What does "sustainability" mean in the context of geography?

Sustainability in geography refers to the concept of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This definition emphasizes a balance between development and conservation, ensuring that resources are utilized in a way that does not deplete them for future use.

This approach encompasses various dimensions, including environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity, acknowledging that human activities have significant impacts on the natural world. Sustainable practices aim to preserve ecosystems, promote renewable resources, and maintain biodiversity while allowing communities to thrive.

In contrast, maximizing resource consumption, focusing exclusively on local resources, or prioritizing economic growth over environmental health does not align with the principles of sustainability. Each of these perspectives tends to disregard the long-term implications of resource depletion and environmental degradation, by either overexploiting resources or neglecting the global interconnectedness of ecological systems.