What is a primary goal of environmental sustainability?

The primary goal of environmental sustainability is to maintain ecological balance and protect natural resources for future generations. This involves using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

By prioritizing the health of ecosystems, environmental sustainability promotes practices that help conserve biodiversity, clean air and water, and healthy soils. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of natural systems and human activity, ensuring that any development or resource use is done responsibly, with an eye towards long-term impacts. This goal is crucial for ensuring the resilience of the planet and its ability to support life in the future.

The other options either misrepresent the concept of sustainability or prioritize short-term gains over long-term ecological health. Eliminating all human presence from natural settings is not feasible or desirable, as humans are an integral part of ecosystems. Prioritizing economic growth over ecological concerns undermines the principles of sustainability by potentially harming the environment for immediate economic benefits. Focusing solely on urban development ignores the broader context of sustainable practices that must also include rural and natural spaces, as well as the importance of green infrastructure and natural habitat conservation.