I believe my first encounter with the term "Sustainability" was in the early 90s, probably during a middle school composition assignment. Although I don't remember the exact details of the topic, the broad concept and vision reflected by this word struck me unexpectedly. Thus, it has always lingered at the back of my mind throughout my life.
During the period when I questioned whether the success and profitability of a business were sufficient, I understood that the concept of sustainability is a pervasive reality in every aspect of the environment and life. Consequently, I have always challenged myself from a micro to a macro scale with questions like how an operation can be sustainably successful in the long term, and what its impact on the external environment and stakeholders is, even if a business appears profitable. When it comes to how nations achieve this, the history, details, and aftermath of World War II have become an area of interest for me. Sustainability in private life seemed much more complicated, and I thought that alongside logic, psychological factors were complicating matters. Later, with economic systems and the changing world, I consider the liberal and Keynesian sides, followed by their synthesis (DSGE), to be oriented towards the pursuit of sustainability in the future.
The term "sustainability" has become much more commonly used for environmental purposes after the 2000s, with climate change and ecological imbalances. The engagement of international organizations such as the UN and EU in this matter has also provided support. However, perceiving the word as a term used only for the environment in today's world does not seem sufficient to me.
The fact that a flawed or negative process ensures continuity does not mean that this process is sustainable. While ensuring continuity may be a necessary subprocess, it is not sufficient for overall sustainability.
Sustainability, in any matter, involves achieving balance, raising awareness about every aspect of the subject, and ensuring continuity with elements of efficiency and quality. The crucial point is to establish sustainability directed towards a better and more beneficial life, world, and even space; all other concepts naturally find their place within this.
Dr. Bilinç Dolmacı
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