The application of systems thinking to the concept of sustainability

The study proposes a systems model for the concept of sustainability. Based on the premise that the spectrum of challenges of sustainable development are systemic problems that cannot be resolved with a reductionist approach, the paper explores the key conceptual successions to explain the root of sustainable development. It then clarifies a few misconceptions concerning the Brundtland Report and highlights the limitations of the current widely used model of sustainability. The study collates and synthesises recent definitions of the concept. It then applies systems thinking to develop a more comprehensive model to promote the understanding and form the basis for further research in the application of a systems approach to the concept of sustainability.