There are hundreds of definitions of sustainable development and the concept of sustainability is continually evolving.
World Commission on Environment and Development 1987
"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." From World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) (1987): Our Common Future. Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York.
Caring for the Earth 1991
"Improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems." From IUCN, UNEP, WWF (1991): Caring for the Earth. A Strategy for Sustainable Living. Gland, Switzerland.
The Education for Sustainable Development Toolkit 2002
"Sustainable development is often thought to have three components: environment, society, and economy. The well-being of these three areas is intertwined, not separate." In McKeown, R. (2002). The ESD Toolkit 2.0. Web-published document. www.esdtoolkit.org
Forum for the Future 2006
"A dynamic process which enables all people to realize their potential and improve the quality of their life in ways which simultaneously protect and enhance the Earth's life support systems. " http://www.forumforthefuture.org.uk/
Global Footprint Network 2007
"Sustainable development occurs when all human beings can have fulfilling lives, without degrading our planet". http://www.footprintnetwork.org/
