Problems In Understanding Sustainability

If ten people on the street, that actually had previously heard of the phrase "sustainable development," were asked what it means, seven different answers would likely be given. In addition, for everyone who believes in the meaning of sustainable development, there are probably ten times as many who do not, either because they are confused by the ideas embraced in its theory, or they just don't trust its concepts.

Common ideas of sustainable development include interconnectedness, living within nature's limits, and equal opportunity for all to have a better quality of life. Sustainable development, however, is not walking a tight rope, seeking some mythical balance between economics and environment. This leads to habitats half protected, economies weakened, and personal principles bargained away. Instead we must search for ways to create co-action while doing no harm to the life-giving environmental elements that sustain the future of people. Economic activity can promote a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems can enrich their inhabitants.

But, sustainable development is not necessarily popular with the people who can most make a difference by understanding and carrying out its meaning. Problems connecting with sustainable development come from two directions. First, it suggests unwanted sacrifices on the part of individuals craving to preserve the status quo. Secondly, the full unfolding of sustainability involves patience and the ability to look to the future. In this regard, there are often not instantaneous gratifications from actions we might take to fix what's going wrong, thus discouraging further efforts. Immediate solutions are not always apparent to problems people face in dealing with daily struggles. As we get caught up in wanting immediate solutions, we unintentionally end up creating our own demise.

Another challenge is the loss of connection to nature. Amongst all the concrete, steel, pavement, and roof tops it is easy to see why this disconnection occurred. Nature is almost thought of as ornamental, or a day out. We are quite conditioned. We come out of our houses to shop, go to work, go to dinner, or perhaps even go to the gym for the more motivated ones. We are willing to walk 10 miles on a machine yet fight for that close parking spot. Our patterns are fairly predictable. Our consumerism almost occurs at a cellular level -- tendencies that gravitate towards what we are told is an endless supply of everything. Why should we sacrifice the good life, decrease our consumption, or worry, since things seem to be OK?