Three Pillars of Sustainability

The economic, social, and environmental pillars correspond to all the different spheres or aspects that need to be taken into consideration when discussing sustainability. Sustainability is achieved only when all three pillars are pursued simultaneously. This means that when we talk about sustainability, it not only entails protecting bees and our wonderful nature, but also ensuring a balanced wealth distribution and access to education. Similarly, in terms of economic sustainability, it is important to promote economic prosperity. The pursuit of these pillars simultaneously is crucial. Imagine if only economic sustainability were pursued, this could result in harm to environmental or social sustainability in the process.

To better define the sustainability goals that encompass the three pillars of sustainability, the United Nations established a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).