understanding sustainability

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Sustainability may be best understood through the nested model, which shows society as operating within the limits of the biosphere, and the economy operating within society. 

This model demonstrates the fact that everything we do depends on what the environment can provide us. Every action we take has an impact on the environment's ability to provide. Complex relationships and feedbacks are at work. 

For example, clearing more forests to build roads and properties can mean less rain, more noise, and worsened air pollution. Removing traditional footpaths and beach accesses to make way for hotels can cause residents to experience a disconnection to place and culture. 

Instead of allowing for trade-offs, a more holistic view is encouraged. The idea is to find ways to integrate different environmental, social, and economic objectives. 

Pinning down just what sustainability means and how to turn its principles into practice as an individual, community, and government can be challenging.

This is because people often have their own understanding of the term (or maybe none at all). These conceptualizations have implications for decisions we make in everyday life and the plans we make for the future. This can involve things like: 

• livelihoods 
• food security
• preserving culture 
• renewable energy
• resilience to climate change
• national development plans
• constitutional and legal rights 
• conservation of natural resources

By using the most logical framework, we can identify if something really is sustainable and use this knowledge to push for policies that work for all of us, including future generations.