The concept of sustainable development (eco-development, green development) emerged in Europe in the 1960s. Since then, in the face of growing threats resulting from the population explosion in underdeveloped countries, excessive consumption of natural resources, progressive industrialization, environmental pollution, destabilization of natural and socio-economic systems, and the dynamic development of economic and urbanization processes, actions have been taken to shape pro-ecological social awareness and the environment.
Sustainable development is identified with:
- a competitive, low-carbon economy that uses natural resources rationally,
- environmental protection by reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
- preventing the depletion of biodiversity,
- developing and implementing innovative, environmentally friendly technologies, techniques, and production methods,
- using efficient, smart power grids,
- shaping pro-ecological social attitudes.
In the concept of sustainable development, much attention is paid to the problems of the adverse impact of economic activity on the environment and the socio-economic consequences of its degradation. The most important task in implementing this concept is balancing economic, social, and natural elements, and one of the conditions for achieving a favorable balance is the pro-ecological awareness of society. It is a reflection of the level of knowledge, views, and perceptions about the state and threats to the natural environment. At the current level of awareness in this regard, it can be stated that sustainable development is a process and actions that favor changes in economic and social cohesion, determining the improvement of the quality of the natural environment by limiting the harmful impact of production and consumption.
Transport – a sector and economic activity on a large scale, on the one hand, is the basis for the economic development of regions and their competitiveness, and on the other, it contributes to a high degree to the degradation of the natural environment. Hence, in the second decade of the 21st century, many transport companies include this problem in their development strategies and precisely specify targeted, long-term actions that can be classified as good practices in this area. An effective tool for shaping pro-environmental behaviors and achieving desired effects is targeted education, and promotion plays an important role in the informational, educational, and persuasive function. The study will present examples of good practices in promoting sustainable development undertaken in various branches of transport.
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Source: Logistyka Magazine