How to get there . . .
Currently our economy is dependent on using non-renewable resources. We also have persistent social problems that marginalize some people and prevent some from reaching their full potential, such as poverty. Our careless use of the environment is limiting its ability to provide us with the resources we need to live like clean water, and healthy and abundant food. The idea behind sustainable development is to reverse these trends by changing society so that we don't hurt future generations. Rather, the idea is to make our social structures more equitable, our economy one based on renewable resources and our use of the environment such that natural systems are renewed. Long-term stability, rather than short-term gain is the key goal in sustainable development, and can only be achieved when the triad of social, environmental, and economic values is in balance.
For example, a practice that is environmentally sound, such as organic farming, that is done at a profit making it economically viable, but using exploitative labor practices making it socially inequitable, would be unsustainable. On the other hand, take the same farm, have equitable distribution of profits, but in a market where the profits are small are nonexistent, the venture is economically unviable and will fail. Finally, a farm that is economically viable and has fair distribution of profits, but degrades the environment is doomed to failure as well. Only when the farm uses practices that renew the land, produces crops at a profit, and equitably shares in the earnings will it be truly sustainable.
Some criticize this model from proponents of green development who assert that prevention of environmental degradation is more important than economic concerns. However, a project that is somewhat environmentally sound and is economically possible in poorer areas of the world is more sustainable than an effort that is environmentally ideal, but is so expensive that it goes bankrupt. In all cases, the cost of environmental damage must be weighed against the economic benefit and social justice must prevail for a development project to be sustainable.
Resources:
International Institute for Sustainable Development from Canada has a comprehensive site: http://www.iisd.org/default.asp
Profiles:
Links:
Institute for Sustainable Development
A Better Future
Geographic Learning for Sustainable Development
Education for Sustainable Development Toolkit