What do proponents of weak sustainability believe regarding future generations?

Proponents of weak sustainability argue that sustainability can be achieved if the overall value of all forms of capital—natural, human, and manufactured—remains constant or increases over time. This perspective holds that while natural capital is important, it can be substituted or replaced by human-made or manufactured capital, as long as the total value from these various types of capital is maintained or enhanced for future generations. This view encourages a more flexible approach to sustainability, emphasizing the collective value rather than strictly preserving natural resources.

In contrast, the other options suggest ideas that do not align with the principles of weak sustainability. The notion that sustainability is not relevant to future generations undermines the very essence of sustainability, which is intrinsically linked to the well-being of future societies. The idea that both natural and manufactured capitals are disposable overlooks the foundational aspect of sustainability, which requires a balance and stewardship of resources to ensure their availability. Lastly, the belief that only natural capital needs to be preserved for future generations reflects a strong sustainability perspective, which emphasizes the non-substitutability of natural resources and promotes the idea that they must be preserved exclusively, a principle not endorsed by proponents of weak sustainability.