Beyond resilience and systems theory: reclaiming justice in sustainability discourse

[Extract] Poverty is not only an evil in itself, but sustainable development requires meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations for a better life. A world in which poverty is endemic will always be prone to ecological and other catastrophes. (WCED 1987, 8) One of the standout features of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in early 2016 as part of its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the prominence of distinctly social objectives (see Lockie 2016). Goals 1 – 5 target an end to poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education and gender equality. Goal 10 aims to reduce inequality within and between nations. Goal 16 addresses peace, justice and the institutional infrastructure required to deliver them. Several of the more overtly environmental and economic goals are qualified with social objectives. Energy, for example, should be accessible and affordable. Economic growth should be shared. Work should be productive and rewarding. Cities should be safe and inclusive. Collectively, moreover, the SDGs are seen as integrated, indivisible and universal. No-one is to be left behind