Ecological sustainability is the ability to carry on life processes while maintaining a certain standing or processes within the existing environmental systems. The word ‘sustainability’, itself is most recurrently used” for connecting all human activities to biological systems from the perspective of maintaining an ecological balance. All human activities must involve responsible behavior towards the ecosystem so that it is capable of functioning and maintaining its productivity, in the long run, to ensure the availability of resources for future generations while catering to the present.
Preserving eco-sustainability will depend on how life is led by the different societies all over the world and as the human race as a whole. The responsibility of maintaining the balance of nature does not lie on the shoulders of any individual organization or a central governing body. It is by far the duty of individuals, businesses, governments at various levels to act responsibly within stipulated limits to ensure ecological sustainability.
With the growing population around the globe and the indiscriminate use of resources for business purposes and a higher standard of living, the planet and its limited resources are under tremendous pressure. At this stage, it is crucial to lay down rules and follow them religiously to ensure a better future for all. There are various ways that can be adopted at various levels to take corrective measures and restore some of the harm that has already been done through the process of modern development.
Types of Sustainability
Sustainability can be of four kinds, namely environmental, human, social and economic. All these four are vital for maintaining the entirety of life processes on this planet. Though all of them are interlinked yet is important to understand their differences and requirements.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is extremely vital because without it life processes would deteriorate considerably or could even lead to extinction. It involves all the natural resources that human beings require for social and economic developments. Materials have to be acquired from nature in order to fulfill human needs. If the actions of humans deplete nature at a faster rate than it can renew, then sooner or later they will face a situation where there would not be enough raw materials for sustenance.
In addition to the rate of usage, eco-sustainability also means ensuring the management of waste, be it in any state. Polluting the air, water, and land irresponsibly would reduce productivity and efficiency. Excess of pollution can threaten the existence of all life forms on Earth.
Human Sustainability
Human sustainability mainly depends upon the sound reproductive health of humans. Along with reproduction, the care of children, catering to their medical health, giving them proper nutrition, access to education, and promoting their wellness will also lead to human sustainability. The present generation has to be equipped with skills and means to lead a healthy and responsible life in the future to maintain continuity.
Social Sustainability
Social sustainability to a great extent involves access to capital. Without access to enough social capital, it may easily deteriorate leading to mistrust and violence. This may even destroy societies. Social sustainability can be maintained through the maintenance of obedience to rules and regulations, laws, values which have developed among different societies over the years aiming at common well being.
Economic Sustainability
To ensure economic sustainability societies must aim at conserving the means and resources that give them economic advantages. To achieve this it is necessary to restrict the use of natural resources and to recycle and regenerate the possible means at a rate faster or an equal rate at which they are consumed.
