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.”
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE
INNOVATION?
“Sustainable innovation involves making intentional
changes to a company’s products, services, or processes
to generate long-term social and environmental
benefts while creating economic profts for the frm.
That defnition comes from researcher Richard Adams,
who reviewed academic and industry research on the
topic.”
PROJECTED ATMOSPHERIC
GREENHOUSE GAS
CONCENTRATION
DIFFERENT APPROACHES
TO SUSTAINABILITY:
SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG TERM
Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency.
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