What is Sustainable Development?
The UK Government's goal of sustainable development (SD) is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations. At the global and national level SD is about finding a balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship and social progress which is sustainable for the long-term.
For the MOD, this means achieving the Defence Vision in a way that considers the social and environmental impacts of decisions, alongside cost. Taking into account the potential future impact of environmental, social and economic issues (eg climate change, migration, poverty etc) on the way our organisation functions.
Why is Sustainable Development Important to Defence?
Making SD an integral part of all Defence business protects and enhances Defence capability.
Without systematic consideration of SD principles there is a real risk that defence capability will be threatened as increasing environmental, social and economic pressures exacerbate existing conflicts and adversely impact on the operation of our equipment, estate and people. We need to plan for these threats and play our part in reducing their severity.
MOD can make a real difference to SD in the UK and overseas. As a major landowner, employer, consumer of energy and procurer of goods and services, we can make a significant contribution to the Government's SD agenda. MOD also makes a vital contribution to creating the stable conditions needed for SD overseas.
The MOD SD Vision
The MOD's SD vision reflects the close links between SD and defence:
To be successful in achieving the Defence Vision because we have embedded SD principles into all areas of defence business.
We are achieving this vision through the delivery of our Sustainable Development Strategy and Sustainable Development Report and Action Plan, which cover the following priority areas for action:
- Sustainable Consumption and Production
- Climate Change and Energy
- Natural Resource Protection and Environmental Enhancement
- Creating Sustainable Communities and a Fairer World
- Delivery
For more information on these priorities please see related pages.
