Social equity

Abstract

Introduction: Any comprehensive discussion of sustainability must include social equity as a component equal in merit to the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability. The initial structure of the Green 13 report and its sub-teams did not include a social equity section. This structure was modeled upon sustainability plans borne out of the climate change debates of the 1990’s. Fortunately, some communities that are years ahead in sustainability planning have since revised their initial plans to include societal components. Some are designed specifically to engage all citizens in the processes of governance while others focus on how to equitably meet the basic needs of all people. This section seeks to address both of these areas.