Sustainability definition in environmental science
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Defining Sustainability in Environmental Science
Core Sustainability Definition and Key Principles
In environmental science, sustainability is most commonly defined as the use of natural resources and ecosystem functions in a way that ensures their availability for the long term, without depleting or damaging them for future generations Hueting1998Basiago1995. This concept is rooted in the idea of interdependence between human activities and ecological systems, emphasizing that human well-being and economic development must be balanced with the health of the environment Morelli2011Pontius2019. The widely cited Brundtland Commission definition frames sustainable development as “development which meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” .
Contextual and Multidisciplinary Nature of Sustainability
Sustainability is a broad and evolving concept, applied across various disciplines such as biology, economics, sociology, and urban planning. Its meaning often depends on the context—whether the focus is on ecological, social, or economic systems—and on the spatial and temporal scales considered Brown1987Shahadu2016. For example, in environmental management, sustainability may refer to maintaining the basic support systems necessary for human survival, such as clean air, water, and stable ecosystems .
Objective and Predictive Aspects
Some researchers argue that sustainability can be objectively defined through scientific assessment of whether the vital functions of our biophysical environment remain indefinitely available . However, assessing sustainability is often a prediction problem, as it requires evaluating whether systems or practices will continue to function and provide benefits over time . This involves considering which systems or characteristics are to be sustained, for how long, and how to measure their continued viability Costanza1995Moore2017.
Common Constructs and Evolving Definitions
Despite the diversity of definitions, several common constructs emerge in the literature:
- Continued delivery of programs or practices
- Maintenance of individual or collective behavior change
- Adaptation and evolution of systems
- Ongoing production of benefits for individuals and ecosystems
- Consideration of time and long-term impacts
Recent efforts have aimed to consolidate these constructs into comprehensive definitions to guide research and policy, recognizing that sustainability is both a scientific and a practical challenge Ruggerio2021Moore2017.
Addressing Ambiguity and Advancing Sustainability Science
While the concept of sustainability has been criticized for its ambiguity and multiple meanings, recent analyses suggest that its core meanings are not as numerous or contradictory as sometimes claimed. Classifying and clarifying these meanings can help avoid methodological errors and improve the application of sustainability in research and practice Salas-Zapata2018Ruggerio2021. There is also a growing movement to establish sustainability as an “umbrella science,” integrating natural and social sciences to address complex environmental challenges .
Conclusion
In environmental science, sustainability is fundamentally about ensuring that human activities do not compromise the long-term health and availability of natural resources and ecosystem functions. While definitions vary by context and discipline, the core idea remains the same: balancing human needs with the capacity of the environment to support life now and in the future. Ongoing efforts to clarify and operationalize the concept are essential for effective environmental management and policy.
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Environmental Sustainability: A Definition for Environmental Professionals
Environmental sustainability should be defined as an expansion of human activity's nature, connecting it to ecological interdependence and serving as a goal for environmental managers.
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