sustainability
Loading your saved state.
sustainability
A principle of action in which resources are used only in such a way that they can regenerate and ecological, social, and economic balance is preserved in the long term.
Viele Unternehmen setzen heute auf Nachhaltigkeit in ihrer Produktion.
Many companies today focus on sustainability in their production.
The word is derived from the adjective 'nachhaltig' (sustainable). This consists of 'nach' and 'halten' (to hold). The idea is that an effect 'anhält' (lasts) for a long time. The ending '-keit' turns it into an abstract noun.
Die Nachhaltigkeit von Bildungsinvestitionen zeigt sich erst nach Jahren.
The sustainability of investments in education only becomes apparent after years.
In an ecological context, 'Nachhaltigkeit' (sustainability) is often used with verbs such as 'fördern' (to promote), 'umsetzen' (to implement), or 'achten auf' (to pay attention to). Adjectives such as 'ökologische' (ecological), 'soziale' (social), and 'ökonomische' (economic) sustainability are also very common.
Wir müssen bei unseren Entscheidungen mehr auf Nachhaltigkeit achten.
We need to pay more attention to sustainability in our decisions.
'Nachhaltigkeit' (sustainability) is a central concept in current political, economic, and social discussions. The word is frequently used in formal and specialized contexts.
Das Thema Nachhaltigkeit dominiert die politische Agenda.
The topic of sustainability dominates the political agenda.
You can recognize this more general meaning by the fact that it is not about ecology, but about the long-term effect of measures, decisions, or reforms. Often, the 'fehlende Nachhaltigkeit' (lack of lasting effect) is criticized.
Die kurzfristigen Erfolge hatten keine echte Nachhaltigkeit.
The short-term successes had no real lasting effect.
climate protection
'der Klimaschutz' (climate protection) and 'die Nachhaltigkeit' (sustainability) are often used in the same context, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Klimaschutz' refers to concrete measures against global warming and its consequences. 'Nachhaltigkeit' is a broader principle: resources should be used in such a way that they will still be sufficient in the future, and the environment, society, and economy remain in balance. The words are easy to confuse because sustainable action is often also good for the climate. When it is specifically about reducing CO₂ and climate change, you say 'Klimaschutz'. When it is about long-term responsible action in general, 'Nachhaltigkeit' fits.
Bei diesem Projekt spielt Nachhaltigkeit eine große Rolle, weil die Materialien wiederverwendet werden.
Sustainability plays a major role in this project because the materials are reused.
Die Stadt hat mehr Geld für den Klimaschutz eingeplant.
The city has budgeted more money for climate protection.