The three pillars of sustainability are: (i) the society, (ii) the environment, and (iii) the economy. These are also referred to as (i) people, (ii) planet, and (iii) profit, respectively. This suggests progress on all these three pillars is required to create a sustainable world now and for future generations.
Society (People): All members of the society must be able to live a life of quality and dignity, with equal access to food, shelter, clean water and sanitation, electricity and decent work, and be able to lead a flourishing life, free from fear and want. Issues such as inequity, deprivation, poverty and violence that prevent certain sections of the society from fulfilling their needs must be addressed to create a just and prosperous society.
Environment (Planet): We have just one planet that sustains our existence by providing us with natural resources. These include renewable resources such as forests, wind, water and solar energy; and non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels and mineral resources. We need to be mindful of how and how much of these resources we consume without destroying the regenerative ability of the earth to restore its renewable resources or jeopardising the ability of future generations from meeting their needs.
Economy (Profit): Economic growth today is taking place at the cost of damaging the environment and negative social impacts particularly on vulnerable communities. This has to change, and businesses, governments and consumers need to act responsibly. What is good for the economy must also be good for people (such as benefit to local communities through local job creation), and for the planet (such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, waste, pollution and damage to forests).
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