The axes of sustainability are the dimensions on which sustainable development is supported; that is to say, the ethical and responsible satisfaction of the needs of humanity.
In order for sustainable development to meet its objective of meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations, it must be considered in addition to the economic, social and environmental effects.
The conjunction of these approaches is what guarantees the achievement of the quality of life and its maintenance for several generations.
With the evolution of sustainable development, the thesis of the 3 axes of sustainability was re-dimensioned.
That thesis was inefficient to reflect the intrinsic complexity of contemporary society.
Consequently, alongside the economic, social and environmental axes, the political and cultural axes were added.
The 5 axes of sustainability
1- Economic
Economic sustainability integrates economic, social and environmental objectives into a whole that guarantees the maximization of present and future human well-being.
It is a conception of reorientation of development that under no circumstances intends to be understood as the paralysis of this.
A sustainable economy is one in which the number of people and the assets they have are kept at a stable level, which is ecologically sustainable.
In both public and private organizations, the focus should be on creating jobs and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The intention is to create wealth-generating means based on productivity, trade and sustainability.
2- Social
Social sustainability supposes, along with economic transformation, change in all spheres of sociocultural life.
For the reproductive process of society to be sustainable, there must be a guarantee of employment, food, clothing and education.
Any sustainable development project must reconcile the economic and the environmental with the social.
3- Environmental
This axis refers to the efficient and rational administration and management of environmental resources.
The sustainability of natural ecosystems is essential for the survival and dignified life of people.
This is why public policies must guarantee the responsible and intelligent administration of natural resources.
In this sense, they must seek eco-efficiency; that is, the wise use and minimization of the deterioration of the environment.
4- Political
Sustainable development has strong connotations at the political level.
It is the mission of the political authorities to promote the transition towards sustainable development and the measures aimed at achieving the use of natural resources.
In the same way, the quality of life of its administrations is important, the eradication of poverty and the impulse to economic growth based on processes that do not degrade the environment.
The alignment of economic policies based on the principles of productivity and sustainability is essential.
It is also a priority that the institutions remain in constant renovation in accordance with the market trends and the reality of their environments.
5- Cultural
Cultural sustainability favors diversity and respect for all local, regional, national or international manifestations. Culture tends to determine the behaviors of people on a global level.
Therefore, cultural challenges such as creativity, critical knowledge, beauty and diversity are related to human development and are constituted as assumptions of sustainability.
References
- Badii, M. (2007). Sustainability and Policy. In: spentamexico.org
- Brown, G. (nd). Conceptual Axes of Sustainable Development. Retrieved on December 9, 2017 from: library.utn.ac.cr
- Corporate Sustainability. (sf). Retrieved on December 9, 2017 from: bankpedia.org
- Sustainable Axes. (October 28, 2012). In: wikidot.com
- Meadowcroft, J. (April 11, 2017). Sustainability. In: britannica.com