Sustainable Development: A guide to understanding and applying It
- Javier Trespalacios
- Aug 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 29, 2025
We live in an era where every decision affects our future. The planet's resources are not infinite, and although we continue to grow and consume, we must rethink our way of living to protect the world that future generations will inherit.
What does sustainable development mean?
To explain it easily, people often speak of a "three-legged stool" : the economy, the environment, and society. If one of those legs fails, everything becomes unbalanced. That's why we need a balance between the money we generate, people's well-being, and care for the planet. Ignoring any of these aspects affects all of them.
Although it may seem like a modern concept, it has its roots in the UN's Brundtland Report of 1987, which stated "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." It's not about giving up a comfortable life, but rather seeking smarter development: generating wealth, building pleasant cities, breathing clean air, and protecting nature and people at the same time.
The Three Pillars of Sustainable Development
These are the three areas that remain connected and need each other:
Environment: Caring for natural resources and protecting ecosystems so they continue to be a source of life for everyone.
Social: Building fair societies, where everyone has access to education, health, decent housing, and decent work.
Economic: Promoting economic growth that benefits everyone without depleting resources or increasing inequalities.
The three pillars of sustainable development are economic, social, and environmental
Altering any of these dimensions directly affects the others, which is why it is essential to keep them in balance.
Sustainability in Practice
Sustainability is the ability to keep a system functioning over time, without depleting or damaging it. It is reflected in our daily decisions: in how we produce, how we consume, and how we relate to our environment.
Some ideas for applying sustainability day to day include:
Thinking about the long-term consequences of our actions.
Understanding that the economy, society, and environment are interrelated.
Respecting the opportunities of the generations that come after.
Being cautious in case of possible environmental damage.
Including all affected people in important decisions.
These actions are not complicated: using a bicycle to go to work or carrying reusable bags are small gestures that, added together, have a positive impact.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, UN member countries adopted the 2030 Agenda, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals, to improve the lives of all people and protect the planet.
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Among the main objectives are:
Eradicate poverty and hunger.
Guarantee health and well-being for all.
Ensure quality education and equitable opportunities.
Promote gender equality.
Guarantee clean water and sustainable energy.
Foster decent work and responsible economic growth.
Create sustainable cities and communities.
Protect oceans and terrestrial ecosystems.
Take action against climate change.
Promote peace, justice, and global cooperation.
Each one is linked to the others, and progress in one depends on progress in the others.
How can we contribute
The success of the SDGs depends on joint and coordinated action:
Governments: Creating laws and policies that promote sustainability.
Companies: Adopting socially and environmentally responsible practices.
Cities and communities: Promoting clean transportation, recycling, urban gardens, and renewable energy.
People: Consuming responsibly, saving energy, and supporting local initiatives.
Every action counts and contributes to building a more just, balanced, and sustainable world...
Conclusion
Sustainable development is not a destination we reach immediately; it is a path we walk every day with commitment and collaboration to leave a better future for the next generations.
Bonus Track
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in German are expressed as Nachhaltige Entwicklungsziele
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in Swahili are called Malengo ya Maendeleo Endelevu. Swahili is spoken mainly on the east coast of Africa, being an official language in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in Russian Цели устойчивого развития (ЦУР)
The "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" in Mandarin are expressed as 可持续发展目标 (Kě chíxù fāzhǎn mùbiāo). This language, also called Mandarin Chinese, is the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in Korean are written as 지속가능발전목표 (Jisok ganeung baljeon mokpyo). Korean is the official language in South Korea and North Korea
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in Japanese are expressed as 持続可能な開発目標 (Jizoku kanō na kaihatsu mokuhyō)
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in Indonesian are called Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan. The Indonesian language, also called Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language of Indonesia
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in Hindi are written as सतत विकास लक्ष्य (Satat Vikas Lakshya). Hindi is one of the official languages of India
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in Greek are expressed as Στόχοι Βιώσιμης Ανάπτυξης (Stóchoi Viṓsīmīs Anáptyxis)
The "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in Bengali are written as স্থায়ী উন্নয়ন লক্ষ্য (Sthāẏī unnayan lakṣya). Bengali, or Bangla, is the official language of Bangladesh
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