Sustainable development connects people’s well-being with the long-term health of the planet. How can communities provide housing, food, education and work? How can they do so without harming the systems future generations will need? Social, economic and environmental goals must be considered together.
Why it matters
For example, better public transport can help people reach jobs while reducing pollution. A project that saves resources but excludes people with low incomes may still leave an important problem unresolved. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals offer a shared framework for addressing these connected challenges.
Take action
Look at a decision in your school or community. Who benefits? Who may be left out? What could its long-term effects be? You could compare options for energy use, waste or shared spaces. Use the Guide to Action to set a realistic goal and track progress with others.
Today we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that humanity stops threatening its life-support system