The concept of “sustainability” is an important one in our world today. Sustainability is the practice of using resources in such a way that their use is kept at a level that can be maintained without depleting them. This means using resources responsibly and efficiently, so that they are available for future generations. For example, harvesting timber from a forest in a sustainable way would involve only taking as much as is needed, leaving some trees for the future, and replanting trees after harvesting. This ensures that the forest is not depleted of its resources and that it is able to provide resources for the future. Another example of sustainability is energy conservation. People are encouraged to use energy responsibly, such as by turning off lights when not in use, or using energy efficient appliances. This helps to conserve energy resources, ensuring that they can be used for future generations. Sustainability is important because it helps to ensure that our planet’s resources are not depleted, so that future generations can benefit from them. It also helps to reduce pollution and global warming, as sustainable practices often involve less emissions. Fun Fact: The United Nations has declared 2021 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This is to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices, so that tourism can contribute more to a healthy environment, local economies, and cultural heritage.