Environmental sustainability
Living today with tomorrow in mind: all the benefits of sustainable development.
Sustainable development
We only have one planet, but we live as if we had almost two. That is why sustainable development must not just be a buzzword, but must be translated into concrete commitments.
What is sustainable development?
Over the years, many definitions have been used to communicate the concept of sustainable development. The best known and universally recognized expression dates back to 1987:
What might seem like a complex definition can actually be explained in a very simple way. Sustainable development means learning to live within the limits of a single planet: in a fair and dignified manner for everyone, without depleting the natural systems from which we draw resources and without exceeding their capacity to absorb the waste and refuse generated by our activities. This is without compromising the opportunities of either present or future generations.
Imagine social sustainability, economic sustainability, and environmental sustainability as three large circles. Slowly bring them closer together until they overlap, forming a small area common to all three. That area is sustainable development, and it is the goal to strive for.
Ignoring this approach entails two major risks: the need to ask the planet to make an unsustainable effort to deplete any reserves (food or energy) and the real possibility that many people will not be able to access those resources in a dignified manner.
It’s a blanket that shrinks day by day, on a bed that remains the same size.
Sustainable development goals
The UN's concrete commitment
What is the best path to follow in pursuit of sustainable development? The answer to this question can be found in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a program of action for people, the planet, and prosperity signed in September 2015 by the governments of the 193 UN member countries. It identifies 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a major program of action, with a total of 169 targets to be achieved. The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals came into force on January 1, 2016: countries have committed to achieving all the goals within 15 years.
They represent common goals on a set of key development issues: fighting poverty, eliminating hunger, and combating climate change, to name but a few. These are goals that affect all countries and all individuals: no one should be left behind on the path to sustainable development.
The backbone of the Sustainable Development Goals is made up of the so-called "5 Ps":
Ending hunger and poverty in all its forms and ensuring dignity and equality.
Ensuring prosperous and fulfilling lives in harmony with nature.
Promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.
Implementing the agenda through strong partnerships.
Protect the planet's natural resources and climate for future generations.
Why is it important?
Sustainable development is a choice that cannot be reconsidered, is shared by everyone, and is of dramatic urgency:
- A shared vision
The SDGs have been adopted by all United Nations member states: this is a sign of strong global awareness.
- #savetheworldtoday
Sustainable development is the only way to guarantee the protection of biodiversity and ensure the survival of endangered animal and plant species.
- We cannot turn back
Only sustainable development can guarantee the right balance in the face of a growing world population and the need for new resources.
The Circular Economy
A strategic ally for sustainable development
The circular economy is fundamental to addressing issues such as resource scarcity, global warming, and waste management.
Earth Overshoot Day
One Earth is not enough
On July 24, 2025, humanity exhausted the annual budget of resources that the Earth can regenerate each year, more than five months ahead of schedule. That day is called Earth Overshoot Day and, since 1971, it has never fallen on December 31. In actual fact, it comes earlier every year.
Consuming all of a year's renewable resources in advance means that all the needs necessary for human survival, from Overshoot Day onwards, are covered by drawing on non-renewable reserves of soil, forests, timber, livestock, and fisheries – or by accumulating further harmful emissions in the atmosphere.
Today, we are living, on average, as if we had 1.75 planets at our disposal. In order to ensure sustainable development, we should start moving Overshoot Day back by at least five days each year. If we succeed, by 2050 we will be able to push the 78th annual expiration date of Earth's resources back to December 31. How can this be done? Just think that by simply halving CO₂ emissions from conventional fuels, the resource depletion date would be delayed by a full 93 days.