Of the three major elements of sustainability, economic sustainability may be the most problematic, simply because capitalist economies rely on growth to improve lives. And as the global economy is currently structured, the only way to spur economic growth involves using more energy, the majority of which is not environmentally sustainable.
Societal sustainability is often lost in the overall sustainability discussion because it’s easier to quantify environmental and economic costs and opportunities. But without societal sustainability, neither environmental nor economic sustainability is possible over the long run. Societal sustainability is more than multigenerational stability guaranteed by equality of treatment for all genders, races, cultures, or creeds; it involves all facets of human existence.
Put simply, societal sustainability can be defined as focusing on the health and well-being of people and communities. The World Bank defines societal sustainability somewhat more narrowly, emphasizing the role of inclusive and accountable governments, as well as equality of opportunity for everyone.
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