Glossary and abbreviations

Sustainable development is based on three criteria: environmental protection, social progress and economic development. Production and consumption methods must respect the human and natural environment to enable all the earth's inhabitants to satisfy their basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, education, work, and live in a healthy environment). Education in sustainable development is fundamental: it is the necessary doorway that will lead to a change in mindset and behavior. A change in behavior by everyone (citizens, companies, local and regional authorities, governments and international institutions) to counter the threats looming over our planet (social inequality, industrial and health risks, climate change, loss of biodiversity, and so on).