Defining sustainability: very hard task

Finding a common definition of sustainability in the literature appears to be a very complex undertaking. Probably it is one of the most ill-defined notions in the world of environmental action, with an empty meaning par excellence. However, we are surrounded with terminology such as “durable practices”, “sustainable consumerism”, “green environmentalism”, “eco-friendly lifestyles”, and many more, all of which are aimed at tackling one of our time’s most pressing challenges, the degradation of the environment. Manisha Anantharaman, one of the most important scholars on the topic, provides a concise and clear definition of the notion of sustainable consumption: “is a normative concept that calls for individuals, corporations, and nations to reduce their resource footprints in the interest of environmental protection and ecological integrity”.

What’s a sustainable practice? 

A sustainable practice is one that preserves the environment while maintaining ecological integrity. The environment is considered a vital system for human cultures, relying on all elements to generate products and services while also absorbing waste from our production and consumption processes. And, as humans, we must use natural resources in ways that do not harm the environment. That’s not all of it. To properly comprehend the dynamics of human-environment interaction with the implementation of “green” consumption, culture, institutions, and individual behaviours must be considered. “Pro-environmental behaviour” is synonymous with “environmentally friendly” consumption, such as eating a low-meat diet, recycling waste, avoiding car trips, and conserving water and energy. These are everyday practices known as “green” and are incorporated in both research and sustainability agendas.

Earth Summit: the beginning of the sustainability debate  

The Earth Summit (1992) marked the outset of sustainable consumption as an area of research and action. The Conference was held in Rio De Janeiro, in 1992, and was the first world summit of heads of state on the environment. Among the Conference’s most significant accomplishments were the United Nations Convention on Climate Change, which led to the Kyoto Protocol two years later, as well as the creation of crucial documents such as the Sustainable Development Action Plan (Agenda 21). A structured handbook with a list of tasks that signatory countries should take by the twenty-first century to achieve sustainable development. Interesting the assumption and purpose given by Agenda 21 (Section III- Chapter 26) about indigenous peoples:

“Indigenous people and their communities have an historical relationship with their lands and are generally descendants of the original inhabitants of such lands. […] In full partnership with indigenous people and their communities, Governments and, where appropriate, intergovernmental organizations should aim at fulfilling the following objectives … Establishment of a process to empower indigenous people and their communities through measures that include: (ii) Recognition that the lands of indigenous people and their communities should be protected from activities that are environmentally unsound or that the indigenous people concerned consider to be socially and culturally inappropriate”.

The Summit had a significant media impact because of all the measures taken, but it also appeared to be the first attempt by policymakers to tackle the problem of environmental pollution, later leading scholars to become interested in the drivers behind environmentally destructive consumption practices (Anantharaman, 2018). Can we consider the goals stated at the Earth Summit to be met today, more than thirty years later? The answer is clear: no. Proof of this is the establishment of a new agenda with goals to be met by 2030 (Agenda 2030), which remains consistent with the previous one and provides a shared “blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet”.

Sustainable development goals (Agenda 2030)

There are 17 Goals to be achieved, in brief: (1) No Poverty, (2) Zero Hunger, (3) Good Health and Well-Being, (4) Quality Education, (5) Gender Equality, (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, (8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (9) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, (10) Reduced Inequalities, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (13) Climate Action, (14) Life Below Water, (15) Life on Land, (16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, (17) Partnerships for the Goals. Focusing, for example, on Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), the recommended practices for citizens worldwide are to reduce waste by not throwing away food; reducing plastic consumption; carry a reusable bag; refuse the use of plastic straws; buy from sustainable and local sources; and pressure businesses to adopt sustainable practices. While for Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the actions recommended to individual citizens and governments answer the following questions: Are there enough jobs? Can your children walk to school safely? Can you walk with your family at night? How far is the nearest public transport? How is the air quality? How are the shared public spaces?
With respect to these 17 Goals, can we say that we are on track to achieve them by 2030? There are many doubts in this regard, but above all, the dilemmas, and paradoxes that these actions invoke are equally critical.
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