Sustainable Development

Abstract

Sustainable development works within the ecosystems of the planet to conserve and replenish renewable clean energy sources. The most widely used definition of sustainable development was written by Norway's Prime Minister in her 1987 Brundtland Report to the United Nations: it must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The United Nations has adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals, to be achieved by 2030; they include the eradication of poverty and hunger, provision of clean water and sanitation for all, achievement of gender equality, elimination of health disparities, access to quality education, promotion of economic prosperity, use of affordable clean energy sources, and good health and well-being for all. Proper disposal of hazardous waste and effective disaster risk management help to facilitate these goals. This chapter will discuss several new technologies employed in sustainable development.