2e. Exercise: Current challenges to the concept of sustainability

Sustainability is a widely accepted goal, but its practical implementation faces significant challenges. Among the seven dimensions of sustainability, two critical barriers stand out: economic inequality and short-term political decision-making. Economic inequality creates a gap where wealthier nations and corporations have greater access to sustainable technologies, while poorer regions struggle to afford even basic infrastructure. This makes sustainability a privilege rather than a shared responsibility, worsening global disparities. Similarly, short-term political decision-making often prioritizes immediate economic growth over long-term sustainability. Governments, influenced by election cycles, tend to favor policies that generate quick economic benefits, even at the cost of environmental and social well-being. For example, many countries continue subsidizing fossil fuels because they support short-term economic stability, despite their long-term environmental damage. To address these challenges, stronger international agreements and economic policies that integrate sustainability as a core principle are necessary. Without global cooperation and a commitment to long-term planning, true sustainability will remain difficult to achieve. How can policymakers create strategies that balance economic growth with sustainability while ensuring that all communities benefit equally?