Sustainability is a buzzword that is commonly used but very rarely attained in practice. It is based on the simple principle that everything we need for human survival depends directly or indirectly on the environment (EPA). The ultimate goal of sustainability is to attain an equilibrium where humans and nature exist in harmony with one goal in mind: the future.

One of the best ways to improve in the future is by learning from our past. On this website, the effect of colonialism on Native American lifestyle and a case study into leaded gasoline in the U.S. were specifically chosen to highlight fundamental problems within our system that have become ingrained in our society. In order to obtain future sustainability, it is important we analyze these examples and others like them to learn how we as regular citizens can bring about change.

Once educated on the past, we can better determine for ourselves which systems are sustainable and which are not. One good example of a sustainable system for comparison is the incorporation of greenery and biophilic urbanism in Singapore: a decision which has transformed the city into a beautiful metropolis of plant life.

As with any conflict, there are many differing opinions on how to move the global economy towards sustainability. One good place to start is by breaking down those opinions into four broad categories.

In Paths to a Green World, authors Jennifer Clapp and Peter Dauvergne explain that the majority of global environmentalist views on sustainability and its relationship to the global economy can be roughly grouped into these four classifications. Any individual can possess views that align with a combination of these views, but the important takeaway is that there are various approaches towards the ultimate goal. There are many factors to consider from ecology, to politics, to economics, and all must be reorganized for a sustainable future. So what is that goal? The goal is for the global population to learn from our past and make steps towards greater sustainability so that the generations to come can have a brighter future.