In today's world, where environmental, economic, and social issues are closely intertwined, each person is expected to think and act independently. Let us consider what we can do from the perspectives of the SDGs and intergenerational ethics.
Basic Knowledge
Sustainable development (SD: Sustainable Development) means "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland Commission, 1987). Development is required to maintain a balance among the environmental, economic, and social aspects.
Intergenerational ethics is the idea that the present generation should not take away the choices of future generations for its own benefit. The overuse of Earth's resources, the accumulation of fiscal deficits, and failure to address climate change are all problems when viewed from the perspective of intergenerational ethics.
When solving social issues, the process of consensus building, in which stakeholders with different positions and values seek solutions through dialogue, is important. Deliberative democracy is the idea that citizens participate in public decision-making through careful consideration and discussion.
Achieving the SDGs is expected to involve not only governments and businesses but also citizens, NGOs, schools, and individuals. Examples of active participation in society include voting, volunteering, NPO activities, ethical consumption, and sharing information.
Sustainable Development (SD) (Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations; defined by the Brundtland Commission in 1987)
Intergenerational Ethics (An ethical principle seeking fairness between the present and future generations)
Consensus Building (The process by which stakeholders reach a common solution through dialogue)
Ethical Consumption (Consumption behavior that considers the environment, society, and human rights)
Deliberative Democracy (A form of democracy in which citizens participate in public decision-making based on sufficient information and discussion)
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015, consisting of 17 goals, 169 targets, and a 2030 deadline)
Further Study (Background and Significance)
The 1992 Rio Declaration established "sustainable development" as an international consensus, which developed into the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) in 2000 and the SDGs in 2015. The SDGs differ from the MDGs in three ways: ① developed countries are also included (universality); ② not only governments but also businesses and civil society are participants (inclusiveness); and ③ the goals integrate the economy, society, and environment (integration).
In consensus building, it is considered important not to exclude minorities through majority vote but to seek a solution that everyone can accept through dialogue (the consensus method). Actual policy decisions require choices involving value judgments while being based on scientific knowledge. When this is treated as the "intersection of science and politics," an important challenge is how to connect expert knowledge with citizens' judgment. The active participation of young people in society is essential both for revitalizing democracy and for realizing a sustainable society.
- Definition of sustainable development: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.
- Three features of the SDGs: universality (developed countries are included), inclusiveness (all actors participate), and integration (integration of the three aspects).
- Intergenerational ethics: the responsibility of the present generation is not to take away the choices of future generations.
- Ethical consumption, which considers the environment, human rights, and society, is also a form of social participation.
- Consensus building emphasizes dialogue and deliberation rather than relying only on majority vote.
- SDG deadline: 2030. There are 17 goals and 169 targets.
Points to Note (Easily Confused)
① Sustainable development does not mean "stopping economic growth"; it means developing while maintaining a balance among the environment, society, and economy. ② Distinguish between the MDGs (2000–2015; mainly issues in developing countries) and the SDGs (2015–2030; issues affecting the entire world). ③ Intergenerational ethics does not mean sacrificing the present generation; it seeks a balance that meets the needs of both the present and the future. ④ Consensus building does not mean that everyone's opinions are identical; it is a process of finding a common solution through thorough dialogue.
Practice
- State the definition of "sustainable development" and explain why a balance among the economic, social, and environmental aspects is necessary.
- From the perspective of intergenerational ethics, describe specifically the responsibilities we have toward future generations.
- Give two things you can do in daily life to help achieve the SDGs and explain the reasons.