Final answer:
Ecologically sustainable development is an approach to growth that doesn't deplete or harm the environment, balancing current needs with those of future generations across all aspects of society including economic, social, and cultural.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ecologically sustainable development focuses on ensuring that the growth and progress of our society occur without depleting or damaging the natural environment. It is a form of development that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. As such, sustainable development requires a holistic and integrated approach, involving the maintenance and continuity of life across generations. This approach encompasses the belief that humans are part of larger communities that include the natural world and its ecosystems - encompassing the seas, rivers, mountains, and more. Sustainable development goes beyond just environmental conservation; it also involves the development of small-scale economic initiatives that incorporate sustainable resource use, the stable consumption of materials and energy, and the maximisation of local food production, all while ensuring a supply of clean water.
Sustainable development is not an isolated concept; it is deeply connected with cultural, economic, social, and political aspects. It seeks to balance economic development with the preservation of the environment's health, which has often been a point of conflict, especially when immediate economic gains are prioritized over long-term ecological stability. Overall, ecologically sustainable development is about reconciling our developmental goals with environmental limits over the long term, recognizing that pressures to innovate and solve current challenges will only increase as resources become scarcer.