Question

Is there a fundamental conflict between sustainability and profitability that has to be offset by regulation?

Answer 1

Of Course, there is a conflict between sustainability and profitability in the modern times, but this conflict is strictly due to the misinterpretation of the terms. Sustainability refers to the perfect balance between development and depletion of resources. This never means the complete stoppage of the workflow. This never means that we will be on the losing side if we follow the sustainable path. This means, that we have to be aware of the depletion of the resources and to use the resources according to that. Sustainable use of energy resources is one of the most debated topics of the recent century. Sustainable usage of energy does not mean that we have to compromise with our needs and live a less equipt life, rather it requires us to realize the fact that the amount of these resources are fixed in the current circumstances. This realization will help us to venture for new and better energy sources and their scientific development. This will in turn help us to lead a better life. So, we are being profited in this case, by following a sustainable path.
Nowadays it is taken that a profitable business can not be sustainable at the same time. We have to hamper the equilibrium in order to maximize our materialistic wealth. Here we totally forget that, if we think about our personal growth and development, then there will be a time when the entire society will be thinking in the same manner and this will disrupt the total social hierarchy. At the end of this meaningless quest, we will be standing empty handed and surely be at the losing side of the game. According to the Nobel laureate John Nash, we can only achieve the highest potential of the society when we seek for the better development of ourselves “and the society”. This is what real profit is. And this is achieved by following the sustainable path. This ensures the balance and the proper healthy development of all the branches of society and environment. So, profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand only if we try to understand their meanings properly.