1 5 Lecture Urban Sustainability concepts and indicators What is

What is Sustainability in the Context of Cities?

Defining Sustainability

• The concept of sustainability refers to the ability to continue without interruption, applicable to cities as those that can persist into the future without significant disruption.

Sustainable Development According to the Brundtland Commission

• A sustainable city aligns with the Brundtland Commission's definition: development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Components of Sustainable Development

• The Brundtland report emphasizes two components:

• Intragenerational equity (meeting current needs).

• Intergenerational equity (ensuring future generations are not harmed).

Legacy and Responsibility

• The discussion includes a focus on what legacy will be left for future generations, echoing Thomas Jefferson's sentiment from 1789 about generational responsibility.

The Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

Economic Growth

• The first pillar is economy; a sustainable city must have a thriving economy that sustains growth and maximizes profit.

Equity and Fairness

• The second pillar is equity, which involves fairness for current generations while ensuring self-reliance for future ones.

Environmental Stewardship

• The third pillar focuses on environmental responsibility, emphasizing human stewardship over Earth’s resources and respecting its carrying capacity.

Challenges in Achieving Sustainability

Conflicts Among Pillars

• Achieving balance among economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection presents challenges; actions beneficial for one area may negatively impact another.