<P> While the modern concept of sustainable development is derived mostly from the 1987 Brundtland Report , it is also rooted in earlier ideas about sustainable forest management and twentieth century environmental concerns . As the concept developed , it has shifted to focus more on economic development , social development and environmental protection for future generations . It has been suggested that `` the term ' sustainability ' should be viewed as humanity 's target goal of human - ecosystem equilibrium ( homeostasis ) , while ' sustainable development ' refers to the holistic approach and temporal processes that lead us to the end point of sustainability '' . </P>
<P> While the modern concept of sustainable development is derived mostly from the 1987 Brundtland Report , it is also rooted in earlier ideas about sustainable forest management and twentieth century environmental concerns . As the concept developed , it has shifted to focus more on economic development , social development and environmental protection for future generations . It has been suggested that `` the term ' sustainability ' should be viewed as humanity 's target goal of human - ecosystem equilibrium ( homeostasis ) , while ' sustainable development ' refers to the holistic approach and temporal processes that lead us to the end point of sustainability '' . </P>
when did the idea of sustainable development began
when did the idea of sustainable development began
1987
1987