Why is sustainable development important?

The 1992 Rio Earth Summit was one of the modern world’s most prominent moments where the need for change in global development practices was starkly brought to light. 

‘Sustainable development’ became a household phrase at the time, in response to the world’s rapidly growing environmental issues. 

While income inequality and economic gaps continue to widen to this day, the question of how we are going to mitigate these issues—and provide sufficient resources for an exponentially growing population—remains unresolved.

Sustainable development strategies seek to answer the questions, particularly as they relate to issues such as:

• Availability of resources like water and clean air
• Protection of biodiversity
• Access to healthcare and education
• Climate change action

With this in mind, the importance of sustainable development becomes apparent; it is centred around engineering a better future for the entire planet—and this is a vision we share at AtkinsRéalis.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways sustainable development can impact the world’s most pertinent issues:

Why is sustainable development important?

Preservation of resources

Sustainable development ensures a future where essential resources—food security, clean air, and potable water—are readily available, without discrimination. 

Homogenized access to such resources can only be achieved through efficient, mindful, forward-thinking use of such resources in our present day.

Climate action

Sustainable development hinges on the concept of economic and industrial growth that doesn’t impede on nature, meaning future generations will continue to be able to inhabit the earth we leave behind.

Reducing the global carbon footprint and promoting the use of renewable energies is pivotal to achieving Net Zero and creating meaningful, positive climate change. Employing sustainable development practices are essential means of reaching this eventuality.

Improving quality of life

Healthy, safe, liveable environments for communities are human rights. The only way to ensure access to such spaces is through sustainable development strategies that prioritize access to a healthy living environment, education, and healthcare.

Sustainable development also prioritizes meeting employee needs and tending to their quality of life.

This may look like opportunities for developing their skills, offering flexitime and remote working options, and creating benefits packages that reward, motivate, and care for employees. Staff that feel motivated and cared for, after all, are far more likely to contribute meaningful work to the companies that they serve.

Economic resilience

Sustainable development, while sometimes costly in the short term, ultimately supports long-term economic growth that benefits not just immediate stakeholders, but the wider world, too.

Contrary to popular belief, sustainable development is inherently linked with economic abundance and resiliency. 

‘How?’, you might ask:

Sustainable development is important from an economic perspective because it creates value. For example, by using energy-efficient production tools and reducing the amount of water needed to produce end products, companies can actually save money.

Meanwhile, eco-product and packaging designs minimize the use of waste materials, meaning less revenue is spent on material that ultimately doesn’t get used. It also reduces shipping costs.

Global impact

Even when carried out on a local scale, sustainable development practices have far-reaching effects that impact national and international communities in very tangible ways.

Although the powers that be may not always hold this at the forefront of development policies, the ultimate—often untold—truth is that we are all inherently connected. On a very measurable, scientific scale, we are connected by our waterways, atmosphere, and weather systems—all of which are impacted by industrial development activities.

No matter where in the world such activities are taking place, the knock-on effect radiates across the entire planet—this, high among the reasons why sustainable development is so important.

Sustainable development at AtkinsRéalis

With an ongoing commitment to environmental conscientiousness, sustainability, and net-zero solutions, we at AtkinsRéalis consistently prioritize innovative and sustainable projects.

We are excited to connect with qualified professionals in the fields of engineering, construction, and related disciplines who align with our ethos and vision for a Net Zero future.

If this sounds like you, why not take the next step and explore current job openings with us today and find out how you can be a part of building a future where the importance of sustainable development is at the fore.