What is sustainability and how does it support health and human development?
The concept and dimensions of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) and its role in promoting health and human development globally
VCE HHD Unit 4 AoS 1 guide to the concept and three dimensions of sustainability - environmental, social and economic - and their role in promoting health and human development.
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What this dot point is asking
This dot point asks you to define sustainability, describe its three dimensions, and explain how sustainability supports health and human development now and into the future. You must give examples within each dimension and link them to health outcomes, since sustainability is closely tied to the Sustainable Development Goals in Unit 4 Area of Study 2.
The concept of sustainability
Sustainability, as understood by the United Nations, means using resources and developing in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is about the long term - making sure that progress today does not destroy the conditions that health and human development depend on tomorrow.
The three dimensions
Environmental sustainability is about protecting the natural environment and using natural resources at a rate that allows them to regenerate. It includes clean air and water, healthy ecosystems, stable climate, biodiversity and managing waste and pollution. The environment provides the food, water and clean air that health depends on, so degrading it harms health directly.
Social sustainability is about creating fair, inclusive and cohesive societies where people can meet their needs, participate and access services such as health and education over the long term. It includes social inclusion, gender equality, human rights, safe communities and access to essential services. Socially sustainable societies protect the wellbeing of all members across generations.
Economic sustainability is about supporting long-term economic growth without harming the environment or society, so that countries can keep funding the health, education and infrastructure that development requires. It includes secure employment, stable economies, infrastructure and the capacity to keep investing in services.
How sustainability promotes health and human development
Sustainability protects the foundations of health over time. Environmental sustainability secures safe water, food and clean air and limits the disease and displacement caused by climate change. Social sustainability ensures fair access to healthcare and education and protects rights and inclusion. Economic sustainability provides the lasting resources to fund health systems, water, sanitation and schooling. Without sustainability, gains in health and human development can be reversed, for example when environmental degradation or economic collapse strips away services.
Linking to the bigger picture
Sustainability sets up the Sustainable Development Goals, which are built on these same three dimensions - the SDGs aim for development that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable at once. Keep this connection in mind when you reach Area of Study 2.
In responses, define sustainability, name the relevant dimension, give a concrete example, and explain how it protects health and human development for present and future generations.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of VCAA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
2025 VCAA5 marksa. Identify the dimension of sustainability that best works towards an equitable society, sustainable birth rates and increased access to education. (1 mark)
b. Using two examples, explain how this dimension of sustainability can promote human development. (4 marks)
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Part a (1 mark): Social sustainability.
Part b (4 marks): Social sustainability involves meeting people's basic social needs now and into the future, including equity, education, gender equality and access to services. Give two examples, each explained and linked to human development (2 marks each).
Example 1: Providing universal access to education means more people, especially girls, gain knowledge and skills, expanding their choices and ability to gain employment and income, which raises human development.
Example 2: Promoting gender equality and an equitable society allows women to participate in work and decision-making and access healthcare, lowering maternal and child mortality and lifting living standards, which advances human development. Each example must be tied to expanded opportunities or improved living standards (the essence of human development).
2022 VCAA4 marksIdentify two aspects of social sustainability and outline the role of each in reducing the maternal mortality ratio in low-income and middle-income countries. (4 marks)Show worked answer →
Four marks: two aspects of social sustainability, each identified and linked to lower maternal mortality (2 marks each).
Aspect 1 - access to education (1 mark): educating girls and women improves health literacy and delays early pregnancy, so women are more likely to seek antenatal care and skilled birth attendance, reducing maternal deaths (1 mark).
Aspect 2 - gender equality and empowerment (1 mark): when women have greater status, income and decision-making power, they can access maternal healthcare and family planning, lowering the maternal mortality ratio (1 mark). Other acceptable aspects include equitable access to healthcare or social support systems. Each aspect must be social (not environmental or economic) and clearly connected to reducing maternal deaths.
2023 VCAA4 marksExplain the importance of environmental sustainability in promoting two dimensions of health and wellbeing globally. Refer to a different example of environmental sustainability in each part of the answer. (4 marks)
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Four marks: two dimensions of health and wellbeing, each linked to a different example of environmental sustainability (2 marks each).
Dimension 1 - physical (about 2 marks): Environmental sustainability such as providing clean water and sanitation systems reduces exposure to waterborne disease, lowering rates of diarrhoeal illness and supporting physical health and wellbeing globally.
Dimension 2 - mental or social (about 2 marks): Sustainable practices such as reducing air pollution and protecting green spaces, or acting on climate change, reduce stress and displacement and protect food and water security, supporting mental and social health and wellbeing. Use a clearly different environmental example in each part and link it to the named dimension.