Sustainable development
Sustainable development
Sustainable development means improving people’s lives today while making sure future generations can also meet their needs.
Development is not just about money — it is about people, fairness, and Earth’s limits.
Development and GDP
For a long time, development was measured using **GDP per capita**, which shows the average income per person in a country.
GDP does NOT show inequality, pollution, or damage to the environment.
Why GDP alone is not enough
A country can be rich but still unsustainable.
Sustainable development indicators
To measure sustainable development properly, we use **indicators**. An indicator measures one specific part of human or environmental well-being.
Examples of single indicators
For most environmental indicators, **lower values are better**.
Composite indicators
Composite indicators combine several indicators into one score to give a wider view of development.
Human Development Index (HDI)
HDI values range from 0 to 1. Higher values mean higher human development.
Planetary pressures–adjusted HDI (PHDI)
The PHDI adjusts the HDI by considering environmental pressure caused by development.
High human development is not sustainable if it causes high environmental damage.
In exams, explain why **multiple indicators** are needed — GDP alone does not measure sustainability.