Summary
Highlights
Sustainable development is defined as a concept involving efficient and responsible management of natural resources by humans to preserve ecological balance.
In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development analyzed the global economic, social, and environmental situation, revealing that the current economic model was destroying the environment and increasing poverty. This led to the search for a new development model that could meet human needs without jeopardizing future generations' resources. This new model emphasizes the care of natural resources, education, justice, and equality for a contamination-free planet with sufficient natural resources.
Natural resources are fundamental for human, social, and economic development, highlighting the urgency of preserving them. European Union countries, like Heidelberg, Germany, are promoting sustainable growth in cities. Heidelberg has implemented efficient energy-saving methods, such as encouraging public transport and using energy-saving lamps in public administration. The University of Heidelberg uses solar energy to produce electricity, reducing carbon dioxide emissions significantly. Currently, excessive energy consumption jeopardizes supply, emphasizing the need to value, protect, and preserve energy and natural resources.
Sustainable development is a relatively recent concern in Mexico. Although its constitution expressed interest in regulating the use of natural elements for social benefit since 1988, it wasn't until the creation of the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection that concrete actions were taken. In 1994, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources was formed to enforce environmental regulations and oversee responsible use of natural resources while ensuring quality of life and economic development. Mexico is rich in natural resources, but it needs to advance in implementing policies that align with its institutional intentions. The current challenge for Mexico is to continue its economic growth with social justice, rational use of natural resources, and preservation of ecological balance.