Do you know the difference between Sustainability and Sustainable Development?
According to their root meanings, "sustainable" and "sustainable" do not mean the same thing, but they are two words we often use as adjectives to describe environmentally friendly processes and activities. Unfortunately, they are not synonyms, and using them interchangeably is incorrect. The difference between "sustainable" and "sustainable" is not that complicated to understand; each has characteristics that make them distinct. Below, we explain their respective characteristics. SUSTAINABILITY. The dictionary of the Spanish language defines sustainability as "that which can be supported or defended with reasons." Sustainable development is making proper use of current resources without compromising those of future generations. This development includes sustainable processes to preserve, protect, and conserve current and future natural resources. It does not take into account the specific cultural, political, and social needs of human beings. Herman Daly, an American ecological economist, professor, and recipient of the Right Livelihood Award (also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize) in 1996, defined some principles of sustainability. Daly also states that we should promote technologies that increase the productivity of natural resources (greater benefit from resource use) and reduce those that require a greater quantity of natural resources to produce the same output. SUSTAINABILITY refers to the pursuit of social and economic progress that ensures a healthy and productive life for human beings, but without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Based on the global importance of natural resources and the need for their rational use according to Daly's principles, sustainability seeks social development that contributes to improving the quality of life, health, education, and culture of all people. At GDI, we are convinced that by implementing these types of actions, the world will be more inclusive, improving the quality of life for everyone. Therefore, both concepts are put into practice at GDI because we care about the future of the ecosystem and strive to make proper use of all natural resources. We seek the appropriate way to perform our work under the corresponding human processes, taking into account constant innovation, without neglecting the care of the environment, trying not to generate waste and seeking alternative inputs that are environmentally friendly.
How to contribute to Sustainable Development
In the pursuit of satisfying basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, and health), humanity has established a way of life where ecological degradation, the depletion of natural resources, and human suffering have caused collateral damage in the name of social, technological, and economic development. This behavior has led us to an alarming point, and it is time for individuals and society to adopt a lifestyle based on the concept of Sustainable Development. Remember that Sustainable Development proposes satisfying the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. There are various actions we can take to support sustainable development. Personal actions: It is a serious mistake to think that it is useless to act if others will not. Change begins with oneself. Actions at home: Many values are instilled at home, so you can implement some of these actions. Actions at work and school. Actions in transportation and travel: These are just some of the actions you can take to help protect the environment. Little by little, significant changes will occur. At GDI, we care about the environment. That's why we take action to support sustainable development. In our facilities, we use energy-efficient LED lights to minimize energy consumption, we separate waste into the appropriate containers, and we provide company transportation for our employees. This way, we avoid using multiple modes of transport and reduce pollution. Let's take care of the environment and be more mindful of our actions; little by little, they can create a big difference.
Biodiversity conservation post COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed nature and health at the forefront of the agendas of governments and businesses. The pandemic has forced us to prioritize the health of our planet and all its inhabitants. The agenda has shifted, and therefore, in 2021, tangible solutions are expected to be sought for both economic recovery and the fight against climate change, the great challenge of our time. The COVID-19 pandemic has produced significant social and economic impacts on a regional and global scale. The direct consequences of the mobility restrictions implemented by governments in the region are well known, but the key relationships between natural resources and the factors that triggered the pandemic, the spread of infections, and the impacts of the virus itself have not been explored in greater detail. The relationship between natural resources and the COVID-19 pandemic is multifaceted. On the one hand, they are essential for controlling the crisis (food, drinking water, biodiversity, and electricity), and on the other hand, they are impacted by its consequences (use of fuels, minerals, etc.). Quarantine measures have led to a temporary and sustained decrease in fuel use and, consequently, in associated emissions and pollution, as well as in the exploitation of resources themselves. COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans) but has spread very easily from human to human due to the high levels of overcrowding and connectivity in our social structure. In all studies exploring the causes of the spread of zoonotic diseases, land-use change is the most significant factor. The primary factors are: Evidence suggests that the conservation of biodiversity and its ecosystem services is necessary to protect human health, both directly and indirectly.