Research and Solutions: Zeroing in on Sustainability

Abstract

In attempting to define what is sustainable, some policies predicate sustainability on the concept of zero. If not zero, then goals are often omnifarious. But are these absolutes the best path toward sustainability? Are they even truly sustainable? This paper argues, on both theoretical and policy grounds, that these absolutes may not be optimum for sustainability. Rather, goals for sustainability should be set that acknowledge the complexity of both the problem and the solution. Setting policy in this way, though more challenging, increases the likelihood of achieving sustainable change.