Ability Quote by Gro Harlem Brundtland
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
About This Quote
Source Report: World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987
Development should fulfill current needs while preserving future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
In simple terms: Balance present needs with future sustainability.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize sustainable practices.
Themes
sustainability
development
future generations
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
policy
philosophical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- resource management
- education programs
Key Concepts
environmental policy
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we measure sustainable progress?
- What trade‑offs are acceptable for future needs?
A Different Perspective
Economic growth may conflict with sustainability goals.
![“We're handing them [young people & future generations] a climate system which is potentially out of their control. We're in an emergency: you can see what's on the horizon over the next few decades with the effects it will have on ecosystems, sea level and species extinction” quote by James Hansen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1bc/james-hansen-7143_climate_we-re-handing-them-young-people-future-g_1485882.jpg)
