What is sustainability and why is it important?

Sustainability is meeting our needs in a way that doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Currently, we depend largely on the rapid consumption of non-renewable resources -- particularly fossil fuels -- that will not be available for long. Many renewable resources are being used (soils, forests, fisheries, etc.) at a much greater rate than they are naturally regenerated. 

We also are reducing biological diversity, ecological integrity and ecosystem functioning, the losses of which can have negative effects on ourselves and future generations. Sustainability depends on transitioning to alternative ways of living that do not detract from the capacity of the Earth to provide for others. We already know many of the steps this transition requires; it's just a question of making it happen.