How to Approach Sustainability : The Three Pillars
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Sustainability is the ability to sustain resources like energy, food, etc. for ourselves and our future generations. The concept of sustainability is based on the three pillars - environmental, social, and economic.
Using these as a base is important to understand sustainability. It helps relate different aspects of the world and give a more comprehensive approach to sustainability. Together, they form the basis for sustainable development.
The Environmental Pillar
The environmental pillar refers to the natural world around, from where we derive our food, land and other materials to thrive on Earth. It is based on the need to reduce waste, conserve energy, and minimise pollution. This pillar under sustainability focuses on preserving and protecting natural resources, including air, water, and land.
In India, there are several examples of initiatives aimed at protecting the environment:
Clean India Mission or Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014: The initiative aims to make India clean and free of open defecation by promoting the construction of toilets and improving waste management systems.
National Solar Mission, launched in 2010: The mission aims to promote the use of solar energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Social Pillar:
The social pillar refers to the people and society - how we function in relation with each other. The social pillar focuses on the well-being of people, including their health, education, and basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. Social well-being ensures flourishing societies. This is correlated to how we approach sustainability. For example, more women in the corporate workforce is associated with decisions that comply better with the SDGs and show more inclusivity.
In India, the social pillar is closely linked to poverty alleviation efforts:
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), launched in 2005: The program guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme, launched in 1995: The Scheme provides free meals to school children to promote education and improve their health.
The Economic Pillar:
The economic pillar refers to the management of resources - monetary and otherwise. The raw material we obtain from nature, processing and then sales of the finished products - they are crucial in how the economic pillar functions. A large majority of the decisions taken in these activities directly affect Nature. It is important to shift to greener practices. This pillar focuses on creating economic growth and development that is sustainable in the long term.
In India, sustainable economic growth is closely linked to the development of renewable energy sources:
Wind energy sector: There has been a rapid growth in recent years. India is now the world's fourth-largest producer of wind energy, with an installed capacity of over 37,000 MW.
National Green Tribunal, established in 2010: This is a specialised court that deals with environmental disputes and aims to promote sustainable development by enforcing environmental laws.
The three pillars of sustainability are interdependent and essential for sustainable development. By focusing on protecting the environment, promoting social well-being, and creating sustainable economic growth, India has made significant progress towards achieving sustainability. However, there is still a long way to go. By continuing to prioritise sustainability in policies and programs, India can create a better future for all its citizens
References:
Government of India. (2015). Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Retrieved from http://swachhbharatmission.gov.in/
Government of India. (2010). National Solar Mission. Retrieved from https://mnre.gov.in/national-solar-mission
Government of India. (2005). Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Retrieved from http://nrega.nic.in/netnrega/home.aspx
Government of India. (1995). Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Retrieved from https://www.mhrd.gov.in/mid-day-meal-scheme
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (2021). Wind Power in India. Retrieved from https://mnre.gov.in/wind-power-in-india
National Green Tribunal. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://greentribunal.gov.in/about_us.php