Sustainability

Why are we concerned about sustainability?

The unprecedented increase in the human population over the last century, combined with increasing life expectancy and standard of living is placing the earth and its ecosystems under increasing pressure. The conversion of forests to farmland or cities and over harvesting natural resources for human consumption are driving species extinction and decline across the globe. As a society we have become aware that the way we are living is not sustainable and is compromising the future and the capacity of our children and our children’s children to live healthy, productive and meaningful lives.

Last century we began to be concerned about the natural world. We realised that our resource and energy use was impacting upon climate and for the first time scientists began to warn of that dangers of global warming. The increasing incidence of unpredictable weather events such as floods, hurricanes and melting of glaciers and polar ice over the last decade gave us evidence. The natural environment is also showing signs of stress and limitations in absorbing pollutants in the air, waterways and oceans.

We began to be concerned about our economies. Oil, the basis of our economies is running out and an alternative is not yet in place. Business operates best in a stable environment, but the increased incidence of unpredictable weather events has the business community worried. Even in the wealthiest countries, productive employment for all citizens can not be guaranteed and the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. Environmental disasters such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill, pollution from the Oke Tedi copper mine and the meltdown of the Chernobyl nuclear plant highlights the need for prudent safeguards and how inexorably entwined the environment and the economy are. The costs for all three disasters were massive in terms of money, human lives and the environment.

We began to be concerned about our social relationships. Despite a reduction in crime rates in Victoria, fear of crime is on the rise. Some of our citizens did not feel part of their communities, they feel isolated and alone. Events like September 11, the Bali and London bombings told us all was not well with our global community.

Each of us wants to lead rich and fulfilling lives, developing our capabilities and leading a socially useful life. We want the relationships with others that makes life meaningful. We want challenging work that matches our skills and capabilities. We want a sustainable lifestyle. To do this we rely on the resources and services provided by the world’s ecosystems like forests, farmlands, clean water and air. We also rely on strong local economies, on being a part of a community that solves problems together and where the support of friends and neighbours can be found.

To know if we, as a society, are becoming more or less sustainable over time, we must understand the base from where we have come. It is from this premise that the sustainability indicators were born. Indicators are a means to inform council and the community of the current state of our community in a wholistic way. Tracking indicators over time will highlight trends influencing our natural, social and economic environments as well as personal wellbeing.