Sustainability

By Bright Mills

"This book is about Sustainability. The world is endowed with lots of natural and human resources. These resources has been tapped, explored, processed, developed and used by us for our comfort and prosperity. We are much eager for the success to be achieved from all these resources without weighing the side effects. How do we need to live in th

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Mar 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9789360494803

Book preview

Sustainability

A Global Perspective

Bright Mills

Ukiyoto Publishing

All global publishing rights are held by

Ukiyoto Publishing

Published in 2023

Content Copyright © Bright Mills

ISBN

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

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Dedication

A very special thanks and acknowledgement to the United Nations Organizations, World Bank, Görkem Gençer, Derek Wong, Bardia Eshghi, Majid Al Futtaim, Casandra Guillén, Maxwell Lulavy, and Professor Steven Cohenfor their expertise and assistance throughout all aspects of my research and for their help in writing the manuscript.

Contents

Sustainability

Sustainability Impact

Importance of Sustainability

Sustainability Approach

The Sustainable Development Agenda

Development Goals

Systemic issues

The 10 best social sustainability in Our Society

Sustainable Development Achievement Goals

Environmental Sustainability

Expected Sustainability Cost

Strategies for Achieving Cultural Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainable development requires an integrated approach that takes into consideration environmental concerns along with economic development. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Today, there are almost 140 developing countries in the world seeking ways of meeting their development needs, but with the increasing threat of climate change, concrete efforts must be made to ensure development today does not negatively affect future generations.

The Sustainable Development Goals form the framework for improving the lives of populations around the world and mitigating the hazardous man-made effects of climate change.  SDG 13: Climate Action, calls for integrating measures to prevent climate change within development frameworks. SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land, also call for more sustainable practices in using the earth’s natural resources.

About the Hub: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazGU/KazNU) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is UNAI’s hub for sustainability. It has been engaged in a number of activities such as the Model UN training at Nazarbayev University which was conducted by KazNU students; the collateral seminar on Climate Change, Energy and Technology held at the Al-Farabi University Center for Cross Cultural Communication; and a photo exhibition entitled Seeing a different Afghanistan which was organized by the MDP/Global Classroom program at Al Farabi KazNU.

Sustainability Impact

The world is endowed with lots of natural and human resources. These resources has been tapped, explored, processed, developed and used by us for our comfort and prosperity. We are much eager for the success to be achieved from all these resources without weighing the side effects. How do we need to live in the future? What do we need to learn to make that future possible? We have experiences poverty, pandemic, biodiversity loss and rising sea levels. All these interconnected global challenges affects us all and can only be solve if we work together. We need to be educated on how to act now. Sustainability is much more than the environment alone, but the development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. More so, the ability to sustain what we have such as our biodiversity, human and natural resources so that they can last. We are trying to sustain our ways of life on earth, as well as earth’s ability to meet our needs, not just today, but in the future as well. We must use earth resources in a way that it can be used forever. If we use something too much today without replacement, it can be gone forever. We are consuming resources than replacing them. Climate change, air pollution, declining ecosystem health, and plastic pollution. Sustainability is about understanding how all of this connected. It is all about system thinking.

I shall be considering three main factors for sustainability impact, which includes environmental sustainability, Economic sustainability, and Social sustainability.

Environmental Sustainability: We have to use natural resources on earth in a way such that they will have enough time for replacement as we use them. Such as trees, cutting them down without replacement. Waste, generating too much waste than earth can absolve.

Economic Sustainability: People work and do businesses to make enough money to support their needs and love ones. It is the continued success of the economy for our people to live well and wealthy.

Social Sustainability: Everybody wish to have the opportunity to get the resources and economic success that they need without any form of exploitation or discrimination of any kind.

Sustainability is not just about understanding that we need to manage all of these, but understanding how they are connected. It is the balance of social equality, economic opportunity, and earth resources, to ensure they will exist forever. It is about decision-making. How do you balance all these factors? How are they connected. Businesses want to make more money, but needs a positive and conducive environment and social impact in doing so. Socially, people want to earn enough to support their love ones but faced with a limiting economy and environmental impact. Environmentally, we need to use earth’s resources reasonably, but due to the over consumption of certain group of people and businesses, this has become a threat. When people get what they want without trashing the world so that the inhabitants can still survive. The world’s economy, economic activities and financial capital are completely and orderly dependent on the social and human capital. All the activities on earth depends on natural resources. If we want a healthy and sustainable future, we have to plan for it. We have to educate ourselves about our environments and future, learn how to live well in our world so that we can contribute to the health of earth’s resources, to derive maximum sustainability from them.

Sustainability improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations. In the corporate world, sustainability is associated with an organization's holistic approach, taking into account everything, from manufacturing to logistics to customer service. Sustainability is a concept related to the development of products, goods, and services that involves meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to fulfill their own needs. Sustainability as a concept recognizes that the environment is an exhaustible resource. Therefore, it is important to use the environment and its resources rationally and protect it for the good of the Earth, our environment, humanity, & all living things.

While most people associate it with the environment, sustainability can be explored in various other contexts, including economic development and social responsibility. These contexts include the Earth’s carrying capacity, the sustainability of ecosystems, occupations, behavior patterns, and so on. In a sustainable society, humans live in harmony with the natural environment, conserving resources for their future generations, so that everyone enjoys social justice and a high quality of life.

Importance of Sustainability

Sustainability improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations. In the corporate world, sustainability is associated with an organization’s holistic approach, taking into account everything, from manufacturing to logistics to customer service. Going green and sustainable is not only beneficial for the company; it also maximizes the benefits from an environmental focus in the long-term.

Benefits of Embracing Sustainability

Ensures a Future for All

Regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we do, we all have a moral obligation to each other, our future generations, and other species to sustain the planet. Our present choices and actions have huge long-term impacts on future generations. Practicing sustainability ensures that we make ethical choices that bring a safe and livable future to everyone. If we deplete the resources of the Earth, future generations will be depleted. For example, if we over fish our oceans, we risk not only depleting the supply of fish, but also depleting the supply of every organism in the food chain related to that fish.

Reduced Energy Usage

Sustainable business practices lead to a significant reduction in long-term energy costs. Some quick initiatives, like switching to energy-efficient lighting, according to production schedule, reduce long-term electrical costs. Using solar and wind energy, along with energy-efficient equipment, reduces monthly utility bills. Reducing energy consumption is actually a positive thing for businesses, it helps them become more efficient overall.

A Healthy Habitat For All

In the long-term, our society benefits from improved water and air quality, reduced landfills, and increased renewable energy sources. Sustainable actions help make a real difference in society. Being committed to sustainability will reduce your carbon footprint and the amount of toxins released into the environment, making it safe. When we focus on sustainability, the entire world benefits and gets to live in clean, more healthy living conditions.

Societal Impact

Encouraging the conservation of natural resources deeply penetrates not only your company standards and brand, but also employees and their families. If you make sustainability important in your business, you are bridging a deeply important conversation to the forefront of consumerism. The societal impact can reach far and wide.

How To Be Sustainable

Fortunately, by making many simple choices, you can easily make your life more stable and still enjoyable. Here is the list of easy changes to live sustainably every day. Choosing to live a sustainable lifestyle does not mean you will have to give things up or reduce your quality of life at all! In fact, you will feel more fulfilled and happy knowing your contributing to a better world.

Choose Sustainable Billing Options

Every person and business on the planet has bills that need to be paid. This is a simple way all of us can make a difference. Sort through your bills and try to go paperless as much as possible. Encourage businesses you associate with to go paperless if they’re not already. Regular billing statements can be sent to your email, making them more accessible, organized and secure. E-billing makes your life easier and is better for the environment.

Use Sustainable Products

It’s actually very easy to opt for sustainable products these days. Tons of companies make sustainability a priority. From clothing, to beauty brands, to food and energy companies. There are so many sustainable options to choose from. So choose brands that make sustainability a top priority. Choose brands that use recycled plastic or materials rather than brands that continuously add to the landfills. If you are a business owner yourself, careful planning across your business processes can help you stop sending waste to landfills. Businesses can take a lot of simple steps to achieve more sustainable practices, such as using bamboo instead of disposable plastic cutlery, replacing fluorescent tubes with LED bulbs, and hiring waste treatment contractors, etc.

Make Transportation Adjustments

Try to avoid automobiles as much as possible, at least for short distances. It will help reduce carbon emissions, thus saving the environment. You can opt for an electric car, bike, or run or walk if you live in a walkable city. Its a great way to get exercise and reduce how much you need to rely on gasoline powered transportation.

If you cannot walk or use public transportation, opt to carpool. You can offer to drive coworkers and friends rather than ride together. Alternatively, hitch a ride whenever possible. Small consistent actions really add up over the long run!

Choose Sustainable Food and Beverages

Most importantly, vote with your money. Choose sustainable food manufacturers. You can shop at local farmers markets to get tasty farm-fresh produce from local providers. Shopping at farmers markets, helps reduce carbon emissions from transportation. You can also just choose brands that have committed to sustainable practices.

Choose Reusable Products

A little change in your habits can have a big sustainable effect. Opt for reusable bottles on the go. Choose reusable dishrags over paper towels, reusable grocery bags over paper or plastic bags. Also, use reusable food storage containers to pack your food safely while reducing waste.

Cut Down On Plastic

Every year, thousands of sea turtles, seabirds, and other marine mammals die because of plastic. So cut down on your plastic waste by using reusable bags when and avoiding plastic-made products. Plastic is not biodegradable, so it ends up in landfills unless reused by a brand committed to sustainability.

Recycle

Recycling is the very least everyone should be doing at this point. It is so easy and convenient to recycle. Simply make sure you have a recycle bin in your home, business, etc. All waste companies now offer recycling pick up with trash pickup so there is really no excuse!

The Five P's of Sustainability as Outlined by the United Nations

At the heart of the 2030 Agenda are five critical dimensions: people, prosperity, planet, partnership and peace, also known as the 5Ps.

Which of the 3 pillars of sustainability is the main focus of the UN and its member countries?

The United Nations attempts to strengthen all three pillars, but due to its consensual decision making process and small budget has minor impact. The United Nations focuses mostly on the economic pillar, since economic growth is what most of its members want most, especially developing nations.

The Role of UN in Promoting Sustainability

The UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is the main global forum for reviewing successes, challenges and lessons learned on achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for countries to present their Voluntary National Reviews.

Sustainability Approach

An estimated one hundred billion plastic bags are thrown away each year. The results of this is around 1 billion birds and mammals dying each year by the ingestion of plastic. There are around 700 million cars on the road today producing about 900 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. The sustainability development goal offer a shared vision of humanity that provides the missing piece of the globalization part. This relates to all aspect of our lives. Education holds the keys to ensuring the sustainability development goals becomes a reality successful for the inhabitants of the world. In this age of acceleration and artificial intelligence, we need to think much harder what makes us human. It is about courage and mobilizing our cognitive social and emotional resources to take action. Considering the world in the past decade, how we have seen a growing disconnect, between the infinite growth imperative and the finite resources of our planet. Against this backdrop, strategic approach needs to be instituted for a successful sustainability impact. These includes:

To engage organizations to build a business case that will get buy in for the resources you need.

To pick projects and put them in a clear plan that drives collaboration and accountability.

To create a waste unit platform and facilities based on waste audit to find opportunities for cost reductions and diverting waste streams from the landfill.

To implement software to manage data.

To reduce water consumption and increase water efficiency.

To support schools to integrate sustainability into schools.

To facilitate student environmental activities and education.

To install solar on schools. Schools are one of the largest portfolio of government own buildings, and they consume lots of electricity. Solar is economic, environmental, and most of all, educational.

Say no to plastic bottles and yes to refillable water bottles.

Embed Sustainability in technology to address issues like waste, carbon emission, and energy consumption.

To identify measure and track the sustainability impact of software development practices to improve its sustainability awareness. This will lead to the improvements in the sustainability quotient of software solutions resulting in reduced energy consumption and emission.

To reduce, reuse and recycle environmental focus to prevent waste and protect resources.

To identify sustainability issues that will deliver the most value and set your strategy.

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In 2018, in the Kalobeyei Settlement Area in Kenya, water was supplied from boreholes and pumped as far as 4km away. To reduce fuel costs the Norwegian Refugee Council (implementing partner for UNHCR's water, sanitation and hygiene programmes) used solar-powered pumps for 6-7 hours daily, saving on fuel costs. Goal 6 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is ‘Ensure access to water and sanitation for all’. Photo: Patrick Kihara/UN Environment

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As the eight-day High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) drew to a close on Wednesday, the United Nations chief called on everyone to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for prosperity and peace on a healthy planet.

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We must rise higher to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals – and stay true to our promise of a world of peace, dignity and prosperity on a healthy planet. – UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

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A solar farmer working with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) cleans a row of solar panels at the Peacekeeping Mission's facilities in Nqoura, Lebanon in 2012. UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz

Support Sustainable Development and Climate Action

The United Nations launched its sustainable development agenda in 2015, reflecting the growing understanding by Member States that a development model that is sustainable for this and future generations offers the best path forward for reducing poverty and improving the lives of people everywhere. At the same time, climate change began making a profound impact on the consciousness of humanity. With the polar ice caps melting, global sea levels rising and cataclysmic weather events increasing in ferocity, no country in the world is safe from the effects of climate change.

Building a more sustainable global economy will help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. It is, therefore, critically important that the international community meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and also the targets for reducing emissions set in the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015. Sustainable development and climate action are linked and both are vital to the present and future well-being of humanity.

The Sustainable Development Agenda

MDGs — Close to 40 per cent of the population of the developing world was living in extreme poverty only two decades ago. Since then, the world has halved extreme poverty, with the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) greatly contributing to this progress.

2030 Agenda —Recognizing the success of the MDGs, and the need to complete the job of eradicating poverty, the UN adopted the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes ending poverty; zero hunger; good health and well being; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnerships for the goals.

Paris Agreement — While these goals were being formulated and approved, the United Nations supported the climate change negotiations, which led to the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015. The central aim of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping the