ABSTRACT
Both social and natural sciences have extensively borrowed from the Greek vocabulary Christian concepts which are missing in other languages. ‘Economics’ and ‘ecology’, which typically represent the spectrum of these sciences, are truly composite Greek words. Despite the fact that the Greek language has been a goldmine of scientific terminology, a unique translation of sustainable development in Greek does not exist. While no absolute classifications can be made, the ecologist’s label of sustainable development is aiefonki anaptyksi, from aie (always) andfaero (bring, carry, produce). Sociologists, policymakers and politicians appear to prefer the most popular label, viosimi anaptyksi, meaning viable, or capable of living. An alternative label, ypostmksimi anaptyksi, meaning supportable, has been employed as well. The notion, however, of sustainable development has only recently become part of the scientific and political jargon in Greece.
