What is a major flaw in simplistic definitions of sustainable development?

A major flaw in simplistic definitions of sustainable development is the assumption of knowledge about future generations' needs. This highlights the inherent uncertainty in predicting what future individuals and societies will require or value. Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. However, this ideal relies on the assumption that we can accurately anticipate or understand the diverse and possibly evolving needs and preferences of people who will live in the future. Such knowledge is often unknowable and subjective, leading to challenges in defining policies or practices that can truly be deemed sustainable across different contexts and eras.

The complexity of sustainability also involves understanding that future challenges may be influenced by technological, environmental, or societal changes that are unpredictable, which underscores the limitation of any simplistic approach to defining what sustainable development should look like. As such, assumptions about future generations can lead to misguided priorities and oversimplifications in sustainability initiatives.