Sustainable Development (DP IB Global Politics: SL): Revision Note

Sustainable environmental development

• Sustainable development involves using natural resources responsibly to improve people’s needs today without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

• Traditionally, states and companies prioritise economic development at the expense of the environment, resulting in:

  • the depletion of natural resources

  • toxic land, air and water adversely affecting the health of people

  • climate change

• A greater awareness and concern for environmental development have resulted in many positive changes over the past several decades

  • Growth of renewable energy

    • Many states have increased the use of solar, wind and hydropower, reducing reliance on fossil fuels

  • International agreements

    • Global cooperation, such as the Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit climate change by reducing emissions

  • Environmental regulations

    • Governments have introduced laws to reduce air and water pollution, such as emissions standards for vehicles and industries

  • Conservation efforts

    • Protected areas like national parks and wildlife reserves help preserve ecosystems and biodiversity

• Many believe that global governance institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund have a responsibility to provide guidance to the global community to address this global political issue

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

• The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals include a call to action from the global community to promote areas that will support sustainable environmental development

Ecological goals

• Goal 11 – Sustainable cities and communities

  • Aims to make cities safe, inclusive and environmentally sustainable, including better housing, transport and reduced pollution

• Goal 12 – Responsible consumption and production

  • Focuses on reducing waste and ensuring resources are used efficiently and sustainably

• Goal 13 – Climate action

  • Calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Goal 14 – Life below water

  • Aims to protect oceans and marine ecosystems, including reducing pollution and overfishing

• Goal 15 – Life on land

  • Focuses on protecting forests, biodiversity and ecosystems, and preventing land degradation and species loss

Sustainable economic development

• Sustainable economic development means achieving economic growth that increases wealth and power while meeting people’s needs today, and without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

• Improving the economy is the goal of most states

  • However, it requires careful planning and consideration so that future generations do not suffer

• Many argue that we live in a world where past generations prioritised unsustainable economic growth and we are now facing the consequences, including:

  • depleted natural resources 

  • environmental degradation

  • profits prioritised over the health and well-being of workers

  • wealth inequality

• Sustainable economic development can support social, environmental and political development and provide the foundation for many positive changes

  • It enables states to generate the resources to build infrastructure, schools and hospitals which will benefit future generations

  • It can lead to an increase in jobs and thus reduce poverty

  • It enables states to invest in technology which can positively impact well-being and the environment

  • It can lead to social stability as more people enjoy a better quality of life

Sustainable social development

• Sustainable social development means improving access to resources and opportunities for all members of society while meeting people’s needs today, and without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

• Key elements of sustainable social development include:

  • clean water

  • nutritious food

  • a sense of security

  • justice

  • free choices and opportunities 

• Many IGOs and NGOs argue that the key to sustainable social development lies in ensuring that women and girls have equal access to education, political participation and opportunities for employment

• Sustainable social development can support economic, environmental and political development

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals include a call to action from the global community to promote areas that support social development

Social goals

• Goal 1 – No poverty

  • Aims to end extreme poverty and ensure all people have access to basic resources and support

• Goal 2 – Zero hunger

  • Seeks to eliminate hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious food for everyone

• Goal 3 – Good health and wellbeing

  • Focuses on improving healthcare and life expectancy and reducing disease

• Goal 4 – Quality education

  • Aims to provide inclusive and equitable education for all

• Goal 5 – Gender equality

  • Seeks to achieve equal rights and opportunities for women and girls

• Goal 6 – Clean water and sanitation

  • Ensures access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation

• Goal 7 – Affordable and clean energy

  • Promotes access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy

• Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth

  • Encourages economic growth and fair employment opportunities

• Goal 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure

  • Focuses on building resilient infrastructure and promoting innovation

• Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities

  • Aims to reduce inequality within and between countries

Sustainable political and institutional development

• Sustainable political development means improving the efficiency, honesty, and effectiveness of political institutions while meeting people’s needs today, without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

• If political parties, their leaders and/or the institutions they manage are corrupt or inefficient social, economic and environmental development will be negatively impacted