Environmental sustainability has emerged as a critical focus in both research and practical applications globally, driven by rising environmental concerns and the need for sustainable development. This urgency is reflected in numerous studies highlighting the roles, responsibilities, and opportunities across various sectors, particularly in business and education.
Sustainability in the Business Sector
Businesses worldwide are increasingly recognizing their significant role in addressing environmental challenges. Recent research emphasizes that corporations must reconsider their business models, governance structures, and financial strategies to align with sustainable practices. According to Jóhannsdóttir et al. (2025), businesses face complex challenges that require them to integrate sustainable practices into their core strategies. This involves adopting innovative approaches such as sub-national greenhouse gas accounting, sustainable finance, and bioeconomy initiatives that not only mitigate environmental impacts but also enhance long-term economic viability and consumer trust (Jóhannsdóttir et al., 2025).
Integrating Sustainability in Higher Education
Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability by incorporating environmental and sustainability education into their curricula. Research by Abo-Khalil (2024) highlights the challenges and opportunities universities face in integrating sustainability aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and active faculty involvement, demonstrating through case studies in the United Arab Emirates how successful strategies can significantly impact students’ understanding and commitment to sustainability (Abo-Khalil, 2024).
Global Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Globally, the concept of sustainability and sustainable development continues to evolve, with varying levels of progress and unique challenges across different regions. Ozili (2022) provides a comprehensive review of global research, revealing that while all regions have made strides towards sustainability, they each face distinct socio-political, structural, institutional, and economic hurdles. The research underscores the practical benefits of embedding sustainability into business operations and environmental management, advocating for continued research to address unresolved challenges and further advance global sustainability goals (Ozili, 2022).
The collective insights from these recent studies underscore the essential role that both the business sector and educational institutions play in fostering environmental sustainability. Addressing sustainability effectively requires collaborative efforts, innovative strategies, and ongoing research to navigate complex global challenges. As sustainability continues to gain prominence, it becomes increasingly critical for stakeholders across all sectors to actively participate and contribute towards achieving a more sustainable future.
References
- Jóhannsdóttir, L., Sigurjonsson, T. O., Wendt, S., Latapí, M., & Kharrazi, A. (2025). Current and future research in environmental sustainability: Synthesise of the role, responsibilities, and opportunities for the business sector. Current Research in Environmental Sustainability. Retrieved from ScienceDirect.
- Abo-Khalil, A. G. (2024). Integrating sustainability into higher education: Challenges and opportunities for universities worldwide. Heliyon, 10(9). Retrieved from ScienceDirect.
- Ozili, P. K. (2022). Sustainability and Sustainable Development Research around the World. Managing Global Transitions, 20(3). Retrieved from ResearchGate.