Define sustainability and the three pillars, with a brief example.

• A. Meeting present needs without compromising future; economic viability, environmental protection, social equity; example: sustainable farming focusing on profits, soil health, and farmer livelihoods.
• B. Maximizing short-term profits by exploiting resources.
• C. Focusing only on environmental protection.
• D. Ignoring social impacts.

Answer: (A)

Sustainability is about meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It rests on three interrelated pillars: economic viability, which means practices stay financially sustainable over time; environmental protection, which involves maintaining healthy ecosystems, conserving resources, and minimizing harm; and social equity, which ensures fair access to resources, good working conditions, and benefits for communities.

A simple example is sustainable farming that aims for profits, but also builds soil health, preserves biodiversity, and supports farmer livelihoods and local families. This shows how the economic, environmental, and social pieces fit together.

Maximizing short-term profits by exploiting resources misses long-term viability and harms the environment and people. Focusing only on environmental protection neglects economic and social needs. Ignoring social impacts leaves out fairness and community well-being, which are essential to lasting sustainability.