The history of sustainability: from the beginnings to today

Sustainability is an omnipresent topic today. But did you know that the term is over 300 years old? The history of sustainability is full of surprising twists and exciting developments. Join us on a journey through time to discover how a forestry concept became a global movement.

Did you know that… the word “sustainability” was coined in the 18th century?

The term “sustainability” dates back to 1713 and was first used by the Saxon chief mining administrator Hans Carl von Carlowitz in his work *Sylvicultura oeconomica*. Carlowitz, who was responsible for the forests in the Ore Mountains, was confronted with a massive shortage of timber. In order to secure the timber industry in the long term, he developed the principle of “sustainable use”. His concept was to cut no more wood than could be regrown through reforestation. In doing so, he laid the foundation for modern forestry – and coined a term that would gain worldwide significance centuries later.

Did you know that… sustainability only played a role in forestry for a long time?

For over 150 years, sustainability was used almost exclusively in the context of forestry. It was not until the 20th century that the concept began to be extended to other areas. With industrialization and the increasing exploitation of natural resources, it became clear that not only forests, but also other raw materials and the Sustainable World as a whole needed to be protected.

Did you know that… the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s drove modern sustainability?

In the 1960s and 1970s, the environmental movement experienced a major upswing. Books such as Rachel Carson’s *”Silent Spring “* (1962) drew attention to the devastating effects of pesticides and led to a rethink in society. This period also saw the emergence of the awareness that economic growth and environmental protection must be reconciled. In 1972, the Club of Rome published the report “The Limits to Growth “*, which issued an urgent warning about the consequences of unchecked waste of resources and raised awareness of the principle of sustainability at a global level.

Did you know that… the Brundtland Commission formulated the modern definition of sustainability?

In 1987, the World Commission on Sustainable World and Development, better known as the Brundtland Commission, published its report *”Our Common Future “*. This report set out the definition of sustainability that is widely used today: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition combines economic growth, social progress and the protection of Sustainable World – the three pillars of modern sustainability.

Did you know that… sustainability has arrived in almost all areas of life today?

Since the 1990s, the concept of sustainability has developed steadily and is now present in almost all areas of life. Companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable production methods, governments are passing laws to protect the Sustainable World, and more and more people are trying to reduce their ecological footprint. Terms such as “circular economy”, “green technology” and “social sustainability” are on everyone’s lips and show how versatile and comprehensive sustainability is now understood to be.

Did you know that… we are still searching for the perfect balance?

Despite all the progress made, the search for a perfect balance between economic growth, social justice and environmental protection is far from over. Sustainability is not a fixed goal, but a dynamic process that constantly requires new challenges and solutions. The technologies and concepts that are considered sustainable today could be outdated in a few years – which shows us that sustainability must be constantly redefined.

Conclusion: Sustainability – a concept with a history and a future

The history of sustainability is fascinating and shows how an originally forestry principle has become a global movement. From its beginnings in the 18th century to the modern, holistic view of Sustainable World, the economy and society, the concept of sustainability has constantly evolved. Today, we are faced with the challenge of shaping sustainability in an increasingly complex world – while always keeping an eye on the balance between the needs of the present and the rights of future generations.