Sustainability and sustainable development are effective tools in achieving a safer and healthier ecosystem in Florida and around the world. This paper seeks to define Sustainability and Sustainable Development by comparing the three components of a sustainable society, their synergy, and the difficulties of maintaining each with the influences of the others. Finally, the paper will describe one example of how humans are now emulating nature. I will conclude by suggesting my initiative that will influence my behavior to be a more sustainable individual.
Sustainability is the pursuit to maintain a substantial ecological balance in the depletion and replenishment of natural resources. Environment economists view sustainability as a “natural capital” which equity must be preserved. Sustainability validates a balance in social, economic, and environmental considerations to achieve a quality life. Sustainable Development compares human activities with the status of the available natural resources and outlines the best practices that might assist in increasing the value of natural resources. The concept further elaborates the three main constituents of human existence: financial, human, and ecological (Olawumi et al., 2018). Sustainable development optimizes income while increasing capital, maintaining physical and biological robustness and resilience, and establishing cultural and social systems.
There are three components of a sustainable society: ecological integrity, economic prosperity, and social justice. The maintenance of the environmental situation is essential for society and humankind as a whole due to its long-term effects on every aspect of life. Therefore, humanity must strive for changes in this sphere since the present state of ecology raises several concerns. Particularly, the saddening state of the environmental situation is frequently caused by a lack of balance between ecological integrity and economic prosperity. The increasing amount of manufacturing businesses with no regard to the ecology might severely hurt the sustainability of society. From these considerations, it is essential that humanity unites in its efforts to improve the ecological situation.
The second component of a sustainable society is called social justice, and it advocates for the equality of all people regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, and race. The relationships between people have always been a central topic for philosophical and political discussions implying the utmost importance of the subject. On the other hand, if society fails to properly maintain this component of a sustainable society, then it might lead to protests and riots resulting in the deterioration of the economic state. Therefore, social justice is highly significant and is directly related to other components of a sustainable society.
Finally, the third aspect is economic prosperity which suggests that people must prosper economically to sustain themselves. This component heavily influences the two aforementioned ones and is central to the proper development of society. From these considerations, one of the primary objectives of the government is to maintain a proper balance between economic growth and other aspects. To integrate the three components, human beings must be seen as one species occupying the earth while recognizing that we should collaborate with the ecosystem to create a circular economy.
The Cypress swamps are an example of a marsh usually formed along the edges of lakes, creeks, and rivers. The freshwater marshes contain fresh water and are primarily found in areas with slight drainage zones and close to the openings of a river. However, the number of freshwater wetlands has declined due to human encroachment (Kitanosono et al., 2018). Communities across various countries are creating sustainable development ideas for their flocks; a good example is Sarasota, Florida. Despite the growing issues of urban growth, environmental deterioration, water scarcity, and traffic congestion, the Florida city has initiative projects and programs to address these challenges through civil, public, and private partnerships.
My initiative is using minimal packaging after making purchases, reduce food wastage, and use energy-saving bulbs for more efficient light. Additionally, I will encourage my peers to support policies that fight climatic changes, greenhouse gases, protect wildlife and public lands, and support access to better health and educational services. Summing up, sustainable development is necessary for achieving objectives such as better health, economic development, and gender equality.
References
Kitanosono, T., Masuda, K., Xu, P., & Kobayashi, S. (2018). Catalytic organic reactions in the water toward a sustainable society. Chemical Reviews, 118(2), 679-746.
Olawumi, T. O., & Chan, D. W. (2018). A scientometric review of global research on sustainability and sustainable development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 183, 231-250.