Social and environmental sustainability are interconnected
By the Numbers – Backgrounds
Nearly 80 percent of the world’s poor—887 million people—live in regions vulnerable to extreme heat waves, floods, and other climate hazards, according to research by the United Nations and the University of Oxford. The impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, according to the IPCC report, particularly low-income communities and countries in the Global South.
Social inequalities also determine adaptability. Climate change could push nearly 100 million people—and according to some estimates, as many as 132 million—into extreme poverty by 2030. Communities with less resilient infrastructure, underfunded education systems, greater exposure to global supply chains, or unstable institutional frameworks are less able to respond to environmental shocks. This creates a feedback loop: environmental problems deepen social inequalities, which in turn further increases vulnerability.
The overexploitation of natural resources and the exploitation of cheap labor often follow the same economic logic; globalization and the modern industrial economy are therefore significant factors. As a result of global supply chains, consumption and its environmental and social costs are geographically separated. A good example of this is the food system: according to the FAO, about one-third of the food produced worldwide (approximately 1.3 billion tons annually) goes to waste, which may account for 8–10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, 783 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, and more than 3.1 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.
These interconnections are also reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Social goals—such as ending poverty (SDG 1), ending hunger (SDG 2), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10)—are closely linked to environmental goals, such as climate action (SDG 13) and the protection of ecosystems (SDGs 14 and 15). The UN emphasizes that these goals are integrated: none can be achieved without the others.
The concept of “Doughnut Economics” serves as a good example of a systemic solution in which social sustainability is given equal weight alongside environmental challenges. The essence of the model is that the goal of economic activity is not continuous growth, but the creation of a “safe and just space” in which humanity can thrive without exceeding the planet’s ecological limits.
The inner ring of the “doughnut” represents the social foundations—these include, among other things, access to food, drinking water, healthcare, education, and a decent livelihood. If any of these are missing, people “fall into the hole,” meaning their basic needs are not met. The outer ring, by contrast, represents the planet’s ecological boundaries (such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation). Exceeding these can lead to the collapse of environmental systems.
The space between the two rings is the ideal operating zone: here, social justice and environmental sustainability coexist. Kate Raworth’s model and social movement highlight that these two dimensions cannot be separated: an economy can only be considered successful if it ensures basic living conditions for everyone while respecting the limits of the Earth’s life-supporting capacity.
In Practice – Good Examples
Social farms are good practical examples of environmental and social responsibility. They engage in small-scale, sustainable agricultural activities (such as organic farming or permaculture) while also serving social goals: they provide employment opportunities, a sense of community, and a supportive environment for disadvantaged groups, such as people with disabilities or even young people.
The essence of the model is that production is not merely an economic activity, but also a social and educational tool. Participants acquire skills, strengthen their independence and sense of community, while farming is based on the responsible use of natural resources.
A good example of this in Hungary is the Diversity Foundation, which works to connect sustainability and social inclusion. The organization’s activities include eco-friendly gardening, education, and community building, with a particular focus on involving vulnerable groups. As a community partner of the Corvinus Science Shop, they also welcome student volunteers.
Charity shops also clearly illustrate the connection between environmental and social sustainability by collecting and selling used items—such as clothing, books, and household goods—that are still in good condition. In doing so, they contribute to reducing waste and strengthening the circular economy: they extend the life cycle of products and reduce both the demand for new products and the environmental impact.
At the same time, they fulfill an important social purpose. They offer affordable products, providing opportunities for low-income consumers. Furthermore, they typically donate their profits to good causes or directly support vulnerable groups. They often provide employment opportunities for disadvantaged people, thereby contributing to social integration and the strengthening of communities.
In Action – Everyday Challenges
1. Volunteering – Join the Corvinus Science Shop and the Diversity Foundation’s volunteer program in Gödöllő on Friday, May 8.
What is the event about? “We’ll travel together by train to Gödöllő, where, under the guidance of the Diversity Foundation team, we’ll plant tomato seedlings while learning firsthand about their work and mission and enjoying the spring beauty of the community farm dedicated to organic farming. Afterward, the foundation team will introduce us to the basics of biodiversity through a short, interactive workshop.
You can read more details about the “Do Good Through Gardening” event here. If you can’t join, you can also look for other nonprofit organizations near where you live.
2. Local Farmers – Take part in the Corvinus Farmers’ Market on Tuesday, May 12! By shopping there, you can support local farmers and reduce your environmental footprint by choosing seasonal products. Details are in this event.
3. Don’t buy new: For one week, buy only used, borrowed, or shared items! How much does your consumption contribute to environmental impact and social inequality
4. Donating and mindful shopping: Sort through your unwanted items and donate them to a charity shop. Try to find something there that you really need!
5. Invisible labor: Take a day to examine who contributes to your daily life and under what conditions (food producers, cleaners, delivery workers) and reflect on the social and environmental implications of their work!
6. Sustainable Eating: For one week, try to follow a diet that is local, seasonal, and plant-based whenever possible, while researching the social impacts of food production (such as working conditions and wages).
7. Energy and Equity: Examine the energy consumption of your own home and consider: how accessible is this to other social groups? Make suggestions on how to create a more equitable and sustainable system.
8. Organize a community event: Organize an event (such as a healthy and sustainable community cooking session) within your student community that combines sustainability and social connection.
9. The story behind the product: Choose an everyday product (such as a T-shirt or coffee) and map out its entire supply chain: where does it come from, who works on it, and what are its environmental impacts?
10. Reflection Journal: Keep a short journal about how your daily decisions (shopping, transportation, eating) affect other people and the environment. This will help you recognize the connections and make more conscious decisions.
+1 for Colleagues: Join us as a Corvinus staff member at the May Garden Party!
The event’s theme: responsible consumption. Our new catering partner will serve dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients, most of which come from organic farms. Corvinus Science Shop’s partner, Felelős Gasztrohős, is supporting the program with thought-provoking games, and the university will donate after each participant to support an educational program for schoolchildren. Details and registration are available on the Intranet.