Environmental Sustainability as the Overarching Sustainability Pillar: Nexus with Religion in Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainability is a known term in the academic discourse in present times. There are, however, some arguments about what constitutes the pillars of sustainability in current academic debates. Against its traditional three pillars, this paper argues for a reconsideration and expansion of the pillars of sustainability. It shows how culture has become a fourth pillar of sustainability.  To prove its point, the paper discusses the interconnectedness of religion, a part of culture, with environmental sustainability.  Using the Nsukka area as a case study, the paper shows how religious cum cultural practices contribute to environment   sustainability thereby ensuring that the Quality of Life (QoL) of the people is maintained. This way, the paper contributes to the redefinition and expansion of the pillars of sustainability in present academic discourse.