Because it is difficult to define SUSTAINABILITY in scientific sense. I believe it is an art that when practised and fine tuned more will give better results. E.g. Art of singing when practised to perfection will lead to a sustainable singer.
An interesting statement, and I do agree!
However, it is important to recognize that the mentioned art concept ['the art of singing'] is distinct from our modern art concept [as Fine Art] which originated in Europe in the 18th century when it split off from modern Science. The aforementioned concept of art ['ars', 'techne', 'const'] dates back to antiquity and was in Europe in use until the early modern period and indicates a system of knowledge related to a Nature concept that is also very different from our current, [post]modern ideas about nature. I discovered this in my cum laude dissertation on the art of painting, the art of building in early modern Europe [2003/ 2021], and recently I have further explicated this in a review [2023: 'Rethinking Stevin, Stevin rethinking [2021], towards a History of Science as ‘const'/ 'ars']: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368595868_2023_'Rethinking_Stevin_Stevin_Rethinking'_2021_a_reflection_Towards_a_History_of_Science_as_'const'.
Therefore, this premodern 'art' concept, in my opinion, can indeed be very helpful for further thinking about SUSTAINABILITY!
I was also challenged with this issue in my article
"The Upcycling and Reappropriation - On Art-Specific Cirular Economy in the Age of Climate Change"
- March 2023
- Cultura. International Journal of Philosophy of Culture and Axiology 20(1/2023):27-41
Sustainability is easy to define if we invoke the basics of ecology. An ecosystem is sustainable if it can function in a balanced manner with no other energy inputs than direct solar. The balance alludes to production-consumption-scavanging occurring in closed loops with solar energy the only external input.
I feel Whether it is better to call sustainability an art or a science depends on how you conceptualize and approach the concept.
AI ChatGPT also felt the same. here is the Glimpse of her response to this.
Calling sustainability an art emphasizes the creative and subjective aspects of the field. It acknowledges that achieving sustainability requires innovative thinking, imagination, and a holistic understanding of complex systems. Artists often employ creativity and aesthetic sensibilities to communicate and inspire change. In the context of sustainability, artistic expression can engage people emotionally, challenge prevailing norms, and encourage a deeper connection with the natural world.
On the other hand, sustainability can also be seen as a science. It involves systematic analysis, measurement, and evidence-based decision-making. Scientists study the ecological, social, and economic impacts of human activities and propose strategies to mitigate negative effects. Scientific methods, data collection, modeling, and analysis are crucial in understanding the interdependencies within ecosystems, identifying sustainable practices, and evaluating their effectiveness.
In reality, sustainability is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates both artistic and scientific elements. It draws from various disciplines such as ecology, economics, sociology, engineering, and design. The fusion of artistic expression with scientific knowledge and methods often leads to more effective communication, engagement, and problem-solving in sustainability initiatives.
Ultimately, whether one refers to sustainability as an art or a science is a matter of perspective and emphasis. Both perspectives are valid and contribute to our understanding and pursuit of sustainability goals.