Nexus of Sustainability and Equity

Individual and collective economic vitality is an important element of any sustainable community. In order to advance economic security extant economic opportunities must be preserved and new development encouraged. Generally, economic vitality is founded in "a healthy...economy that diversifies and co-develops sufficiently to create meaningful jobs, reduce poverty, and provide the opportunity for a high quality of life for all in an increasingly competitive world" (President's Council on Sustainable Development PCSD, 1996:15).

Further, sustainable development cannot be achieved unless jobs are environmentally "clean" in that they do not contribute to air or water pollution or create toxic wastes. Ecological integrity ensures "that every person enjoys the benefits of clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment at home, at work, and at play" (PCSD, 1996:14). This goal is met, in part, through conserving natural resources and decreasing exposure to toxic substances and environmental hazards.

Social equity refers to fairness among community members; that is, evenhandedness both economically and environmentally, as well as in all aspects of social well-being (PCSD, 1996:16). Sustainable development requires an equitable distribution of economic and environmental costs and benefits, critical community services (e.g., education, health care), and opportunities to participate in decisions which affect the community. Advancement toward social equity requires particular attention to the progress made by those who are most disadvantaged in the community, usually women, youth and children, indigenous people, and/or racial/ethnic minorities.

In essence, we are practicing sustainable development when we find the means to equally and simultaneously address economic development with environmental protection, while also insuring that the most disadvantaged people in our society are provided the ability to improve their quality of life. If disproportionately impacted community members aren't able to improve their well-being, the best designed plans will not meet with success and future generations will not enjoy a high quality of life. This is the nexus of sustainable development and equity -- without equity and justice considerations sustainability objectives cannot be achieved.

In this context therefore, we are affirming that sustainable development not only embraces wisdom and stewardship in the management of natural resources, but also considers fulfillment of basic human needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and the provision of economic means through which to achieve these needs for all peoples in present generations, without compromising the ability of other species sharing our world or future generations to meet their own needs.