Objectives and Importance of Sustainable Development

What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development refers to development that takes place without depletion of natural resources for future generations. It is one where present needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to fulfill their needs. Sustainable development is a carefully planned strategy for embracing growth via optimum utilization of resources and considering long-term benefits for the earth. This development approach pays more attention to the preservation of the environment and natural resources. It involves organizing the society in a manner such that it continues for a longer duration without having any ill effects on resource availability in the coming future. Sustainable development strives to establish the right balance among economic, social, and environmental needs.

The health of the environment has decreased to a great extent in the last 2 or 3 decades for the sake of economic growth. There are numerous negative impacts on the environment be it a decrease in air quality, water impurity, land pollution, rising temperature due to greenhouse gases, etc. All these issues gave rise to the concept of sustainable development which focuses on reducing overall damages to the environment. Therefore, this development strategy work towards maintaining a stable relationship between human activities and the natural world such quality of life for coming generations is not hampered in any way.

Objectives of Sustainable Development

The key objectives of sustainable development are as discussed below: – 

Economic Growth

Sustainable development is concerned with developing an economy that is sustainable, strong, competitive, and fast-growing in the right direction. It ensures that suitable and sufficient land is available at right time in proper places which supports growth as well as innovation activities via coordination of development requirements.

Environmental Protection

This type of development contributes towards enriching and protecting the natural environment. Sustainable development targets preserving biodiversity by precisely using natural resources, reducing waste and pollution, making efforts to minimize climate change, and shifting to a low-carbon economy.

Social inclusion

Social inclusion is all about making efforts on building housing facilities for present and coming generations, and supporting the development of strong, healthy, and vibrant global communities. All needs of the community’s people are fulfilled by doing high-level development comprising accessible local services that support their health, social and cultural well-being.

Importance of Sustainable Development

The importance of sustainable development can be well-understood from the points given below: – 

Promotion of good health and well-being

The major advantage provided by sustainable development is the promotion of good health and well-being at every life stage. It takes into account all key priorities related to health such as reproductive health, maternal and child health, diseases of both communicable and non-communicable nature, environmental and, access to quality, affordable and safe medicines. Sustainable development is overall engaged towards strengthening the country’s capacity in proper management and prevention of health risks. 

Eradication of poverty all over the globe

Sustainable development focuses on the eradication of poverty by enhancing the livelihood of low-income earners. Attention is paid to the overall development of society in an equal manner via undertaking social protection programs like cash transfers, school feeding, old-age pensions, disability pensions, skills training, and many more. 

Minimization of resources depletion

The aim of sustainable development is to attain maximum growth by utilizing more and more renewable resources. Development is carried out by doing less harm to the environment and using every resource wisely without any depletion or compromising the living conditions of future generations. It makes efforts for maintaining ecological balance by employing the available resources judiciously.  

Ensuring clean water and sanitation facilities

Water and sanitation are two critical aspects needed for supporting healthy human lives and the planet. Sustainable development involves preserving all water sources and making efforts for avoiding water pollution. It enlightens society with the ways of using water wisely and explains to them its importance. Every aspect related to the quality of drinking water, hygiene, sanitation, and sustainability of water resources around the globe is addressed and monitored under a sustainable development approach.