Sustainability: Our Responsibility.

Dr.Sanjukta Padhi
HoD, School of Psychology
G.M.University
Sambalpur, Odisha

Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. In addition to natural resources, we also need social and
economic resources. Mother earth has given us everything to meet our need not to meet our
greed. We must save our earth to save ourselves.

The environment in which man survives and to which he adapts himself and which he influences
include physical, socio-cultural, and biological aspects

Sustainability is a social goal for people to co-exist on Earth over a long time. Definitions of this
term are disputed and have varied with literature, context, and time. Sustainability usually has
three dimensions (or pillars): environmental, economic, and social. Many definitions emphasize
the environmental dimension. This can include addressing key environmental problems,
including climate change and biodiversity loss. The idea of sustainability can guide decisions at
the global, national, and individual levels. A related concept is that of sustainable development,
and the terms are often used to mean the same thing. In this regard the UNESCO distinguishes
the two like this: "Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal (i.e. a more sustainable
world), while sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it

In the broadest sense, sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process
continuously over time. In business and policy contexts, sustainability seeks to prevent the
depletion of natural or physical resources, so that they will remain available for the long term.

The same report introduced the three pillars or principles of environmental, social and
economic sustainability, also known as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).

Some of the first teachings about improving the planet seem simple: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
People have since made lifestyle choices and adjustments, such as biking to work and
segregating garbage, to bring this rule to life and help save the environment.

Sustainable Lifestyles are considered as ways of living, social behaviors and choices, that
minimize environmental degradation (use of natural resources, CO2 emissions, waste and
pollution) while supporting equitable socio-economic development and better quality of life for
all.

Sustainability is the practice of using natural resources responsibly, so that they can support both
present and future generations. Forests are one natural resource that sustainability groups are
focused on conserving. Forests made up about 30 percent of Earth's land mass in 2015, but that
number is at risk of decreasing

A “sustainable society” is one in which we do not damage the environment or overuse resources,
and are therefore able to leave a beautiful, peaceful, and bountiful earth that future generations
can continue to inhabit in spite of socio-cultural and economic development in the society

In its broadest sense, we define sustainability through ideas and solutions that contribute to the
healthy survival of our environment and the peaceful continued existence of our society. Yes –
that's a broad definition. But that's the foundation of our thinking process.

By living sustainably, we minimize the negative impact our lifestyles have on the planet and
emphasize the behaviors that benefit the environment. Sustainability offers us a chance to take
some control over our lifestyles and make healthier choices for our planet and future generations.

We all know we need clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, and safe food to eat to stay alive.
We also need natural resources for building shelters and transportation, and we rely on the
environment to provide all these essential resources.

One way to promote sustainability is by reducing consumption. This can be done by using less
energy, water, and other resources. Using fewer resources can help reduce the strain on the
environment, preserve resources for future generations, and reduce our carbon footprint.

Why is Sustainability Thinking Important? Let us start it from the school level. As the global
population continues to grow, natural resources are depleting at an alarming rate. Sustainability
thinking encourages students to consider the impact of their actions on the environment and find
innovative ways to preserve resources for future generations

The term sustainability is derived from the Latin word sustinere. "To sustain" can mean to
maintain, support, uphold, or endure. So sustainability is the ability to continue over a long
period of time.

Heat waves, forest fires, acidifying oceans, melting glaciers and other phenomena in recent years
have sparked greater awareness about preserving the planet. Events like Earth Day are a chance
to continue alerting society of the urgent need to take measures to halt the devastation.

The concept that "man is the product and producer of his environment" is a fundamental idea that
highlights the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between human beings and the surroundings
in which they live. It underscores the mutually influential relationship between humans and their
surroundings
Let us nurture nature to have a nurturing future. Better Environment, Better Tomorrow. Save the
planet Earth. Let us make our planet a better place. Let us give something to our mother nature to
get something better in return. Love nature, save nature live with nature.