The Earth is experiencing a rise in temperatures, which poses significant risks to both life forms and ecosystems. Persistent social and economic disparities both between and within nations remain a major concern. The term “sustainability” has emerged as a proposed solution to these issues: by transitioning our systems to prioritize sustainable practices, we can reduce carbon emissions and resource consumption while enhancing social equity.
But, what does sustainability truly encompass, and how far along are we in achieving it?
Understanding Sustainability
The Brundtland Commission of the United Nations described sustainability back in 1987 as “fulfilling the needs of the present without jeopardizing future generations’ ability to meet their own needs,” a concept that retains its relevance today.
As Beatrice Olivastri, CEO of Friends of the Earth Canada, articulates: “Sustainability signifies that we must not compromise future generations’ capacity to enjoy quality living equal to or surpassing our own.” It reflects a commitment to equity across generations.
While the term “sustainability” has gained popularity in recent times, the underlying principle is age-old: Indigenous cultures have long embraced the concept of caring for the planet in a manner that safeguards the success of the next seven generations.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is centered on safeguarding and conserving natural resources—such as unpolluted air, clean water, forests, and biodiversity—to ensure they can continue to support life for future generations.
When considering transitions to renewable energy sources and reducing waste, this aspect of sustainability often comes to the forefront.
For Olivastri, the integrity of nature and the environment is the most critical criterion for sustainability, as the health of ecosystems underpins healthy human societies and economies.
The Interplay Between the Environment and Economics
Economic sustainability aims to bolster economic advancement while ensuring resources are utilized in an efficient and responsible manner. The structure of our resource movements significantly affects the environment.
Our current economic model operates primarily in a linear fashion, following a “take-make-use-dispose” pattern for products, which creates a direct link from production to waste.
Some movements toward recycling have been made; here, products often get downcycled before disposal. Cardboard, for instance, can be repurposed into new products up to 20 times before its fibers degrade.
Nonetheless, the current recycling practices often fall short: a 2019 report indicated that only 9 percent of the 3.3 million tonnes of plastic discarded by Canadians each year is actually recycled.
To genuinely achieve economic sustainability, a shift toward a circular economy is essential. This approach keeps products and resources in active circulation without losing their value, as opposed to simply recycling them until they are discarded.
Currently, a mere 7.2 percent of the global economy operates in a circular manner, highlighting the significant journey ahead to reach this goal.
Social Sustainability
While environmental aspects often take center stage in discussions of sustainability, the social facet is equally vital. Social sustainability involves creating conditions where everyone can fulfill their social, cultural, and spiritual requirements while having access to a high quality of life.
This also ensures fairness in the transition to more environmentally friendly practices. For instance, farmers moving away from industrial agriculture should receive support to acquire new skills or alternative opportunities for fulfilling careers.
Addressing Environmental Justice
Another pivotal aspect of social sustainability is environmental justice. This principle emphasizes that marginalized communities often disproportionately face the consequences of climate change and pollution. The Canadian government is actively formulating a strategy aimed at enhancing environmental justice for low-income, racialized, and/or Indigenous communities, who frequently experience the adverse effects of harmful industrial practices alongside climate change.
Olivastri points to a recent case where a plastics manufacturing facility in Southwestern Ontario was shut down after the government mandated it to reduce emissions of a harmful chemical that threatened the well-being of the local Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Advancing Towards a Sustainable Future
While personal efforts to promote sustainability are valuable, the roles of governments and corporations are crucial as well.
Government Actions and Obligations
In 2015, the Canadian government pledged to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, with a target completion date of 2030. These goals encompass various aspects of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, including promoting gender equality and safeguarding biodiversity.
Although Canada is progressing on some SDGs, significant challenges persist, particularly concerning ongoing inequalities faced by Indigenous and racialized populations, individuals who are single and of working age, single-parent families led by women, and people with disabilities. Further, rising emissions from oil and gas initiatives hinder the country’s progress in meeting climate commitments.
Corporate Power and Responsibility
A recent study highlighted that 80 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions from 2016 to 2022 stemmed from merely 57 corporate and state-operated companies.
This indicates that corporations wield considerable influence over sustainability efforts. Many, in fact, invest significantly in lobbying efforts aimed at maintaining environmentally and socially destructive practices; it has been reported that oil and gas lobbyists had an average of nearly five meetings a day with Canadian government representatives in 2023.
Olivastri expresses particular concern over the extent to which sustainability proposals have been appropriated by corporate interests.
Empowering Personal Agency
Though systemic transformations are urgent, individuals also possess meaningful influence. Olivastri recommends active participation in local sustainability projects whenever possible.
“Whether it’s your community initiating efforts to reduce plastic waste or deliberating on the establishment of a new environmentally damaging enterprise, these are moments when involvement is essential,” she emphasizes.
Understanding corporations’ sustainability assertions can be complex, as many utilize “greenwashing” tactics to mislead consumers about the environmental benefits of their products.
When encountering vague claims regarding a product’s environmental friendliness, Olivastri suggests a discerning approach. “Always ask yourself: on what basis is this assertion made?” she advises. “Can they substantiate this claim? Can you?”
This perspective encourages viewing oneself as a citizen—someone with environmental rights and responsibilities—rather than simply a consumer.
While striving for personal sustainability is important, it’s crucial to remain aware of the systemic changes necessitated by governments and corporations. If you have the ability to voice concerns publicly and participate in the electoral process, these actions can significantly impact accountability.
This article first appeared in the April 2025 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
