Answer:
Over the past century, unsustainable economic growth caused irreversible damage to the environment such as global warming, sea level rising, extreme climate, to name but a few. Moreover, environmental problems harm people's health, leading to reduce worker's productivity and end up with poverty. Poverty in one nation might cause unrest and insecurity in other nations. "No man is an island", so we need concerted effort to draw a plan for worldwide sustainable development.
First, no one can concern about environment with an empty stomach, so the first thing to do is to ensure a good job for all. It is obvious that society benefits if more people contribute to their nation's growth. Decent work and productive recruitment are keys to fair globalization and poverty reduction. Further, unemployment may lead to unrest in society that affects all us. One possibility is for the government to create more jobs for all, supporting small and medium-sized companies as well as making economic policies for the most vulnerable.
The second is a lasting solution for a more sustainable future in general as well as for an economy-environment balance in particular, that is quality education. Human is the most important factor to resolve any issue, so education is the root solution for economic problem in an environmentally friendly way. For example, we can talk to children about the beauty and the importance of Mother Nature, so that they are likely to respect and protect the environment. Furthermore, education empowers students to do research and perhaps find solutions to live in harmony with the nature. Therefore, the government should place education as a priority. The private sector can support schools by providing education tools or facilities.
Third, a patient can not think about economy nor environment while fighting against their disease, so another vital thing to do is to ensure healthy lives for all. The first step is to promote your own health and the health of those around you by having a healthy lifestyle and making well-informed choices. The next step is to raise public awareness about the importance of good health as well as the right to quality health services. The last step is to put pressure on the government to improve healthcare system.
Fourth, a precursor contributing greatly to economic growth should not be neglected is energy. Despite being a part of our lives, traditional energy source releases greenhouse gases that cause climate change, harm people's health and the environment. Therefore, affordable and clean energy is a big concern these days. Switching into renewable energy is the responsibility of all us. Businesses should commit to use electricity from renewable sources. Investors can invest in green energy, bringing new technology to the market. Individuals should save electricity and reduce carbon emission.
Fifth, sustainable industries, technology and infrastructure create a great deal of employment and income. Technology and innovation are lasting solutions for economic and environmental challenges. New technology facilitates international trade and enables the efficient use of resources. By contrast, failing to improve infrastructure and technology will result in poor healthcare and education. Thus, the government should create regulations to support environment-protecting companies, but fine the ones that damage the environment. It is also necessary to collaborate with NGOs and the public sector to improve the infrastructure of rural areas.
Sixth, sustainable cities and communities are also a part of the big picture of sustainable development. Urban areas are powerful places of economic growth, but they also account for a growing amount of global carbon emission. Another pressing challenge that cities face is inequality. This might push some to be unemployed and end up living in slums. Inadequate living conditions in slums may lead to pollution and disease spread. Inequality can cause unrest in society. These have the potential to disrupt everyone's life. Hence, we should be active in the city development, voting for the leaders who really care for their citizens, helping the poor have access to job, education and healthcare.
Lastly, everyone should take action to tackle climate change and its effects. There are many things we can do as follows: shower in 5 minutes, bring your own bag, drive less, light off and unplug, use local food, reduce meat in our meals, recycle, refill, reuse and finally commit to zero-waste fashion.
To sum up, a proper plan to deal with both economic growth and environmental sustainability require the participation of all society. In addition, the plan is a big picture of all fields, ranging from politics, education to science and technology. Beyond these, sustainable development should be conducted on a worldwide scale.
