What is sustainability?

Sustainability is fundamentally defined as the capacity to meet present needs while ensuring that future generations can also meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes a balance between environmental health, economic vitality, and social equity. When we say that sustainability involves meeting present needs without compromising future generations, it highlights the importance of using resources responsibly and mindfully, taking into account the long-term implications of our actions on the planet and its inhabitants.

In this context, sustainable practices aim to create systems and processes that protect environmental resources, promote economic development, and foster social well-being for all, ensuring that these elements support each other rather than degrade over time. This approach encourages a holistic view that integrates various aspects of human activity to maintain a healthy planet for current and future populations.

The other options fail to capture this essence of sustainability, as they either propose compromises that would harm future generations, prioritize economic growth without environmental considerations, or focus exclusively on social welfare without recognizing the interconnectedness of ecological, economic, and social systems.