Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
5 mins
Sustainable Development meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. But… what do we actually “need”?
Psychologist Abraham Maslow came up with a hierarchy of needs, where the lowest levels of the pyramid are made up of the most basic needs, while the most complex needs are at the top of the pyramid. We have to meet these physical requirements at the bottom of the pyramid, such as food, water and sleep, before we focus on personal growth. Are these some of the needs you discussed with your group?
Natural disasters, inequality and poverty are some ways that these needs can be threatened.
Look a the needs on the pyramid above - Can you think of any other ways these needs might be threatened?
Sustainable development aims to provide for all of our needs through the “3 Pillars of Sustainable Development”.
Move on to the next topic to learn about the 3 Pillars!