Sustainability (from the latin sustinere – hold up, hold upright; furnish with means of support; bear, undergo, endure) is the ability to continue over a long period of time.[1][2] In modern usage it generally refers to a state in which the environment, economy, and society will continue to exist over a long period of time.[3] Many definitions emphasize the environmental dimension.[4][5] This can include addressing key environmental problems, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The idea of sustainability can guide decisions at the global, national, organizational, and individual levels.[6] A related concept is that of sustainable development, and the terms are often used to mean the same thing.[7] UNESCO distinguishes the two like this: “Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal (i.e. a more sustainable world), while sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it.”[8]
Details around the economic dimension of sustainability are controversial.[9] Scholars have discussed this under the concept of weak and strong sustainability. For example, there will always be tension between the ideas of “welfare and prosperity for all” and environmental conservation,[10][9] so trade-offs are necessary. It would be desirable to find ways that separate economic growth from harming the environment.[11] This means using fewer resources per unit of output even while growing the economy.[12] This decoupling reduces the environmental impact of economic growth, such as pollution. Doing this is difficult.[13][14]
It is challenging to measure sustainability as the concept is complex, contextual, and dynamic.[15] Indicators have been developed to cover the environment, society, or the economy but there is no fixed definition of sustainability indicators.[16] The metrics are evolving and include indicators, benchmarks, and audits. They include sustainability standards and certification systems, like Fairtrade and Organic. They also involve indices and accounting systems, such as corporate sustainability reporting and triple Bottom Line accounting.
It is necessary to address many barriers to sustainability to achieve a sustainability transition or sustainability transformation.[6]: 34 [17] Some barriers arise from nature and its complexity while others are extrinsic to the concept of sustainability. For example, they can result from the dominant institutional frameworks in countries.
Global issues of sustainability are difficult to tackle because they need global solutions. Existing global organizations such as the UN and WTO are seen as inefficient in enforcing current global regulations. One reason for this is the lack of suitable sanctioning mechanisms.[6]: 135–145 Governments are not the only sources of action for sustainability. For example, business groups have tried to integrate ecological concerns with economic activity, seeking sustainable business.[18][19] Religious leaders have stressed the need for caring for nature and environmental stability. Individuals can also choose to live more sustainably.[6]
Some people have criticized the idea of sustainability. One point of criticism is that the concept is vague and only a buzzword.[20][9] Another is that sustainability might be an impossible goal.[21] Some experts have pointed out that “no country is delivering what its citizens need without transgressing the biophysical planetary boundaries”.[22]: 11