Sustainability? Err what?!

Err what?! Yes, that is exactly what your reaction could be…if you haven’t ever heard about this term. And to all the new incoming students, who would be stepping in Sweden within the next couple of months – don’t be surprised if you get too overwhelmed with this word in your academic or professional setting. However, if you coming from outside the EU region, chances are that you might have limited idea about what it actually is.

Sustainability is a hot topic in Sweden and possibly in every sphere of Swedish lives, you will see it coming up over and over and over and over and … yes that’s right, over again! But wait a second. Ask yourself – What is sustainability?

In very plain words, it’s the ability to continue social and economic progression without endangering the growth and development of future generations. By that definition, we understand that it means efficient, effective and reasonable use of resources around us. Such usage has to be optimal, without completely devouring what is available…so that the generations which are to come later can continue building on it. Most of the underdeveloped countries aren’t much aware of this, as assurance of running the economy and feeding its people top the priority list. Thus lots of resources are being consumed without measure, leading to scarcity and lot of environmental and social problems. But if we are to assure a healthy and brighter future for our countries, it is important that we apply sustainable techniques in the various aspects of our lives.

In Sweden, this buzzword has been prevailing for quite some time. Organizations, local governments and general people attempt to bring some sort of sustainability to whatever they do. Say for instance, the right usage of building materials for houses, sustainable methods to provide education to children, caring for the carbon emission from cars and industries, recycling of waste and many more. The Swedish system has been built around this concept and thus most of the practices have their bases on sustainability. So it is not at all a surprise that lot of educational degrees has been developed solely on this topic, with specializations stretching to areas like leadership, urban development, environmental, technology and many more.

So once you are in Sweden, I would invite you to get a stronger grasp of this idea, this origins, practices and applications. Chances are that it might help you in your assignments, thesis or even getting a job. If you wish to return home after your studies, you can use your knowledge, understanding and experience in this area to contribute towards the sustainable development in your country too.

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Image taken from internet

Redwan

Written by Redwan

01 Apr 2015