What Does Sustainability Truly Mean?

When we delve into the concept of sustainability, the best place to start is by dissecting the word itself. We can all agree that "sustainability" derives from "sustainable," and according to the Cambridge dictionary, "sustainable" means "able to continue over a period of time." This definition inherently implies that any activity or system requires balance to endure, and it's abundantly clear that our world craves equilibrium, not just in environmental terms but also on a social scale.

In essence, sustainability can be distilled down to one word: balance. Achieving this equilibrium is our paramount goal. However, when we talk about global issues, particularly those that govern the functioning of our society, we must focus our efforts on balancing three essential facets: the environment, humanity, and the economy.

This implies that to attain true balance and a sustainable world, these three factors must coexist harmoniously. Sacrificing one in favor of the others can disrupt the equilibrium and jeopardize the entire system. Let me illustrate this with an example, what I like to call the "Germany effect." Imagine a scenario where a nation invests half a billion dollars to offset carbon emissions, successfully reducing carbon dioxide emissions from 795 million tons to 733 million tons. Impressive, right? But, in the very next year, 2022, emissions increase by 29 million tons. It's like spending a fortune on a diet only to put the weight back on. While the intention is admirable, the approach neglects the balance of the other two critical factors, and the solution falters.

This underscores the importance of always considering these three factors when addressing the challenges within sectors like the food industry. Currently, this equilibrium is elusive, with low worker wages, agriculture standing as a major CO2 emitter, and rising food prices. The latter issue, in particular, poses a significant problem for communities that cannot afford the prices of premium produce.

In conclusion, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a call for balance in our actions and systems. To create a truly sustainable world, we must continually strive to harmonize the environment, human well-being, and economic prosperity. Only by maintaining this delicate equilibrium can we hope to overcome the pressing challenges that lie ahead.