Key terms & definitions

Managing the coast in ways that balance social, economic and environmental needs over the long term.

A place that supports people's needs, a viable local economy and the environment, both now and in the future.

Designing products to reduce environmental harm through choices about materials, production, useful life, maintenance and end-of-life options.

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

United Nations goals agreed for the period 2015–2030 to improve social, economic and environmental development.

Drainage methods that manage rainfall close to where it falls, for example by allowing water to soak through permeable surfaces.

Managing an environment to meet present needs while maintaining its habitats, biodiversity and resources for the future.

Managing energy supplies and use to meet present needs while protecting the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Meeting present energy needs while protecting the environment and allowing future generations to meet their needs, with supplies that communities can afford and maintain.

Using energy in ways that meet present needs while limiting environmental damage and protecting future generations’ ability to meet their needs.

Farming that meets people's needs today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Fishing carried out at a rate that allows fish populations to reproduce and be maintained for the future.

Fishing that maintains fish stocks for the future while protecting marine ecosystems and supporting fishing communities.

Producing food in a way that can continue over time without exhausting the resources it depends on.

A food supply that meets present needs while protecting the resources and livelihoods needed to supply food to future generations.

Managing a forest to meet people's needs today while maintaining its biodiversity, resources and ability to support future generations.

Harvesting timber while allowing forests to regenerate and maintaining their environmental value for future generations.

Managing forests to supply timber while maintaining their long-term health and their benefits for people and wildlife.

Harvesting timber at a rate that allows the tree population to replenish itself while protecting its habitat.

Managing an environment to meet present needs while maintaining its ability to support people and ecosystems in the future.

An approach to keeping people safe by meeting human needs and protecting the environment rather than relying on weapons and warfare.

A source of materials managed so that resources remain available in the future, rather than being depleted or causing lasting environmental damage.

An approach that meets present needs while protecting resources and opportunities for future generations.

Managing tourism so that it supports local people and the economy while protecting the environment for the future.

Transport that meets people's travel needs while reducing environmental damage and resource use over the long term.

A city environment that meets people's needs while limiting environmental damage and resource use, without undermining future generations' ability to meet their needs.

Urban living that meets people’s needs while limiting environmental damage and resource consumption, so that future generations can also meet their needs.

Using a resource in a way that can continue over the long term without exhausting it or seriously damaging the environment.