Sustainability: Living within one's own ecological means

Abstract

This paper provides a critical review of sustainability, including its definitions, dimensions, measurements, and practices, as well as approaches to achieve sustainability. It raises questions about conventional definitions and argues for taking into account the geographic dimension of sustainability for better understanding of the regional differences in sustainability and transition to sustainability. The paper proposes that sustainability should be defined as -living within one's own ecological means." This definition pays attention to regional disparities in biocapacity and ecological footprint. It realizes that not all people's present and future needs may be met in all regions of the world. © 2009 by the authors.