Scholarlink

Sustainable development has become a cornerstone of global policy and academic discourse in the twenty-first century. It addresses the complex challenge of balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. As the world faces escalating ecological degradation, inequality, and resource depletion, the urgency for sustainable solutions has intensified. The emergence of global environmental awareness in the 1960s and 1970s laid the foundation for the current sustainability movement. Influential works, such as Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, and high-profile events, including the Cuyahoga River fire and the Santa Barbara oil spill, triggered widespread public concern. These developments catalyzed the creation of environmental regulations, institutions, and advocacy movements. The Brundtland Report (1987) was a pivotal milestone, introducing the formal definition of sustainable development and highlighting the need for integrated approaches. Since then, international summits have further institutionalized the concept, leading to the establishment of global development frameworks. In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals provide a comprehensive and universal roadmap for addressing interconnected global challenges. This chapter explores the theoretical foundations, evolution, principles, and critiques of sustainable development. It also analyzes the structure and relevance of the SDGs in advancing global sustainability. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the chapter examines how sustainable development serves as a strategic framework for harmonizing ecological, social, and economic priorities. Particular attention is given to the integration principle, intergenerational equity, and the precautionary approach. By tracing the historical development of the sustainability discourse, the chapter highlights how global consensus has been shaped by science, policy, and social movements. Finally, it underscores the importance of addressing implementation barriers to ensure that the promise of sustainable development translates into tangible outcomes.

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Climate Change and Responsible Consumption

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

查看全文
  • Asta Mikalauskienė,
  • Dalia Štreimikienė,
  • Ignas Mikalauskas

摘要

Sustainable development has become a cornerstone of global policy and academic discourse in the twenty-first century. It addresses the complex challenge of balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. As the world faces escalating ecological degradation, inequality, and resource depletion, the urgency for sustainable solutions has intensified. The emergence of global environmental awareness in the 1960s and 1970s laid the foundation for the current sustainability movement. Influential works, such as Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, and high-profile events, including the Cuyahoga River fire and the Santa Barbara oil spill, triggered widespread public concern. These developments catalyzed the creation of environmental regulations, institutions, and advocacy movements. The Brundtland Report (1987) was a pivotal milestone, introducing the formal definition of sustainable development and highlighting the need for integrated approaches. Since then, international summits have further institutionalized the concept, leading to the establishment of global development frameworks. In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals provide a comprehensive and universal roadmap for addressing interconnected global challenges. This chapter explores the theoretical foundations, evolution, principles, and critiques of sustainable development. It also analyzes the structure and relevance of the SDGs in advancing global sustainability. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the chapter examines how sustainable development serves as a strategic framework for harmonizing ecological, social, and economic priorities. Particular attention is given to the integration principle, intergenerational equity, and the precautionary approach. By tracing the historical development of the sustainability discourse, the chapter highlights how global consensus has been shaped by science, policy, and social movements. Finally, it underscores the importance of addressing implementation barriers to ensure that the promise of sustainable development translates into tangible outcomes.