In a world where concern for community well-being and sustainability is in vogue, it is common to use terms that can generate confusion due to their apparent similarity.

This is the case with these four words: sustainability, sustentability, ecology, and environmentalism. Let’s see how they differ.

Sustainability

In general terms, we could define sustainability and sustainable processes as those that allow us to meet the needs of present societies without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This necessarily leads us to consider:

• Social development- Meeting social needs implies ensuring a Welfare State; basic coverage of people's primary needs, such as fighting discrimination, work-life balance, the availability of decent wages, and a good quality of life. Achieving this involves establishing policies that help the development of society as a whole.
• Economic development- Meeting economic needs implies ensuring business profitability using responsible practices in the organization. Now, what measures should we implement to achieve economic sustainability? Among the possible options, we can carry out renewable energy efficiency projects, establish a circular economy, or even new trends such as adding micro-agriculture to supply hospitality businesses and other services.
• Environmental development- When we refer to the development of our environment, we talk about how to manage and use natural resources in a way that allows them to regenerate and not degrade in the long term. This means we must implement measures and policies that ensure the conservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecological balance. This way, future generations will be able to enjoy a healthy environment and have sufficient resources for their needs.

Therefore, to use the word sustainability correctly, we must achieve a balance between the three ESG areas: environmental, socio-cultural, and governance and economy.

Sustentability

As we mentioned, sustainability necessarily requires a social, economic, and environmental commitment. However, sustentability does not meet this definition. Do you imagine why? While they are often used interchangeably, sustainability and sustentability are not exact synonyms.

Based on the very definition of the term “sustentable”, it should be used to indicate that something “can be sustained or defended with reasons.” In other words, focusing on the concept of “sustainable development,” we are talking about carrying out a type of development and progress that safeguards and makes reasonable use of resources.

In summary, while sustainability encompasses a broader and more holistic approach, sustentability focuses mainly on the management and conservation of available resources in the environment.

Ecology: The science of organisms and their environment

Did you know that the words "economy" and "ecology" have a lot in common? Indeed, both terms are closely related, and it is impossible to define ecology without considering the economy.

It all started in 1866, when the prominent German biologist Ernst Haeckel used the term "ecology" for the first time in his book “Generelle Morphologie der Organismen.” From his definition, there is an aspect that is often forgotten when analyzing the etymology of "ecology": Haeckel understood the prefix "eco-" (from the Greek "oîkos" οἶκος, which translates as 'house') as 'economy of nature' and not as 'environment,' contrary to what is commonly explained.

To understand the origin of the word "ecology," we must first analyze "economy." In Greek, "oikonomía" meant 'household management.' It wasn't until the 17th century that it acquired a broader definition, referring to the 'management of community resources.'

Environmentalism: The movement that protects the environment

Environmentalism and ecology, although related, are distinct concepts that are often confused. Ecology is a scientific discipline that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment. It focuses on understanding how living beings, including humans, coexist and affect each other within ecosystems. Ecologists investigate processes such as the food chain, nutrient cycles, and population dynamics to reveal the mechanisms that sustain life on Earth.

On the other hand, environmentalism is a social and political movement that seeks to protect the environment from harmful human activities. Environmentalists advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainability and conservation of natural resources.

While ecology provides the scientific knowledge necessary to understand environmental issues, environmentalism uses this information to drive change and promote development that respects the planet. In essence, ecology teaches us about the natural world, while environmentalism seeks to preserve and improve that world for future generations.

And you? Did you really know the meaning of these words?

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