Pursuing Sustainability An Introduction

What are the ways that the idea of sustainability is used in our society?
The ways that the idea of sustainability is used in our society include:

  1. Corporations branding themselves as sustainable and attempting to build sustainability goals, measures, and metrics into their business plans and supply chains.
  2. State and local governments setting sustainability targets and pursuing them, installing efficiency standards and practices, encouraging the use of public transportation systems, and incentivizing citizens to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
  3. Universities competing for sustainability awards that recognize their efforts ranging from improving energy and water use efficiency to curricular offerings.
  4. Researchers focusing their attention on the development of new knowledge and technologies to promote sustainability.
  5. Consumers considering sustainability concerns as they buy organic, or buy certified sustainable seafood or wood products.
  6. Citizens striving to reduce their environmental footprints on the planet out of a sense of responsibility to their children and grandchildren.

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What is the common reason why the terms sustainability and sustainable development are used even by groups of different people?
The common reason why the terms sustainability and sustainable development are used, even by groups of different people, is because of a realization that our ability to prosper now and in the future requires increased attention not just on economic and social progress but also to conserving Earth's life support systems.

What are Earth's life support systems?
Earth's life support systems are the fundamental environmental processes and natural resources on which our hopes for prosperity depend.