LEARNING OUTCOME GEOSL3.

1: Examine sustainable Development

Definition of Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. Ie, it is a way of organizing the society such that it
can exist for a long duration on the available resources, ensuring that these resources are availed
for future generations.
Examples of Sustainable Development
 planting of trees to replace those that have been cut down for wood and timber
production
 use of renewable energy sources
 practicing crop rotation
 reduce, reuse, recycle waste
Importance of Sustainable Development
1. Environmental Protection: Sustainable development aims to reduce environmental
impact, ensuring that natural resources like water, air, and soil are preserved for future
generations. This helps fight climate change, reduce pollution, and protect biodiversity.
2. Economic Stability: By promoting practices that are environmentally friendly and
economically viable, sustainable development supports long-term economic growth. It
encourages the efficient use of resources, reduces waste, and fosters innovation in green
technologies.
3. Social Equity: Sustainable development seeks to address social inequalities by ensuring
access to basic needs such as clean water, food, healthcare, education, and housing. It
promotes social inclusion and equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background
or economic status.
4. Quality of Life: By balancing environmental, economic, and social factors, sustainable
development improves the quality of life for individuals and communities. It encourages
healthier lifestyles, safer environments, and greater access to education and employment
opportunities.
5. Intergenerational Responsibility: we all have a responsibility to preserve the planet and
its resources for future generations. Sustainable development emphasizes making
decisions today that will not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.
6. Resilience: Sustainable practices enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems
to withstand and adapt to challenges such as natural disasters, economic crises, and
pandemics.

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Since many of our natural resources can run out, it is our responsibility to use them wisely.
Sustainable Development seeks to create a balance between the economic, environmental and
social needs.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals intended to
achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. SDGs were adopted by United Nations
Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

1. No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

2. Zero Hunger: End hunger, attain food security and improved nutrition, and encourage
sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
across all ages.
4. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

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6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water
and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and
modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable
economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote
inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequality: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive,
safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and
production patterns.
13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water: Conserve and wisely use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for
sustainable development.
15. Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation
and stop biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for
sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective,
accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and avail
opportunities for global partnership for sustainable development.
Ways of achieving sustainable development
1. Promote renewable energy: shifting towards renewable energy sources (solar, wind,
hydroelectric power) reduce dependence on fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas). This shift
helps to combat climate change by considerably reducing the emission of greenhouse
gases. Solar power utilizes energy from the sun, using photovoltaic cells to convert
sunlight into electricity. Wind power taps into the natural force of wind, generating
electricity through turbines. Hydroelectric power captures the energy from flowing water,
converting it into a sustainable energy source.

2. Sustainable agriculture: By doing away with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, local
and organic farming practices promote the growth of various ecosystems, protecting and
fostering biodiversity. This supports the natural habitats of various species, encouraging a
healthier and more balanced environment.

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 3. Water conservation: invest in infrastructure to manage water resources efficiently.
Promote water-saving technologies and practices in agriculture and industries.

4. Education and awareness: Informing and involving communities about the importance
of sustainable living promotes understanding and collective action.

5. Empower Women and Girls: Ensuring gender equality and providing women and
girls access to education and healthcare can lead to more sustainable communities and
economic growth.

6. Advocate for strong policies: Encourage governments and businesses to adopt

sustainability policies, including regulations that support renewable energy, emissions
reduction, and environmental conservation.

7. Support sustainable businesses: Choosing to support businesses that prioritize

sustainability, ethical practices, and corporate social responsibility can help drive positive
change in the economy. By supporting environmentally conscious companies, we can
help promote sustainable development and encourage others to follow suit.

8. Sustainable urban development: design cities that prioritize public transport, green
spaces, and energy-efficient buildings. Enhance access to affordable housing and
essential services.

9. Practice waste reduction and recycling: One of the most fundamental ways to achieve
sustainable development is by practicing the 3Rs - reduce, reuse, and recycle. By
reducing our consumption, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials, we
can help minimize waste and lessen our impact on the environment.

10. Invest in Innovation: Supporting research and innovation in sustainable technologies

and practices can lead to significant advancements in achieving environmental and social
goals.

Challenges associated with achieving sustainable development

What are some of the barriers/ obstacles to sustainable development?

 Lack of public awareness and acceptance: lack of public understanding regarding the
benefits of SD, together with resistance to change due to convenience and familiarity
with conventional methods
 limited flow of capital from developed to developing countries as many developing
countries lack financial resources to carry out sustainable development plan
 Climate change and natural disasters/calamities can pose a threat to sustainability as
funds are redirected to avert these instead of advancing the SD agenda
 lack of political will, with government prioritizing short-term economic gains over
long-term sustainability goals
 Technological limitations eg Inadequate alternative fuel development

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  Poverty, leading to overutilization of resources and environmental decline
 Population Growth and Urbanization, resulting in land clearing to make way for
settlements and industries
 gender inequality
 Heavy reliance on natural resources
 lack of access to clean water and sanitation
 Inadequate Access to Fundamental Human Needs

Strategies to achieve sustainable development in Botswana

 Education: strengthen public awareness through educational campaigns and community

engagements to enhance acceptance
 Financial investment: Investing in alternative sources of energy
 Government policy: political will to transform development programmes into sustainable
long-term practices, and supportive policy frameworks to encourage sustainable practices
and technologies
 Implementation and monitoring of viable strategies to ensure programmes fit the local
context
 Alleviating poverty and addressing social inequalities: to promote social cohesion,
economic prosperity, and environmental conservation
 Prioritizing sustainable urban planning and inclusive development: to foster the creation
of livable cities.
 Reliance on non-renewable sources should be reduced through limiting excessive
consumption and embracing sustainable resource management strategies
 Minimizing waste, and transitioning to renewable energy sources through collaborative
efforts across various economic sectors
 Protection and promotion of basic human rights: by ensuring universal access to basic
human needs, societies can promote an inclusive future where everyone has the
opportunity to lead dignified and fulfilling lives.