Short-term, medium-term, and long-term approaches
refer to the time horizons over which actions are taken
to achieve sustainability goals. Each of these
approaches has its own implications for sustainability
futures.
Short-term approaches focus on immediate actions to
address pressing issues. They typically involve quick
fxes or short-term solutions that can be implemented
in the near future. Short-term approaches can be
efective in addressing urgent issues, but they may not
be sufcient to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
For example, planting trees to combat deforestation is
a short-term solution that can provide immediate
benefts, but it may not address the underlying causes
of deforestation.
Medium-term approaches involve actions that span
several years or a decade. These approaches aim to
address the underlying causes of sustainability
problems and create systemic change. They often
involve policy and regulatory changes, as well as
investments in new technologies and infrastructure.
Medium-term approaches can be efective in achieving
sustainability goals over a longer time horizon, but
they may require signifcant resources and political will.
Long-term approaches involve actions that span
several decades or even centuries. They aim to create a
more sustainable future for future generations.
Long-term approaches often involve transformative
change, such as shifting to a circular economy or
transitioning to renewable energy sources. Long-term
approaches require a long-term perspective and a
willingness to invest in the future, even if the benefts
may not be immediately visible.
In summary, short-term approaches can provide
immediate benefts but may not address the
underlying
causes
of
sustainability
problems.
Medium-term approaches can create systemic change
but may require signifcant resources and political will.
Long-term approaches aim to create a more
sustainable future for future generations and require a
long-term perspective and a willingness to invest in the
future. A combination of short-term, medium-term,
and long-term approaches is often necessary to
achieve sustainability goals over diferent time
horizons.
“This fgure shows projected greenhouse gas
concentrations for four diferent emissions pathways.
The top pathway assumes that greenhouse gas
emissions will continue to rise throughout the current
century. The bottom pathway assumes that emissions
reach a peak between 2010 and 2020, declining
thereafter.”
PROJECTED ATMOSPHERIC
GREENHOUSE GAS
CONCENTRATION
DIFFERENT APPROACHES
TO SUSTAINABILITY:
SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG TERM
HOW TO PLAN SHORT-TERM
AND LONG-TERM
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
Adopting sustainable practices is essential for everyone
because we all interact with the environment and need
to protect it. Despite knowing this for a long time, we
are still facing a climate emergency. To succeed, we
can't rely on sporadic and improvised "green" activities.
Instead, we need structured approaches across every
facet of our society, including short-term and long-term
sustainability goals.
As individuals, it can be overwhelming to feel like our
sustainability eforts lack impact, but with planning and
commitment, individual eforts can have a powerful
cumulative impact. In the short term, we can examine
and improve our environmental, ethical, and social
behavior, such as shopping habits and food waste. In
the
long
term,
we
can
invest
in
a
more
environmentally-sustainable home by researching
upgrades and creating a budget with milestones. By
understanding the knock-on efects of our choices, we
can make more informed sustainable choices that have
a positive impact on the environment and our
communities.