasting food
• Spread the word — The more people that do their bit for the planet, the better

In the business world

The business world is different from our personal lives, but it also has massive potential for improvement. That's why we've listed a few ways you can make your business eco-friendly:

• Assess your products — It's important to look at the whole picture too, which means you should conduct a life cycle assessment of your product or service
• Rethink your supply chain — Change the manufacturers or service providers who don’t consider environmental sustainability in their business. 
• Create an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy — More businesses are having to consider creating an ESG plan, as governments around the world introduce new laws and consumers ask for greener brands
• Get your employees involved — By making your employees a central part of your environmental sustainability strategy, you can ensure there will be change in all areas of the business
• Make your office space eco-friendly — Think greenery potted around the place, solar panels on the roof of the building, heat pumps to keep employees warm, and efficient recycling facilities in place
• Incorporate the circular economy in your manufacturing process — Not sure where to start with this? We'd recommend getting a packaging assessment from an expert, who will have the know-how when it comes to reducing waste and feeding plastic back into the economy
• Collaborate with third-party companies — These can help you improve the environment, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your plastic consumption. And that's what we do at CleanHub! Companies invest through us in the collection and safe processing of plastic waste in coastal regions. Head over to our live dashboard to see real-time data of the recovered material coming in.

Economic growth and environmental sustainability

Many conventional business practices are immensely harmful to the environment. Take plastic packaging in ecommerce , for example. A recent study found that  ecommerce generates around  4.8 times  more packaging waste than in-store purchasing. 

Even though these practices might be cheaper than a sustainable alternative, we need to ditch them to align profits with both people and the planet.

And as companies grow, and profit climbs, energy use also increases, which is often derived from non-renewable sources, such as fossil fuels, and pollutes the environment. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the business world is doomed. Brand leaders simply need to look at more innovative ways to run their ship and become more environmentally sustainable.

And sometimes, innovation isn’t even required — some brands just need to make a few small swaps around the business to incorporate sustainability into everyday operations. Simply switching to solar or wind power, instead of fossil fuels, can have a hugely beneficial impact on the environment — and it can cut costs in the long run.

The only issue is these innovations or swaps in practice is that they require initial investment. But given the expected future of businesses revolves around sustainability, this seems like an obligation, rather than a choice if companies want to stay ahead of the curve. 

ESG and environmental sustainability

More people are becoming acquainted with the terms Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) — but what exactly is it?

An ESG strategy is a framework businesses adopt to show they take the environment, social impact, and governance seriously. 

Sustainability is intertwined with the first pillar — the environment — meaning businesses need to adopt greener practices if they want to have an effective ESG strategy. 

When it comes to shaping up a business, different industries will have different priorities — for example, ecommerce drastically needs to look at its transport emissions, while the food industry should analyze how to reduce plastic packaging. 

But brands are stepping up. In fact , 96% of the world’s biggest 250 companies now report on sustainability or ESG matters , according to KPMG.

Want to learn how you can market your ESG strategy effectively? Check out our guide on how to communicate your ESG strategy . 

The bottom line

Environmental sustainability is the key to human well-being in the present and future.

The only way to reverse climate change and avoid climatic disasters is to live in harmony with nature. By compromising the planet, we are compromising our growth, development, and even survival.

We each need to assess how we can lessen our impact on the planet — on both an individual level and a business one. 

Related Posts

A Guide to Waste Management on Small Islands

With plastic pollution and waste levels ever increasing as years go by, it’s getting harder for countries to...

Interview: Dr. Tilman Floehr on Everwave's Plastic Collection

German start-up Everwave has made it its mission to prevent plastic from entering our oceans. Instead of focusing its...

Case study: Holistic Hair Rethinks Plastic in the Beauty Industry

The beauty industry is responsible for producing 120 billion packaging units each year, with only 8.7% of that plastic...

Interview: Dian Kurniawati on Waste Management in Indonesia

Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to ocean plastics in the world and plastic pollution has become one of the...

A Guide to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the UK

Governments around the world are implementing new legislation to tackle key issues around plastic pollution, helping us...

CleanHub Technology: How We Use AI To Increase Transparency

When it comes to plastic credits, transparency is key. It's important for everyone involved — the collection hubs, the...

How Does CleanHub Collect Plastic Waste?

At CleanHub, we’re on a mission to eradicate plastic pollution on our planet. We do this primarily by making sure that...

How Does Extended Producer Responsibility Work in the Philippines?

The Philippines is facing a waste crisis. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly 2.7 million tons of plastic waste are...

How to Make An Eco-Friendly Ecommerce Business With Shopify

If you’re wondering how to make your online business more eco-friendly, you’re already ahead of the game – green...

Extended Producer Responsibility: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Who should pay for products to be recycled and fed back to the circular economy? This is a complex question — one that...

Get latest articles directly in your inbox, stay up to date.

Stay up to date.

Let's get social

Our accreditation.

We're the first plastic credit system verified by TÜV SÜD

Sustainability Essay: How to Write a Great Report

The art of crafting a sustainability essay is a profound endeavor that transcends boundaries. This comprehensive guide is not limited to students alone because sustainability reports may be necessary in any sphere. It extends its reach to business managers, environmental activists, policymakers, and anyone seeking to make a positive impact on the world. As the global call for sustainability grows louder, your essay can be a powerful tool to inspire change and contribute to the larger vision of a sustainable future. Let’s explore the key elements, essential tips, and real-life examples to create a compelling and influential sustainability report.

Writing an Essay about Sustainability: What to Include?

These are the core elements of any essay about sustainability:

Defining Sustainability

At the heart of every sustainability essay lies the core definition of sustainability. To create a meaningful impact, your introduction must encompass a holistic understanding of the term. Explain how sustainability involves balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations to ensure the well-being of both present and future generations. Acknowledge that sustainable practices promote harmony between humanity and the planet, fostering resilience and longevity in our interconnected ecosystem.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

When you write a sustainability report, align it with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to give it a global context. These 17 goals serve as a compass to guide nations and organizations toward a more sustainable path. If you are writing about a specific issue, demonstrate how it relates to one or more SDGs, emphasizing its relevance and impact on broader sustainable development efforts.

Research and Data

A compelling sustainability essay requires a robust foundation of research and data. Cite credible sources to support your claims and recommendations. For instance, if you are writing about renewable energy, include statistical evidence showcasing the growth of renewable energy adoption and its positive effects on reducing carbon emissions. Use case studies and real-world examples to back your arguments, making your essay both informative and persuasive.

If you struggle with researching proper data and statistics, you can resort to online essay service for help in this issue. CustomWritings is one of such writing services. It offers online help for any type of report or essay. Professional writers can help you in conducting research to find actual data about sustainability.

Stakeholder Analysis

Recognize that sustainability is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. Address the perspectives and interests of governments, businesses, communities, NGOs, and individuals. Analyzing diverse viewpoints allows your essay to present a comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling sustainability challenges.

Environmental Sustainability

Dedicate a substantial portion of your essay to discussing environmental sustainability. It is the cornerstone of the broader sustainability framework. Elaborate on the pressing issues of climate change, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Introduce innovative solutions such as sustainable agriculture, green urban planning, and circular economy practices. Provide tangible examples of how businesses have successfully integrated sustainable practices into their operations, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier planet.

Social Sustainability

Address the social dimension of sustainability in your essay. Discuss the importance of social equity, inclusivity, and community engagement. Highlight initiatives that promote education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. It ensures that no one is alone  in the journey towards sustainability. For instance, you can showcase how microfinance programs have empowered women in rural areas, leading to better economic and social outcomes.

Economic Sustainability

Explain the integral role of economic sustainability in the sustainability essay. Emphasize the need for responsible and ethical business practices that prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains. Discuss how the circular economy model can foster economic growth while minimizing waste generation and resource depletion. Back your arguments with success stories of companies that have embraced sustainable business practices and thrived in the market.

Main Tips to Write a Sustainability Essay

The following are the vital tips on how to write a sustainability essay properly:

• Clear and concise language. While sustainability is a multifaceted topic, use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid jargon and complex terminology that might alienate readers. Instead, focus on presenting complex concepts in a manner accessible to a broader audience of your essay on sustainability.
• Engaging introduction. Begin your sustainability essay with an engaging introduction that captivates readers' attention. Draw them in with a compelling narrative, an intriguing fact, or a quote from a prominent sustainability advocate. By generating interest from the outset, you encourage readers to delve deeper into your essay.
• Structured body paragraphs. Organize your sustainability essay into well-structured body paragraphs, each dedicated to a specific theme or sub-topic. Utilize subheadings within these paragraphs to create a clear and logical flow of information. This approach allows readers to navigate through the essay with ease and focus on key aspects of sustainability.
• Incorporate visuals. Incorporate visual aids such as charts, graphs, infographics, and images to enhance the visual appeal of your sustainability essay. Visual representations of data and information make complex concepts more understandable and memorable.
• Addressing counter arguments. Anticipate potential counterarguments to your sustainability proposals and address them with well-reasoned responses. By demonstrating a thoughtful consideration of opposing viewpoints, you strengthen the validity of your essay and showcase your critical thinking skills.
• Real-life examples . Enrich your sustainability essay with real-life examples of successful sustainability initiatives from different sectors. These examples offer tangible evidence of the impact of sustainable practices and inspire readers to envision their potential in their own lives or organizations.
• The significance of sustainable development. In your sustainability essay, emphasize the broader significance of sustainable development. Discuss how the interplay between environmental, social, and economic aspects influences the achievement of a sustainable future. Address the implications of sustainability on a global scale, underscoring the collective responsibility of individuals, businesses, and governments.
• In the conclusion of your sustainability essay, reiterate the core messages and highlight the urgency of embracing sustainable practices. Encourage readers to take concrete actions, both big and small, to contribute to sustainability efforts. Inspire a sense of hope and determination, emphasizing that collective efforts can lead to a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Let’s Sum It Up!

Writing a sustainability essay is not merely an academic exercise but an opportunity to contribute actively to a cause that affects us all. By incorporating essential elements, engaging examples, and practical tips into your essay, you can amplify its impact and foster a deeper understanding of sustainability issues. Whether you are an individual, a business manager, or a policymaker, your essay holds the potential to drive transformative change and shape a more sustainable world. Let us join hands and embark on this journey of sustainability, where every word written and every action taken brings us closer to a greener, more equitable future.

Continue reading here: Students and Sustainability: Shaping an Eco-Friendly Campus

Was this article helpful?

Related Posts

• What Evergreen Plants Grow Well in Shade?
• Top 10 Environmental Charities Supported by Celebrities
• Toothpaste and its Impact on the Environment
• Top Interesting Facts About The One-horned Rhino
• Scientists Find Some Interesting Uses for Chicken Feathers
• Top 5 Hottest Places in the World

Readers' Questions

How to write a sustainability statement?

Writing a sustainability statement involves three key steps: assessing your organization's environmental impact, setting goals and targets, and communicating your commitment to sustainability. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you write a sustainability statement: Assess environmental impact: Begin by evaluating the environmental impact of your organization's operations, products, and services. Consider factors such as energy use, waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and supply chain practices. Identify areas where you can make improvements to minimize negative effects. Set goals and targets: Based on your environmental impact assessment, set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and targets. These should address areas where your organization can reduce its environmental footprint or improve sustainability practices. Examples may include reducing energy consumption by a certain percentage, increasing recycling rates, or sourcing sustainable materials. Craft the statement: Once your goals and targets are established, start drafting your sustainability statement. Here's a framework to follow: a. Introduction: Begin with a concise introduction, stating your organization's name and its commitment to sustainability. b. Values and principles: Outline the key values and principles that guide your organization's sustainability efforts. This could include a commitment to conserving resources, reducing waste, promoting social responsibility, or supporting local communities. c. Goals and targets: Clearly articulate the specific goals and targets you have set for your organization. Provide details on what you aim to achieve, why these goals are important, and how you plan to measure your progress. d. Actions taken: Describe the actions your organization has already taken to address sustainability or reduce its environmental impact. Highlight any initiatives, projects, or practices currently underway that demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. e. Stakeholder engagement: Emphasize the importance of engaging with key stakeholders such as employees, customers, suppliers, and local communities to promote sustainability and gather feedback. Discuss any collaborative efforts or partnerships you have established. f. Continuous improvement: Emphasize your commitment to continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and revising your sustainability practices, as well as seeking new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. g. Conclusion: Wrap up with a strong statement summarizing your dedication to sustainability and the positive impact you aim to make. Review and finalize: After writing the statement, review it for clarity and accuracy. Engage relevant stakeholders within your organization to gather their input and make any necessary revisions. Ensure that the final statement aligns with your organization's values and long-term objectives. Communicate and share: Share your sustainability statement with both internal and external stakeholders. Publish it on your organization's website, include it in annual reports, and promote it through various communication channels to raise awareness about your commitment to sustainability. You can also consider obtaining external certifications or voluntary sustainability reporting to enhance credibility. Remember that your sustainability statement should be transparent, honest, and action-oriented, reflecting your organization's genuine commitment to sustainable practices.

News from the Columbia Climate School

The Role of Individual Responsibility in the Transition to Environmental Sustainability

Steve Cohen

We New Yorkers live in a city that is on a gradual transition toward environmental sustainability, but we are a long way from the place we need to end up. A circular economy where there is no waste and where all material outputs become inputs is well beyond our technological and organizational capacity today. But that does not mean we shouldn’t think about how to get from here to there. Much of the work in building environmental sustainability requires the development of systems that enable us to live our lives as we wish while damaging the planet as little as possible. Large-scale institutions are needed to manage sewage treatment and drinking water, to develop renewable energy and build a modern energy grid. Government policy is needed to ensure the conservation of forests, oceans, and biodiversity. Pandemic avoidance requires global, national and local systems of public health. Climate change mitigation and adaptation also require collective action. What then can individuals do?

As individuals, we make choices about our own activities and inevitably, they involve choices about resource consumption. I see little value in criticizing people who fly on airplanes to travel to global climate conferences. (I assume you do remember airplanes and conferences, don’t you?) But I see great value in considering the importance of your attendance at the conference and asking if the trip is an indulgence or if you will have an important opportunity to learn and teach. This year has taught us how to attend events virtually. There is little question that live presence at an event enables a type of communication that can’t be achieved virtually. Many times, you will judge that the financial and environmental cost of the trip is far outweighed by the benefits. Those are the times you should travel. My argument here is that it is the thought process, the analysis of environmental costs and benefits, that is at the heart of an individual’s responsibility for environmental sustainability. Individuals are responsible for thinking about their impact on the environment and, when possible, minimize the damage they do to the planet.

Everyone needs to turn on the lights at night, start the shower in the morning, turn on the air conditioning and possibly drive somewhere on Mother’s Day. I would never argue that you should give up these forms of consumption. Instead, I believe we should all pay attention to the resources we use and the impact it has. We are responsible for that thought process and the related analysis of how we, as individuals, might accomplish the same ends with less environmentally damaging means.

Some say that the fixation on individual responsibility is a distraction from the more important task of compelling government and major institutions to implement systemic change. This perspective was forcefully argued in 2019 in The Guardian by Professor Anders Levermann of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. According to Professor Levermann:

“Personal sacrifice alone cannot be the solution to tackling the climate crisis. There’s no other area in which the individual is held so responsible for what’s going wrong. And it’s true: people drive too much, eat too much meat, and fly too often. But reaching zero emissions requires very fundamental changes. Individual sacrifice alone will not bring us to zero. It can be achieved only by real structural change; by a new industrial revolution.   Looking for solutions to the climate crisis in individual responsibilities and actions risks obstructing this. It suggests that all we have to do is pull ourselves together over the next 30 years and save energy, walk, skip holidays abroad, and simply ‘do without.’ But these demands for individual action paralyse people, thereby preventing the large-scale change we so urgently need.”

Perhaps, but I do not see it that way. I consider individual responsibility and the thought process and value shift that stimulates individual action as the foundation of the social learning process required for effective collective action. In other words, individual change and collective system-level change are interconnected. The fact is that on a planet of nearly 8 billion people, it is too late for many of us to get back to the land and live as one with nature. There’s too many of us and not enough nature. There is an absolute limit to our ability as individuals to reduce our impact on the planet. Therefore, system-level change is absolutely needed. But system change requires individuals to understand the need for change along with a well-understood definition of the problem. The cognitive dissonance of identifying a problem but never acting on it is difficult to live with. If you see a poor child on the street begging for food, you can provide that child with food and money while continuing to support public policy that addresses the child poverty issue at the systems level. In fact, the emotional impact of that child’s face may well provide the drive that leads you to fight harder for the policy that would prevent that child from needing to beg. We learn by example, and vivid experiences and cases can lead to transformative systemic change.

While I consider individual and collective responsibility connected, without collective systems and infrastructure supporting environmental sustainability, there are distinct limits to what individual action can achieve. That is why I see no value in shaming individuals for consuming fossil fuels, eating meat, or buying a child a Mylar birthday balloon. I believe an attitude of moral superiority is particularly destructive in any effort to build the political support needed for systemic change.

As my mentor, the late Professor Lester Milbrath, often argued, the only way to save the planet is through social learning that would enable us to “learn our way to a sustainable society.” He made this argument in his pathbreaking work: Envisioning a Sustainable Society: Learning Our Way Out . In Milbrath’s view, the key was to understand environmental perceptions and values and to build on those values and perceptions to change both individual behavior and the institutions their politics generated. To Milbrath, the human effort to dominate nature had worked too well, and a new approach was needed. As he observed in Envisioning a Sustainable Society :

“Learning how to reason together about values is crucial to saving our species. As a society we have to learn better how to learn, I call it social learning; it is the dynamic for change that could lead us to a new kind of society that will not destroy itself from its own excess.”

My view is that one method to pursue social learning is learning by doing — in other words by encouraging the individual behaviors we might each take to reduce our environmental impact. Those behaviors remind us to think about the planet’s wellbeing along with our own. They reinforce and remind us and as they become habit, they impact our values and our shared understanding of how the world works.

There is, therefore, no tradeoff between individual and collective responsibility for protecting the environment unless we insist on creating one. Additionally, in a world of extreme levels of income inequality, wealthy people who have given up eating meat have the resources to consume alternative sources of nourishment. They do not occupy the moral high ground criticizing an impoverished parent proudly serving meat to their hungry child. In our complex world, we should mistrust simple answers and instead work hard to understand the varied cultures, values and perceptions that can contribute to the transition to an environmentally sustainable global economy. The path to environmental sustainability is long and winding and will require decades of listening and learning from each other.

Related Posts

Regulating Air Toxics from Petrochemical Plants

Garbage, Product Design, and the Circular Economy

Electric Vehicle Adoption Requires More Effective Public and Private Management

Celebrate over 50 years of Earth Day with us all month long! Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

Steve, I appreciate your perspective on individual responsibility. I am developing a similar position and submitted an “OpEd” piece to Times about a month ago but alas it didn’t get published. I would like to share and develop the conversation with you so please reach out.

What are the responsibilities of individuals, governments and the international community in helping people have access to water?

While this highly educated society continues the GDP rat race and decimating all other patterns that create balance in the world we live in, here’s a little story of obvious stupidity for fun and profit. In 1975 my wife and I after several years of college chose to listen to scientists’ warnings about continued expansionism economically. We simplified our lives and did without things like electricity, fancy new vehicles and useless bling. We did without as a plausible direction for a template of living lightly and securing a viable future for more than just humans. We endured countless slurs ( tree huggers, eco-terrorists, hippies,) and were subjected to verbal and realistic abuse . Now at 72 and 68 we are wondering where the hell were the rest of you? Read the book “Small is Beautiful ” to see the wrongheaded direction your politicians and some clergy and certainly all greedy vulture capitalist have led the general public. I have no patience for obvious stupidity .Yeah, we were WOKE long before most people and feel no compulsion to be apologetic as all of you are to blame if you help continue the narrative of GDP unlimited growth and the population explosion. nats remark

“perhaps, but i do not see it that way” sorry but that kinda just means your guile is weak and you’re extremely credulous and succeptable to propeganda, dunno what to tell ya bud but this perspective is a total nothingburger. Of Course we must needs rely on some great measure of personal choice here, but if my choices are: Waste, Waste, Out of my Budget well i dont REALLY have a choice then Do I? which means that for the majority of americans there is no ethical choice list they can follow to fix the problem, only by compelling legislation can those choices be made available to them.

Get the Columbia Climate School Newsletter →

Home — Essay Samples — Economics — Fair Trade — Why Environmental Sustainability is so Important

Why Environmental Sustainability is so Important

• Categories: Fair Trade

About this sample

Words: 1137 |

Published: Apr 11, 2019

Words: 1137 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Sustainable Environments

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Economics

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 725 words

7 pages / 3229 words

3 pages / 1316 words

6 pages / 2789 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

International trade has been in existence for centuries. Over the years, there has been steady growth in international trade. Market globalization evidence the growth of a global business. A good inter-nations relation is one of [...]

Fair trade is trade in which fair prices are paid to producers in developing countries. It based on partnership between consumers and producers. Fair trade improves the lives of those living in developing countries by offering [...]

The production of consumer goods that fill our daily lives often masks a troubling narrative of exploitation and injustice within sweatshops. Despite the prevalence of these goods, the harsh realities of their production often [...]

Patent documents are techno-legal documents which contain scientific and technical details of the invention and more specifically claims to identify the scope of the invention sought for protection. According to the Patents [...]

With nearly 47 Million internet users and a GDP rate of 6-7 percent, India represents a digital economy. India has proved to be the biggest market potential for global players. This digital revolution is expected to generate new [...]

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax levied in India on the sale of goods and services. Goods and services are divided into five tax slabs for collection of tax - 0%, 5%, 12%,18% and 28%. Petroleum products and [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best environmental sustainability topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on environmental sustainability, ✅ interesting topics to write about environmental sustainability, 📌 simple & easy environmental sustainability essay titles, ❓ environmental sustainability questions.

• Green Buildings and Environmental Sustainability This paper scrutinizes the characteristics that need to be possessed by a building for it to qualify as green coupled with questioning the capacity of the green movements across the globe to prescribe the construction […]
• The Environmental Sustainability Concept in the Hospitality Industry Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible management of natural resources in order to preserve the lives of human beings and other organisms in the ecosystem. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• The Nestle Company’s Environmental Sustainability Efforts What I like about Nestle’s environmental sustainability efforts: Nestle’s environmental sustainability efforts are concise and clear towards the company’s sustainability plans, that is, clear goals and objectives which are time bound. The company’s sustainability efforts […]
• Capitalism Versus Environmental Sustainability Free market refers to a market where prices are derived through competition among the individual businesses and not under the regulation of the government.
• Environmental Sustainability Audit: The Oman Environmental Services Holding Company The government used to handle the task of waste management in the Sultanate but with the establishment and legalization of Be’ah, the task of such is delegated to the said company.
• Greenwashing: Full Environmental Sustainability? For companies, to be 100% sustainable and ethical would mean that each time they are presented with a decision, they would make people or nature their priority.
• Sustainability in Canada and the Impact of Coca-Cola Company on Environmental Protection This paper is an in-depth analysis of sustainability in Canada and the impact of the Coca-Cola Company on environmental protection. In addition to this, the Canadian government has established the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, which […]
• Environmental Sustainability in the Construction Sector This paper aims at exploring the evidence of climate change in the UK, the contributing factors, and the potential consequences of it, including the floods.
• Environmental Sustainability on a Global Scale Compared to the world at the beginning of the 21st century, it required perceptional changes toward nature, biodiversity, and ecosystems, as well as reforms in agriculture and management of water, energy, and waste.
• Risk Factor Analysis and Environmental Sustainability This project was evaluated using a methodical process that included listing ten potential dangers, followed by a risk assessment matrix and an explanation of how the dangers would be managed.
• Sustainability and Environmentally-Friendly Practices The crucial ideas are that the term “tree justice” is far from “yes, we can” in terms of effective political rhetoric, but it is a reference to research showing that more canopies can save lives.
• Coates Chemicals: Environmental, Sustainability, and Safety Improving the safety of chemical production, use, and disposal is a critical component of activities to safeguard human health and the environment.
• Attaining Sustainability in the Environment In fact, the treatment of waste is among the first aspects that need to change for a sustainable future to be possible. Therefore, in a sustainable future, the use of plastic will be reduced to […]
• Achieving Environmental Sustainability Consequently, it causes a tremendous decline in the number of trees available globally, and the trees are viewed to be of significance towards the reduction of the amount of carbon dioxide available in the atmosphere.
• Climate Change: Sustainability Development and Environmental Law The media significantly contributes to the creation of awareness, thus the importance of integrating the role of the news press with sustainability practices.
• Mega-Events and Environmental Sustainability Carbon emissions and the amount of waste produced during the preparation, execution, and post-operation of such events have the potential to cause great damage to the environment.
• Cruise Liners’ Environmental Management and Sustainability According to GAO, the number of vessels and the number of passengers docking at a port at one time definitely may have a strain on the marine environment. Growth of algae in the marine environment […]
• Customer-oriented Environmental Sustainability Customer-oriented environmental sustainability would also help evaluate the environmental impacts of activities, products as well as processes on the environment and human health.
• Environmental Sustainability of Veja First of all, this organization strives to gain the loyalty of ethical consumers who are concerned about the practices of manufacturers.
• The Role of Food for Sustainability in the Built Environment Sustainability refers to a movement that attempts to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the capability of the subsequent generations to meet the needs of the future.
• Environmental Sustainability and Businesses The Amazon rainforests, which are also called the “lungs of the planet,” produce 20% of the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Environmental Sustainability in Different Countries: U.S. and AUS The AUS has many programs that help greatly in reducing the amount of water consumed within the campus. Egypt also has taken part greatly in the conservation of water for agricultural activities.
• Global Warming Issues Review and Environmental Sustainability Whether it is the melt down of Arctic ice, the damage of the Ozone layer, extra pollution in developing countries; all sums up to one thing in common and that is global warming.
• Green Meetings: Environmental Impact and Sustainability The author argues that Green meetings can have positive environmental impact by engaging in certain practices from the beginning to the end of the Green meetings and events.
• China’s Economy and Environmental Sustainability The critical problem that the authors are attempting to address in the article is the effect of economic growth on pollution.
• Sustainability: Future Environments and Economies The authors suggest that the role of sustainability management in organizations and its contribution to the overall sustainability of society and the environment is well-recognized by the researchers.
• Environmental Globalization and Sustainability Laws Politicizing the environment is a term used to mean the collaboration of micro and macro players in an economy, with the support of governments and international bodies to conserve the environment.
• Ceres Organization’s Environmental Sustainability The environment should be managed for the equal benefits of the current and future generations. The local communities should take the initiative to rehabilitate the environment.
• Environmental Sustainability Understanding In May 2001 126 countries and the EU agreed and adopted the text of this global treaty, referred to as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants How can you prevent water pollution?
• Environmental Geology and Sustainability Taking soil as an example, one will have to admit that the changes in the soil will necessarily pose a threat of extinction to several plants. The carbon cycle can be referred to as an […]
• Personal Environmental Sustainability Action Plan Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion and contamination of resources such as air, water, and soil, which leads to the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife.
• Sustainability Against Environmental Degradation This is because the technological solutions are also covered by sustainability and form part of the other things that ought to be handled by sustainability above the technical fixes.
• Strategic Environmental Sustainability It is apparent that the world has focused on targeting big companies and industries in the quest to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and the pollution of the environment.
• China’s Emissions and Environmental Sustainability As the largest consumer of natural resources and emitter of greenhouse gasses, China is expected to implement innovations in the environmental field to ensure its own sustainable development.
• Information Technology and Environment Sustainability The aim of this research paper is to analyze the available literature in order to obtain the information on the possible effects of IT on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility, determine its validity, locate […]
• Sustainability and Human Impact on Environment Sustainability entails the analysis of ecosystem functioning, diversity, and role in the balance of life. It is the consideration of how humanity can exploit the natural world for sustenance without affecting its ability to meet […]
• International Environment Management and Sustainability The campaign to save the environment has grown from the publicized protection of animals to a more solid response to the modern day concerns of global warming and climate change.
• Environmental Sustainability in Clean City Organization Furthermore, our organization will give preference to those projects that involve the students of the school because it is important to make sure that young people attach the importance to protecting the environment of the […]
• Sustainability Principles of the Natural Environment This is one of the points that can be made. This is one of the issues that can be distinguished.
• Environmental Sustainability in the African American Community Sustainability is one of the complex concepts as it entails different activities that aim at achieving the wants of the current generation without violating the potential interests of the future generation to meet their needs.
• Environmental Education for Sustainability There are several characteristics that can be associated with environmental education as a learning process, with the most significant being the unit’s predisposition to enhance the knowledge and responsiveness of individuals about the environment and […]
• Environmental Studies: Transforming Cultures From Consumerism to Sustainability The trade fair portrayed the potential of the then and future civilizations to deploy technology, creativity, and innovation to create more consumables to boost the life of future generations.
• Managing For Environmental Sustainability The website also summarises some of the projects that the company has engaged in as well as the strategic decisions that it has made.
• Effectiveness of Carbon Tax in Environmental Sustainability This research will seek to achieve the following objectives: To investigate the extent to which assessing the social cost of carbon is valuable in enhancing environmental sustainability To find out the effectiveness of assessing carbon […]
• “Clarke: Transformation for Environmental Sustainability” by Laszlo, McCabe, Aheam and Ghatde Dissatisfaction among the staff due to the lack of comfort in transportation; Drops in the speed of the product delivery, as well as the transportation of raw materials and, thus, the overall reduction in the […]
• Managing Environmental Sustainability With reference to the above purpose, the scope of the report will be around the stakeholders as well as the reasons behind managerial consideration of stakeholders’ views, the monetary and non monetary incentives for going […]
• McDonald’s: Human Rights and Environmental Sustainability Core values of the company One of the core values of the company is the respect for the fundamental rights of human beings.
• Learning of Environment Sustainability in Education Humans pay much attention to satisfying their needs but they do not bother to reserve the resources because they do not understand that the resources they are using today are not replaced when they are […]
• Impact of Economic Growth on Environmental Sustainability Because of constant development of the richest economies, such as the United Kingdom, and United States, the consumption levels of the global population surpass the actual amount of natural resources that the Earth has prepared […]
• Wind Energy for Environmental Sustainability Production of this energy is important to the survival and enhancement of lives of people in a society. It refers to the role of that business or a corporate towards the society.
• The Trends, Opportunities and Challenges of Environmental Sustainability The environmental issues on earth have extended radically in the past decades and are currently among the main threats and challenges which have impacts on people lifestyles and organizations processes around the world.
• The Components of Environmental Sustainability On page 6, Sutton, is of the opinion that there is a great connection between environmental damage, industrialisation and urbanisation; he observes that human beings have altered the natural environment and resulted to living in […]
• Sustainability Development: Balancing Economic, Social and Environmental Dimensions Nonetheless, the company has also been very keen on ensuring that it creates a good reputation of ecological stewardship and sensitivity to the social matters in the society in the spirit of sustainable development in […]
• The Concept of Environmental Sustainability in the Hotel Industry In the quest of the players in the hospitality industry to achieve sustainability in their operations, it is important that the environmental sustainability is made part of the plans for the businesses.
• Environmental Sustainability and Economic Benefits of Dairy Farm Biogas Energy Production
• Social and Environmental Sustainability of Travelling Within Family Networks
• Corporate Responsibility: Integrative New Approaches for Coastal and Environmental Sustainability
• Economic Policy Instruments and Environmental Sustainability: Another Look at Environmental-Use Permits
• Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Efficient Supply Chain Management
• Accountability and Environmental Sustainability: Nigerian Maritime Experience
• Agriculture, Technological Change and Environmental Sustainability: Win-Win Water Policy Strategy
• Environmental Sustainability and Organic Wine Production: Evidence From Italian Industry
• Anti-consumption for Environmental Sustainability: Conceptualization, Review, and Multilevel Research Directions
• Asia’s Energy Adequacy, Environmental Sustainability, and Affordability: An Overview
• Environmental Sustainability of Electricity Generation in Turkey on a Life Cycle Basis
• Banks and Environmental Sustainability: Reflection From the Perspective of Financial Stability
• Biofuel From Jatropha Curcas: Environmental Sustainability and Option Value
• Environmental Sustainability and Services in Developing Global City Regions
• The Link Between Business Ethics, Social Responsibility, Environmental Sustainability
• Can Big Data and Predictive Analytics Improve Social and Environmental Sustainability?
• Environmental Sustainability Can Only Be Achieved Through Population Control
• Coinquiry for Environmental Sustainability: The UK Beacons for Public Engagement Review
• Environmental Sustainability Report and Its Communicative Values to Stakeholders
• Australian Government Policies Relating to Environmental Sustainability
• Energy and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysian Universities Through Energy Conservation Measures
• Environmentally Sustainable National Income: Indispensable Information for Attaining Environmental Sustainability
• The Relationships Between Environmental Sustainability and Global Warming
• Environmental Sustainability and Its Effects on the Energy Sector
• The Link Between Environmental Sustainability and Social Sustainability
• Exploring Acceptance Towards Environmental Sustainability of Distance Education in Malaysia
• Gender Equality and Environmental Sustainability in Uganda’s Water Sector
• The Relationships Between Global Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability
• Global Green Economy and Environmental Sustainability
• How Globalization and Environmental Sustainability Influence Strategic Management
• Correlation Between Human Rights and Environmental Sustainability
• India’s Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability: What Are the Tradeoffs
• Innovation and Environmental Sustainability: Analysis of the Brazilian Metal-Mechanic Industry
• Integrating Environmental Sustainability Considerations Into Food and Nutrition Policies
• International Linkages and Environmental Sustainability: The Effectiveness of the Regime Network
• Mainstreaming Green Product Innovation: Why and How Companies Integrate Environmental Sustainability
• Managing Human Resources for Environmental Sustainability
• Mobile Phone Innovation and Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa
• National Culture and Environmental Sustainability: A Cross-National Analysis
• Analysis of Palm Beach Community College Environmental Sustainability
• Does Environmental Sustainability Contradict Prosperity?
• What Are the Factors Affecting Environmental Sustainability?
• How Does Environmental Sustainability Influence Organizational Behavior?
• Why Do We Need to Study Environmental Sustainability?
• What Are the Main Components of Environmental Sustainability?
• Does Income Inequality Affect Environmental Sustainability?
• Why Is Environmental Sustainability Important to the Organization?
• How Does Environmental Sustainability Affect Business?
• What Are the Environmental Sustainability Issues We Need to Address?
• Why Is Environmental Sustainability a Problem?
• Does Intelligence Improve Environmental Sustainability?
• What Causes Environmental Sustainability?
• How Does Environmental Sustainability Affect Employees?
• What Are the Principles of Environmental Sustainability?
• Why Is Environmental Sustainability Important to the Economy?
• How Can Environmental Sustainability Contribute to Economic Development?
• What Will Happen if Environmental Sustainability Is Not Achieved?
• Why Are Issues of Environmental Sustainability Important in Corporate Governance?
• How Does Poverty Affect Environmental Sustainability?
• What Are Environmental Sustainability Issues and Solutions of Sustainable Development?
• Why Is Environmental Sustainability a Global Issue?
• What Is the Biggest Threat to Environmental Sustainability?
• Is There a Relationship Between Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability?
• What Is Business Strategy for Environmental Sustainability?
• Why Should We Care About Environmental Sustainability?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 28). 119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/

"119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 28 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 28 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/.

• Environment Research Topics
• Animal Welfare Ideas
• Biodiversity Research Topics
• Ecotourism Questions
• Corporate Sustainability Paper Topics
• Economic Topics
• Electric Vehicle Paper Topics
• Fishing Research Topics
• Green Building Questions
• Ocean Pollution Titles
• Performance Indicators Essay Topics
• Tourism Management Questions
• Deforestation Research Ideas
• Global Issues Essay Topics
• Oceanography Research Ideas

Advertisement

Environmental Sustainability—necessary for survival

• Published: 26 June 2018
• Volume 1 , pages 1–2, ( 2018 )

Cite this article

• Naveen Kumar Arora 1  

82k Accesses

66 Citations

16 Altmetric

Explore all metrics

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Environmental sustainability is one of the biggest issues faced by the mankind at present. Increasing population along with tremendous escalation in anthropogenic activities has raised several questions on the sustainability of natural resources on our planet. No part of the Earth is now untouched by the effect of human activities or pollution. Ever increasing human population and increment in per capita consumption has put great constraint on the natural resources. In addition to this, urbanization, industrialization and modern agricultural practices have polluted the water resources, air and soil all around the globe. The natural resources are thus not only being over-exploited but also becoming contaminated with toxic chemicals making it difficult for the survival of future generations.

The ever increasing emission of green house gases is showing far reaching impact on the blue planet and according to estimates of various agencies such as United States Development Authority (USDA) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) this will result in rise in temperature by 02 °C by 2050. This has and will further change the face of the earth. Due to the impact of global warming, glaciers and polar ice is melting at rates 2–3 times higher in comparison to last century. According to estimates, Earth at present is going through one of the biggest biodiversity loss phase, the impact of which is unforeseen and unpredictable. As per a United Nations report the human-caused rate of extinction of species of both plants and animals at present is hundreds of times higher than the natural rate in the past and as the situation is turning out it can be thousands of times higher in near future. As an example it is estimated that the rate at which coral reefs are depleting, they will be completely wiped out in very near future and with them several other species will also become extinct.

Targeting short term gains, humans have destroyed the natural systems with great pace. But it is difficult to estimate the impact of anthropogenic activities on ecology, in term of economics and even the survivability rate of different life forms on Earth. Although the technology has also advanced at a great pace but still we have hungry people who do not get enough calories to grow normally or even survive. We have issues of availability of potable water, pure air to breathe and ever increasing problem of land degradation. Saline soils are going to increase by 50% up to 2050 and land degradation has affected almost every country of the world. Human population is going to produce 27 billion tones of municipal solid waste by 2050 which would require great input of technology to manage and role of microorganisms will be immense. Amount of non-degradable wastes is increasing by the minute and some of the dangerous recalcitrants are accumulating in the food chains and are the cause of contamination of natural resources and extinction of species apart from causing harm to the humans. As per recent report published in Scientific Reports a mass of plastic waste named as “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” approximately 1.6 million km 2 in size ~ twice the size of Texas, is floating on the surface of Pacific ocean. Plastics are also accumulating on land and in water bodies at an unprecedented rate and we need to find a quick alternative for these harmful creations of humans.

It is very important to assess the impact of human activities on the local ecosystems and the planet as a whole on a regular basis. Use of latest technologies and tools although help in the assessment of the situation but the need is to find green solutions as well. Biotechnological approaches and green technologies are providing the solutions to these problems. Scientists are in process of developing green fuels and novel energy sources which could replace petroleum products and provide green energy so as to cut down the emission of green house gases. Similarly management of pollutants, organic wastes and biodegradation of contaminated sites is being achieved by the help of biotechnological tools. Bioremediation is also a very important task which is being targeted for replenishing the polluted habitats using microorganisms and phytoremediation techniques. Food security is a big issue faced by the mankind. Sustainable agriculture has still not been achieved, as dangerous and harmful agro-chemicals rule the market throughout the globe and have caused great harm to the ecosystems worldwide. To achieve food security through sustainable means by maintaining the fertility and microbial diversity of the soil is still a challenge. Sustainable agriculture and organic farming are the biggest targets for the scientists in the future and already great results have been reported wherein chemicals are being replaced by biostimulants and biopesticides. Management of stress in crops and enhancement of productivity of marginal, fragile and extreme habitats is also the target of the future which has to be achieved using biological approaches. This will not only lead to food security but also to sustainability of the agro-ecosystems.

Environmental sustainability is thus one of the biggest challenge and most important targets of the present times. It is the major attention area for researchers, academicians, scholars, governments and non-government organizations involving individuals, communities, countries, continents and the globe as whole. Environmental sustainability is the key strategy against the backdrop of the growth of human population and the rampant exploitation of environment by humans. The underlying concern of modern society is that while today people are enjoying the comforts of economic development, the future generations are on the verge of confronting scarce natural resources and polluted environment and it is our most important responsibility to leave the planet as a self sustainable system providing equal opportunities of survival not only to our future generations but also to all other species co-habiting with us.

The journal “Environmental Sustainability” will cover all such issues focusing on tackling the environmental problems by biological means. Among the contemporary array of topics, this journal will cover: sustainable agriculture, biodegradation and bioremediation, stress management, plant–microbe interactions, organic food production, environmental microbiology, pollution management and sustainable management of fragile habitats such as Polar Regions, glaciers, rain forests, oceans etc. which provide so much support to the ecosystems where humans thrive. The journal will be a platform for the researchers and scholars working in the areas of environmental science, microbiology, biotechnology, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, stress management in crops and others related to environmental sustainability, to showcase their work and ideas to the world so as to use it for a better future for all life forms on Earth.

The journal will promote the work based on latest technologies and inter-disciplinary approaches for achieving the targets of environmental sustainability. Research from micro or even nano-level involving microbiomes, metagenomes, at molecular and biochemical levels to nanotechnology and nanoparticles, to those interfacing physico-chemical and biological systems and to the ones involving satellite imaging, geo-mapping, etc. can be integrated for achieving the sustainability of the environment.

The journal is the copyright of the “Society for Environmental Sustainability” which aims to achieve the targets of environmental sustainability through spread of quality research and knowledge. The target of the Society is not only the scientific community but also to ignite the young minds so as to inculcate in them the idea of sustainability and giving equal opportunities of survival to all the living creatures on the earth.

The inaugural issue of the journal “Environmental Sustainability” covers research articles from around the globe addressing to the theme of the journal. Editorial team of the journal is very much familiar with the quality issues of the articles to be published in this journal, hence to overcome any ambiguity and maintain the excellence the manuscripts are critically reviewed by experts worldwide. Any critical reviews regarding the burning issues related to environment and its sustainability or novel research ideas correlated to the same are welcome from the researchers. We also invite societies/bodies, organizations, conference organizers in the area of environmental sustainability to contribute articles, ideas, or propose special thematic sections/issues of the journal.

Editor in Chief would like to thank all the members of the Editorial Board of the Journal for providing their precious time and whole hearted support because of which the first issue of the Journal will see the light of the day. Society and Editor in Chief are also thankful to Springer and its team for the endless support and encouragement.

Naveen Kumar Arora

Editor in Chief

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Naveen Kumar Arora .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Arora, N.K. Environmental Sustainability—necessary for survival. Environmental Sustainability 1 , 1–2 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42398-018-0013-3

Download citation

Published : 26 June 2018

Issue Date : March 2018

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s42398-018-0013-3

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research

• Undergraduate
• High School
• Architecture
• American History
• Asian History
• Antique Literature
• American Literature
• Asian Literature
• Classic English Literature
• World Literature
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Criminal Justice
• Legal Issues
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Political Science
• World Affairs
• African-American Studies
• East European Studies
• Latin-American Studies
• Native-American Studies
• West European Studies
• Family and Consumer Science
• Social Issues
• Women and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Natural Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Earth science
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Studies
• Computer Science
• IT Management
• Mathematics
• Investments
• Engineering and Technology
• Engineering
• Aeronautics
• Medicine and Health
• Alternative Medicine
• Communications and Media
• Advertising
• Communication Strategies
• Public Relations
• Educational Theories
• Teacher's Career
• Chicago/Turabian
• Company Analysis
• Education Theories
• Shakespeare
• Canadian Studies
• Food Safety
• Relation of Global Warming and Extreme Weather Condition
• Movie Review
• Admission Essay
• Annotated Bibliography
• Application Essay
• Article Critique
• Article Review
• Article Writing
• Book Review
• Business Plan
• Business Proposal
• Capstone Project
• Cover Letter
• Creative Essay
• Dissertation
• Dissertation - Abstract
• Dissertation - Conclusion
• Dissertation - Discussion
• Dissertation - Hypothesis
• Dissertation - Introduction
• Dissertation - Literature
• Dissertation - Methodology
• Dissertation - Results
• GCSE Coursework
• Grant Proposal
• Marketing Plan
• Multiple Choice Quiz
• Personal Statement
• Power Point Presentation
• Power Point Presentation With Speaker Notes
• Questionnaire
• Reaction Paper
• Research Paper
• Research Proposal
• SWOT analysis
• Thesis Paper
• Online Quiz
• Literature Review
• Movie Analysis
• Statistics problem
• Math Problem
• All papers examples
• How It Works
• Money Back Policy
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• We Are Hiring

Environmental Sustainability, Essay Example

Pages: 2

Words: 572

Hire a Writer for Custom Essay

Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇

You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

The implication of sustainability is the inherent potential for tolerance. In the context of human life, the implication of sustainability is maintaining a fair well-being on a long term basis with regard to the dimensions of environmental, social as well as economic perspectives (Bell, 2003, 115-156). The idea of stewardship in addition to managing the utility of resources in a responsible manner is encompassed in the issues of sustainability. Sustainability has an ecological dimension which addresses the diversity of biological systems and the maintenance of their productivity which is a significant precondition for the well-being of people.

The maintenance of healthy environments as well as ecosystems is a source of important goods as well as services to the human kind as well as the rest of the organisms. Human influence to the ecosystem is an issue that requires proper management. One important approach to achieve this end is through the management of the environment. The achievement of this is facilitated by information accessible from the fields of conservation biology, environmental science as well as earth science.  Resources consumption is another alternative approach in management of ecosystem (Gottfried, 2004, 97-106).

Human beings should strive towards a sustainable living which is achievable through restricting human activities within the natural or environmental system while at the same time avoiding acts that can inflict harm to others. This relates to the determination of appropriate sources of food, energy, cloths among other products. Sustainability through recycling has positively impacted on the habits of majority people and this has been reflected on the positive impact on worldwide climate change.

Recycle for Environmental Sustainability

A positive impact on global climate change is achieved through recycling (Hiss, 1990, 167).  The starting point is the local retailer who is encouraged to avail more products that can be recycled. Buying products along with their containers whose materials can be recycled has been a significant step towards promotion of recycled product market. Paper products such as the toilet papers should have a percentage of about 50% materials that have already been recycled. Products from companies which use chlorine in the process of bleaching paper products results to the creation of dioxin waste and therefore are deliberately avoided.

Enacting and Implementing a New Method of Environmental Sustainability

The use of organic foods offers the most reliable solution of eating sustainably. This is an important direction to take in an attempt of achieving environmental sustainability because of a variety of reasons. The local and seasoned foods are associated with several benefits in addition making a positive impact on global climate change. The amount of energy that is allied to the emissions of carbon dioxide arising from the systems of growth as well as transportation of food products is significantly reduced. The economy is supported from the local level and there is a reconnection of the cycles of nature as time progresses. Eating locally takes account of choosing the types of food closed to the living locality and this is an implication of sustainability. It reduces the time period between harvesting of the food product or its processing to the time of its consumption. A lot of nutrients are lost when a certain food product takes significantly long time between the time of its harvesting to the time of its consumption

Works Cited

Bell, Simon & Morse, Stephen. Measuring Sustainability. London: Earthscan Pub. Ltd., 2003.

Gottfried, David. Greed to Green.  CA: Worldbuild Pub., 2004. >>http://www.lincolngreenbydesign.com/resources/bibliography.php<<

Hiss, Tony. The Experience of Place. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1990.

Stuck with your Essay?

Get in touch with one of our experts for instant help!

Apple on the Job Training Program, Essay Example

Cost-Effective OJT Program, Essay Example

Time is precious

don’t waste it!

Plagiarism-free guarantee

Privacy guarantee

Secure checkout

Money back guarantee

Related Essay Samples & Examples

Voting as a civic responsibility, essay example.

Pages: 1

Words: 287

Utilitarianism and Its Applications, Essay Example

Words: 356

The Age-Related Changes of the Older Person, Essay Example

Words: 448

The Problems ESOL Teachers Face, Essay Example

Pages: 8

Words: 2293

Should English Be the Primary Language? Essay Example

Pages: 4

Words: 999

The Term “Social Construction of Reality”, Essay Example

Words: 371

Home / Essay Samples / Environment / Nature / Sustainability

Sustainability Essay Examples

The importance of environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible management of resources to ensure the well-being of present and future generations. It involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In recent decades, the concept of environmental...

Defining Sustainability: a Personal Perspective

Sustainability, a term that has gained prominence in recent years, encompasses a holistic approach to living that seeks to balance present needs with the well-being of future generations and the health of our planet. As we face environmental challenges and strive for a harmonious coexistence...

Sustainability as the Key for Supporting Global Food Security - Essay

Sustainability is common sense, survival of the fittest. Every creature fights to live, to sustain its life. And gloval food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and...

The Impact of Gi (rainwater Harvesing) Towards a Sustainable Urbanism: Case Study

Green infrastructure (GI) has become an urgent necessity for societies that wants to upgrade their physical fabric to respond to the needs of citizens and be efficiently managed and maintained. It can positively contribute to liveable cities. This paper draws attention to how to integrate...

Sustainability Assessment Report Referring to the Consolidated Set of Gri Sustainability Reporting Standards

According to the EU Commission [(2002) 347 final: 5], “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. ” Any kind of action taken by...

Green Building Programs and Urban Sustainability

Green building programs have gained popularity in modern development. The green building programs seek to reduce the overall energy consumption, environmental impact and increase the overall comfort and health of the occupants and the people in the surrounding urban environment. Numerous considerations must be held...

The Issue of Sustainability in the Aesthetics Industry

In recent years, the aesthetic industry has received a growing concern for the range of green issues that have continuously impacted the environment, particularly in skincare products due to the harmful chemicals they contain. These ingredients create a range of concerns in regard to the...

Exploring Hydroelectric Power in Terms of Sustainability

Hydroelectricity is the generation and distribution of electricity obtained from the kinetic energy of falling water or any other hydraulic source. In general, hydroelectricity is produced by water falling on a turbine which rotates a shaft that turns an electric generator. According to Strezov, V....

Burger King’s Sustainability Efforts: Barely Trying

Increase in consumption of Beef is a major concern for United Nation these days. As its consumption not only focuses on manure generation but also on rising need of water and land resulting into climate warming emissions. Consumption of beef has alarming environment since ages...

Sensor Efficient Intelligent Street Light System

Active street lighting has emerged as an essential factor in strategies for a resource-efficient economy and realization of sustainable growth. In the outdoor area, lights represent approximately 40 % of the total energy consumption at night and have much energy saving potential. However proper usage...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!

You may also like

• Climate Change
• Hurricane Essays
• Water Essays
• Beach Essays
• Water Pollution Essays
• Solar Energy Essays
• Global Warming Essays
• Pollution Essays
• Trees Essays
• Deforestation Essays
• Plastic Bags Essays

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->