Treats to Sustainability

Although there are many definitions for sustainability, the clearest one for me describes it as ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1988)


Threats
Credit crisis – at the moment our country on the whole is in a recession so people are looking for the cheaper options in life. Sustainable purchases are therefore not as common. For example things like bio-fuel or hybrid cars at present are more expensive. This is not just the case for the purchasers, but the producers are struggling to get hold of materials and fuels as well under the current situation.

Agriculture – the increase in agriculture can have a detrimental and unsustainable impact on the natural environment. This is partially due to the increase in pesticides and fertilisers reaching the lakes and rivers leading to eutrophication. However more sustainable methods like organic foods have been introduced these are generally too expensive for most people.

Population increase – This basically refers to the more people the more consumption, resources and energy will be required. If this is not produced in a sustainable manor then it will soon be used up.

Education – Ideas of sustainability are not presently covered in much detail in the national curriculum. If this were addressed then younger generations could be more conscious of how there decisions impact on the environment and act in a more sustainable manor.

Culture – We are regarded as a throw away generation. This is a very unsustainable way to be as the earth gets polluted from our rubbish that could and should be recycled. 6.7 million Tonnes reach landfill per year. Cars are also in high demand and not necessarily essential as many areas have very good bus or train services for example which are more sustainable. However some people are reluctant just to rely on these as they like the convenience of having their own car.

Government lack action - Governments need to stop being totally concerned with loosing voters over unpopular lifestyle changes and promote new sustainable policies. Even though they may be unpopular initially over time there incentives will preserve the earth for future generations. The governments defence tends to be that sustainable development strategies take time to implement and would need to be passed on down many agendas. (pretty poor really)


There are threats to sustainability however there are steps that can be taken to tackle them. These include things like, better education, less ignorance and making better transport decisions. All these need to be addressed for us to live in a sustainable future.