What is sustainable development? (Cambridge International IGCSE Geography)

Specification link

This page covers section 8.3.1 of the CIE IGCSE specification .

• 8.3.1- Definition(s) of sustainable development.

Definitions of sustainable development

Spec point — Definitions of sustainable development

blockquote Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. (Brundtland Report, 1987)

• This involves:

  • Using resources wisely and fairly
  • Thinking about the long-term impacts of development
  • Balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection

The three pillars of sustainability

• Sustainable development has three interconnected areas:

1. Social sustainability

• Ensures people have access to basic needs like healthcare, education, clean water, and housing

  • Reduces inequality and improves quality of life
  • Builds strong communities and supports cultural traditions

• Example: Investing in education so future generations are skilled and empowered

2. Economic sustainability

• Develops a country’s economy without overusing resources

  • Creates jobs and income that are long-lasting
  • Encourages responsible business practices and fair trade

• Example: Supporting local farmers instead of importing food from far away

  • Eco-tourism brings money into a country and supports local employment whilst protecting the environment

3. Environmental sustainability

• Protects the planet’s ecosystems, climate, and natural resources

  • Reduces pollution, waste, and carbon emissions
  • Uses renewable energy (e.g. wind, solar) instead of fossil fuels

• Example: Using solar panels instead of burning coal for electricity

Why is sustainable development important?

• The Earth has limited resources – if we use too much now, future generations may suffer
• Climate change, deforestation, water shortages, and loss of biodiversity are global problems caused by unsustainable practices
• Sustainable development helps achieve a better quality of life for everyone, now and in the future

Exam Hint It is important to think geographically when discussing sustainability. Think about suitable responses to the following questions to demonstrate to the examiner what it means to think like a geographer.

• Are we using more than we can replace?
• Who benefits and who suffers from development choices?
• What are the long-term effects of today’s actions?

Case Study Costa Rica – Eco-tourism and sustainable development

Location

• Costa Rica is a small country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua and Panama
• It is famous for its biodiverse rainforests, volcanoes, and coastlines
• Costa Rica has made eco-tourism (sustainable nature-based tourism) a central part of its development strategy

Environmental sustainability

• Over 25% of the land is protected in national parks and nature reserves
• Eco-lodges are built using sustainable materials and are often powered by renewable energy (like solar panels)
• Visitors are encouraged to follow ‘leave no trace’ principles — no litter, no pollution, and respect wildlife
• The result is that rainforests are preserved, and endangered species like the jaguar and sloth are protected

Economic sustainability

• Tourism is Costa Rica’s largest foreign income source
• Eco-tourism brings money into rural communities
• Local people work as tour guides, lodge owners, craft sellers, and park rangers
• The result is that long-term jobs are created without destroying the environment

Social sustainability

• Education and training for locals in wildlife conservation, hospitality, and English
• Improved local services such as schools, water supply, and health clinics funded by tourism revenue
• Communities have a voice in how tourism is managed
• This has resulted in a higher quality of life and a stronger community resilience

Challenges

• Some areas have become over-dependent on tourism
• There is a need to balance visitor numbers with ecosystem protection
• Income from tourism is uneven – popular areas earn more than remote regions

Conclusion

• Costa Rica shows how sustainable tourism can protect the environment, support local people, and grow the economy
• It’s a leading example of how countries can achieve sustainable development by valuing nature over exploitation