Sustainability and Sustainable Development Research around the World

Abstract

This paper reviews the existing research on sustainability and sustainable development around the world. It begins by defining the sustainability and sustainable development concepts. Thereafter, the paper highlights the dimensions of sustainable development and sustainability based on the literature. The paper also shows the relationship between sustainability and sustainable development. The paper used the literature review methodology. The paper finds that each region of the world has made some progress towards achieving high levels of sustainable development; however, each region also faces unique challenges that affect the attainment of the sustainable development goals in the region. These challenges have social, political,structural, institutional and economic dimensions. Also, while sustainable development is a widely acknowledged concept in academia its practicality in policy circles has been contested. Existing empirical studies show that incorporating sustainability or sustainable development concerns into business or environmental management yields some positive benefits. Finally, some areas for future research are suggested.