LPHT Sustainability Definitions

Is ‘Sustainability’ what it ‘is’ or what we believe it to be?

Is there one definition which is accepted by everyone and with which we may all agree and apply and with which we can comply?

The component elements of your definitions are:-

Essence / What?  – New ethical vision of thinking and living based upon: fairness of behaviour /reasonableness in consumption of all forms of resources / mutually beneficial relationships in which the human race and our activities adapt themselves to the planet’s capability to maintain its integrity (and not the other way round).

Purpose / Why? – The planet’s resources are limited: we are running out of them and what we do use is not equitably shared amongst those who need them (too many of us consume based upon ‘wants’ whilst too many others cannot meet their basic needs of existence).  To address and manage unsustainable demographic pressure upon resources and unacceptable impacts upon the environment/ecosystem.

Players / Who – Everyone: government / citizens / corporations at global, international, national, regional and especially local levels  (but principally Developed Nations) for the benefit of others, future generations: all.

Means / How –  information + education + training + promotion.  Shared responsibility based upon mutual respect. Active application of ethical and technical principles of preservation and (where appropriate) conservation of biosphere/ecosystem and heritage, based upon a long term perspective.  More effective use of renewable resources and energies.

Where? – Worldwide

When?  – Currrent phenomenon (30 yrs recent) …(and future?)