A unifying framework for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, both now and in the future, is provided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was accepted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call to action for all nations—developed and developing—in a global partnership, are at the centre of it. They understand that combating poverty and other forms of deprivation requires policies that enhance health and education, lessen inequality, promote economic growth, combat climate change, and fight to protect our oceans and forests.
The need for sustainable development in all its forms and guises has never been greater as populations throughout the world continue to rise and the climate problem becomes more grave by the day. This means that we require new, environmentally friendly construction techniques, materials, and approaches.
Examples of Sustainable Development and Environmental Sustainability
Thankfully, this objective can already be greatly advanced by a number of businesses and goods that are available. Let’s take a closer look at some examples of sustainable development that are influencing the world and protecting our future.
GREEN SPACES
In 2020, the proliferation of green spaces within urban environments is expected to continue on a large scale. Green spaces are areas of trees, grass, and other types of vegetation located within primarily urban environments. New York City’s Central Park is one of the biggest sustainable development examples.
In addition to being a welcome aesthetic and a change of pace from the concrete and skyscrapers in urban areas, green spaces also provide real value in terms of sustainability. They help to improve air quality, recharge supplies of groundwater, reduce air temperature, and protect streams and lakes from polluted runoff. They also prevent soil erosion and help maintain the quality of water in the area.
SOLAR PANELS
Solar panels are one of the most easily-recognizable examples of sustainable development. They can be fitted to buildings of any shape or size, and cost less to install than they ever have. Solar panels can provide enough power to make a building completely energy-independent and can even take the form of shingle-sized solar shingles which are interwoven with the rest of a building’s shingles.
WASTE-TO-ENERGY RECYCLING
This is a method of turning waste into energy and yet another one of the best sustainable development examples we’ll see next year. These facilities use combustion to turn non-hazardous waste into steam energy and electricity. Rather than being sent to a landfill, waste such as rags, absorbents, PPE, and organic debris are combusted and used to provide energy, reducing a building or area’s dependence on external energy providers.
WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
These plants intake oily water, bases, and water-based acids and turn them into clean water that can be used for industrial purposes. Not only does this help eliminate pollutants from the water cycle, it also reduces the need for outside water providers. This makes water treatment plants another one of our favorite sustainable development examples for 2020.
WIND TURBINES
Wind is essentially free energy, and harnessing it with wind turbines can help new areas of development to be more sustainable. Combined with other sustainable development examples, these can be an integral part of a larger sustainability-based strategy.
Sustainable Development is Key in 2023
In 2023, sustainability will be a major concern for new land developments. As we enter a new decade, it is anticipated that these sustainable development examples will be among the most extensively used and successful sustainability strategies.
We can make strides against global warming and shield ourselves from upcoming disasters and financial problems by utilising these tools and methods, hopefully.
