Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising on the needs of future generations. This means that the resources available now must be enough to sustain life in the future. It is the practice of replenishing resources used without endangering the natural environment and the natural biotic systems. In September 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to build a better world and planet by 2030. The SDGs are a call to action and tackle issues related to sustainability including water, energy, climate change and urbanisation.

            As we live in an urban and consumerist world, we consume a lot of natural resources daily. Every time we commute to work or flick on the light switch, we are consuming energy and fossil fuels. It is estimated that we use 40% more resources every year and that is something we need to change to create a sustainable world. There needs to be a balance between our need to move forward and the environment’s right to be protected.

            The three pillars of sustainable development are economic development, social development and environmental protection. This means that to achieve sustainable development, these three areas need to be present and be balanced. For instance, economic development is about providing incentives for businesses and individuals to encourage them to be adopt a more sustainable mindset for the environment. Thus, economic development is about giving people what they want whilst encouraging them to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles. Social development concerns educating and encouraging people to participate in environmental sustainability projects whereas environmental protection defines how we should protect ecosystems, air quality and the sustainability of our natural resources.

            To create a sustainable world, we need to first educate ourselves on the importance of sustainability and the impacts of a world if we do not practise sustainability. Only then can we inspire others to practise sustainability in their lives too.