Need of 21st Century: A Sustainable Environment Together With a Smart Environment

1.1 Background and Importance of Sustainable Environment

A sustainable environment refers to the practice of using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves maintaining the natural balance of ecosystems, conserving resources, and minimizing environmental damage (Rosenzweig et al., 2018). The background and importance of a sustainable environment can be understood from several perspectives:

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  Ecological Perspective: The Earth is a complex system where various species and ecosystems are interconnected. A sustainable environment ensures the preservation of biodiversity, protecting habitats, and preventing the extinction of species. It recognizes the intrinsic value of nature and the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem for the well-being of all life forms.

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  Human Health and Well-being: A sustainable environment directly impacts human health and well-being. It promotes access to clean air, safe drinking water, and healthy food, which are essential for a good quality of life. By reducing pollution and exposure to harmful substances, a sustainable environment helps prevent diseases and improves overall public health.

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  Climate Change Mitigation: Sustainable practices play an essential role in mitigating climate change. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources, we can limit global warming and its adverse effects. Sustainable development also involves adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and shifts in ecosystems.

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  Resource Conservation: A sustainable environment aims to conserve natural resources such as water, forests, minerals, and energy sources. It encourages responsible consumption and production patterns, reducing waste generation and promoting recycling and reuse. By managing resources efficiently, we can ensure their availability for future generations and reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources.

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  Economic Prosperity: Sustainability and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are closely intertwined. Sustainable practices foster innovation, create green jobs, and stimulate economic growth in sectors such as renewable energy, clean technology, and eco-tourism. Investments in sustainable infrastructure and practices can lead to long-term economic benefits and resilience.

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  Social Equity: A sustainable environment promotes social equity by addressing environmental injustices and ensuring that everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities. It emphasizes the participation and involvement of all consumers/ users, including marginalized communities, in decision-making processes related to environmental policies and projects.

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  Global Responsibility: The importance of a sustainable environment goes beyond national boundaries. Issues like deforestation, pollution, and climate change have global implications, requiring international cooperation and collective action. Sustainable development goals, such as those outlined in the United Nations' Agenda 2030, emphasize the need for global partnerships to achieve a sustainable future for all.

In summary, a sustainable environment is important for the well-being of both present and future generations. It encompasses ecological preservation, human health, climate change mitigation, resource conservation, economic prosperity, social equity, and global responsibility. By adopting sustainable practices and policies, we can ensure a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for all.