What is sustainability?

Abstract This chapter introduces the systems thinking approach to sustainability. We review alternative ways of defining or interpreting sustainability and discuss points on which people differ in their understanding of the concept. A systems approach implies that sustainability is not limited to environmental considerations and that environmental, economic, and social sustainability cannot be viewed as distinct spheres. A systems approach to sustainability is also useful in analyzing practices or processes that should not be sustained. Activists and interest groups pursue political objectives under the banner of sustainability, and even non-partisan analysis of sustainability suggests policy directives, especially with respect to climate. Nevertheless, the concept of sustainability should not be identified with any particular political ideology or policy agenda. The idea of sustainability is used in managing renewable resources and became influential in economic development following the publication of the World Commission on Environment and Development report in 1987.