What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is the concept of ensuring that the environment or the city we live in exists in a certain sustainable way. This concept is particularly crucial in cities with significant migration like Istanbul. Health and education are highly important factors in this context. Besides these necessities, the concept of art is also one of the aspects that should be sustainable, although often overlooked.

Sustainability does not solely imply economic improvement in cities. It also involves being inclusive within the framework of equality. It aims to improve living conditions for all individuals in the city within the scope of equal rights. Additionally, preserving green areas within the city and having individuals engaged in these spaces are of great importance for sustainability.

What Does Sustainability Mean and When Did It Emerge?

The question "What does sustainability mean?" has become quite common and intriguing in recent times, both in our country and around the world. Sustainability has been a topic of discussion for a very long time. The concept of sustainability has been discussed since around 1987.

However, especially after the introduction of smart cities since 2015, the situation has significantly changed. This concept is no longer limited to the concern of governments or states. Companies, NGOs, and most importantly, individuals themselves want a better understanding and implementation of this concept.

Why is Being Sustainable Important?

If we ask why sustainability is important, the answer is that it is a significant necessity for a better life. Particularly, there is a need for a good system and strategy that meets the basic needs of future generations. Each individual needs to access fair opportunities for peace, harmony, and well-being. To achieve this, we must reduce the impact of environmental damage by utilizing natural resources more efficiently.

Moreover, better adaptation is expected. In 2015, the "Sustainable Development Goals" were established. These goals played a critical role in transforming major cities in America and England into smart cities.

The 15 Goals of Sustainable Development

As a result of the work conducted by experts in sustainability, 15 goals have been identified:

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all; ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
7. Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
8. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
9. Reduce inequality within and among countries.
10. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable; ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
11. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
12. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
13. Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
14. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
15. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

What is Sustainability? The Importance of Sustainability for the Future

As nearly 85% of the population lives in cities, making cities sustainable is crucial. In this regard, all individuals, especially experts, bear responsibilities. For our children, the younger generation, and the future, we can accelerate the implementation of sustainability by taking strategic, systematic, and meaningful steps. Before expecting actions from others or the government, we can take the first step ourselves.