The purpose of this article is to present the theoretical implications and consequences of the concept of sustainable development, with an emphasis on the elucidation of differences in their understanding and use. Based on a bibliographic review, the paper first reviews Marx's understanding about the relationship between man, nature and capitalism. It then presents Marxist approaches that are critical of the concept of sustainable development, which, although commonly used, is ambiguous and the motive of considerable controversy. Finally, factors are present for a new approach to environmental issues considering the unsustainability inherent to the capitalist mode of production and the destruction that accompanies it.
Socio-environmental question; Sustainable development; Marxism