Resource Type: Social Science Research

Organizations working to pursue sustainable policies and practices in a socially just way often face three key trade-offs. By recognizing and understanding these potential conflicts, however, organizations can work to avoid the pitfall of prioritizing one issue at the expense of the other. First, the “sustainability-inclusivity” tension often pits quick, bold sustainability action against an inclusive policymaking process. The “sustainability-recognition” tension arises when the recognition and incorporation of diverse value systems, priorities, and norms conflicts with sustainability performance. Finally, the “sustainability-equity” tension describes trade-offs between making progress on sustainability goals and distributing benefits and costs in an equitable way. Organizations can intentionally address these tensions as they work towards socially and environmentally just outcomes.