1.3: Sustainability

Question 1

What is sustainability?

Answer 1

A measure of the extent to which practices allow:
long-term viability of a system
responsible maintenance of socio-ecological systems
no diminishment of conditions for future generations

All human activities interconnected -> higher resilience=higher sustainability

Question 2

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

Answer 2

Environmental sustainability
Social sustainability
Economic sustainability

All are interdependent and must be balanced for overall sustainability

Question 3

What is environmental sustainability? (Resources)

Answer 3

Sustainability that focuses on:
Responsible use and management of natural resources
Ensure the replenishment and preservation of resources
Allowing the whole ecosystem recover

(Ex: renewable resources, reduce/reuse/recycle, waste management, etc.)

Question 4

What are some strategies used to achieve environmental sustainability?

Answer 4

Resource management
Allows for the replacement of resources used

Pollution control
Minimizing pollution and its harmful effects (on ecosystem and humans)

Biodiversity conservation
Preserving biodiversity -> ensure resilience of ecosystems and their ability to adapt your change

Active regeneration
Interventions aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems

Ecosystem services
Recognizing the value of clean water, air purification, etc. And aiming to enhance these services

Long term perspective
Planning for the continued health/resilience of ecosystems

Question 5

What is social sustainability?

Answer 5

Sustainability that focuses on creating inclusive structures/systems that support human welling being and the longevity of societies/cultures

(Ex: cultural diversity, education, healthcare, crime, etc.)

Question 6

What are some strategies used to achieve social sustainability?

Answer 6

Community development
Prioritizing equitable access to resources, services and opportunities for all

Cultural preservation
Efforts to maintain culture, traditions, language and practices that contribute to the identity and cohesion of society

Health and education
Access to healthcare, education and other essential services

Question 7

What is economic sustainability?

Answer 7

Sustainability that involves creating economic systems that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their needs

(Economic growth, developing nations, international trade, etc.)

Question 8

What strategies can be used to achieve economic sustainability?

Answer 8

Resource efficiency
Prioritize resource efficiency, reducing waste and reducing environmental impact

Long term planning
Required planning -> consider factors like resource availability, technological advancements, market stability

Equitable growth
Seeks to reduce inequalities and ensure fair distribution of resources and opportunities

Question 9

Models of sustainability

Answer 9

Weak model -> only show overlap of the three pillar (venn diagram)
-> doesn’t take into account the importance of the intricate relationship between pillars

Strong model -> economy nesting in society nesting in nature (concentric circles)
-> emphasizes interconnectivity of the three pillars

Question 10

What is sustainable development?

Answer 10

It is a concept that aims to balance economic, social and environmental factors to meet the needs of the present generation, without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their needs

Requires:
Long term perspective
Understanding on complex interactions
Cooperation between individuals and groups

Question 11

When did the concept sustainable development gain recognition?

Answer 11

Brundtland report (1987)
By the World Commission on Environmental and Development

Report introduces idea of sustainable development by highlighting the importance of addressing social, economic and environmental issues

Question 12

What is environmental justice?

Answer 12

Environmental justice refers to the right of all people to live in a:
Pollution free environment
Have equitable access to natural resources
Regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, nationality, etc.

Question 13

Global: Agbogbloshie E-waste dump
Location:
Date (year):
Type of conflict:

Answer 13

Location: Accra, Ghana
Date: 2005
Type of conflict: waste management

Question 14

Global: Agbogbloshie E-waste dump
Outline of conflict

Answer 14

International imports:
Large portion of E-waste processed comes from USA, EU, and others
Despite the Basal Convention (international laws that restrict the export of hazardous waste) -> still goes to Ghana (usually as second-hand electronics)

Local generation:
Ghana’s growing economy and rising consumer demand -> locally produced e-waste is increasing

Question 15

Global: Agbogbloshie E-waste dump
Companies responsible:
Groups campaigning:

Answer 15

Companies responsible:
Environmental Waste Controls
PC Disposals
Sanak Ventures
Micro traders and Disposals

Groups campaigning:
Informal workers
International/local ejos
Neighbors, citizens, communities, etc.
Local scientist/professionals

Question 16

Agbogbloshie E-waste dump:
Environmental impacts

Answer 16

Visible:
Air pollution
Soils contamination/erosion
Deforestation
Waste overflow
Water pollution

Potential:
Food insecurity
Noise/groundwater pollution
Genetic contamination
Disturbance of hydro/geological systems

Question 17

Global: Agbogbloshie E-waste dump
Socio-economic impact

Answer 17

Stats:
E-waste industry ->
sustain livelihood of 200,00 people
Generates $105-268 million

Visible:
Lack of work security
Firings
Unemployment

Potential:
Increased corruption
Loss of landscape

Question 18

Global: Agbogbloshie E-waste dump
Health impacts

Answer 18

Visible:
Exposure to unknown risks (ex: radiation)
Disease and accidents
Environmental related disease

Potential:
Mental problems
Depression and sucked
Deaths
Malnutrition
Violence

Question 19

Global: Agbogbloshie E-waste dump
Outcome/response
Was environmental justice achieved?

Answer 19

Outcome/response:
Negotiated alternative solution
National/international NGOs
Media based activism
Technical solutions to improve resource supply/quality/distribution

Was environmental justice achieved?
EU created new legislation to collect and recycle 45 tonnes starting 2016
Ghanaian government to create bill to ban import
BUT
1000s have no alternative for income
E-waste still lucrative -> large organized scrap dealers

Question 20

Local: Fukushima meltdown
Location:
Date:
Types of conflict:

Answer 20

Location: Fukushima, Japan (Daiichi Nuclear power plant)
Date: March 11, 2011
Type of conflict: Nuclear conflict

Question 21

Local: Fukushima meltdown
Outline of conflict:

Answer 21

March -> tsunami hit Fukushima and nuclear power plant

Cut power to cooling/emergency systems -> reactor overheat and deteriorate
= Nuclear waste leakage -> affected surrounding land and water systems

Question 22

Local: Fukushima meltdown
Companies responsible for
Groups campaigning

Answer 22

Companies responsible:
General Electric US
Tokyo Electric Power Company

Groups campaigning:
Metropolitan Coalition Against Nukes
Article 9 group
Greenpeace International

Question 23

Local: Fukushima meltdown
Environmental impacts

Answer 23

Air pollution
Loss of ecosystem
Decreased water quality
Soil contamination
Biodiversity loss

Question 24

Local: Fukushima meltdown
Socio-economic impacts

Answer 24

Displacement
Loss of jobs/unemployment
Loss of landscape

Question 25

Local: Fukushima meltdown
Health impact

Answer 25

Exposure to radiation (health concerns)
Uncertain risks
Mental health deterioration
Death

Question 26

Local: Fukushima meltdown
Outcome/response
Was environmental justice achieved?

Answer 26

Outcome/response:
Countries like Spain, Austria, chile, Italy, Switzerland stopped some of their nuclear power plants in protest
People compensated for damage

Was environmental justice achieved?
No
Clear efforts and success in cleaning up site
Raised awareness for nuclear risk
BUT…
Tens of thousands displaced
Working conditions at plant are hazardous
Storage of radioactive water -> still concern

Question 27

What is the planetary boundaries model?

Answer 27

Specifically ecological systems

A model that outlines nine critical processes/systems that have regulated the stability and resilience of the Earths system during the Holocene Epoch

Identifies limits to human disturbance before we reach the ‘tipping point’

Question 28

What are the nine planetary boundaries?

Answer 28

Climate change:
Human induced alternation of earths climate system

Biodiversity loss:
Reduction of earths variety of life due to human activity

Biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus cycles):
Disruption of natural nutrient cycles due to human agricultural/industrial activities

Stratospheric ozone depletion:
Thinning of ozone later due to human made chemicals

Ocean acidification:
Lower of pH levels due to increased absorption of CO2

Freshwater use:
Unsustainable extraction and use of freshwater resources

Land system change:
Conversion of natural eco systems into urban areas

Chemical pollution:
Release of synthetic chemicals into environment

Atmospheric aerosol loading:
Emission of particulate matter and aerosols into atmosphere

Question 29

What are the uses of the planetary boundary model?

Answer 29

Identifies science based limits

Highlights the need for comprehensive action
-> address ALL environmental issues

Raise awareness
-> alerts public and urges policymakers

Question 30

What are the limitations of the planetary boundary model?

Answer 30

Ignores societal factors
-> focuses only on ecological systems and doesn’t consider human dimensions

Work in progress
-> assessment of boundaries are constantly updating

Global focus may not suit local action
-> may not align with priorities of a country

Question 31

Sustainable development case study: Newfoundland cod fisheries

Answer 31

One of most productive in world
Supports communities/economies along Canada’s eastern coast

Intensive fishing -> cod population decline (unsustainable levels as a result of tech advances/increased demand)

Overfishing:
Mid 20th century -> advancing tech (factory trawlers, sonar) -> can catch greater amounts -> decline in population

Ecosystem impact:
Collapse of fishery -> consequences beyond declining population -> cod crucial in marine ecosystem (predator and prey)
Decline -> imbalance -> disrupt ecological processes

Economic fallout:
Devastating effects on coastal communities:
10s of 1000s jobs lots of
Communities faced economic hardship/social difficulties
Closure of fishery -> regional company -> industries (fishing, tourism, etc.)

Question 32

What are sustainability indicators?

Answer 32

quantitative measures used to asses various aspects of sustainability

Specific to biodiversity, pollution, human population, climate change, etc.

Can be applied at all scales (local -> global) to evaluate the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability

Question 33

What is carrying capacity?

Answer 33

The maximum number of a species that can be sustainably support by a given area

Difficult to calculate:
We use more resources
We substitute ressources
Individual resources vary
We import/export
Technology

Question 34

What is ecological footprint?

Answer 34

The area of land and water required to support a defined human population of a given standard of living

Allows us to:
- a model that allows us to estimate the demands of a human population on the environment
- takes into account the area of land and water required to provide all the resources needed
- includes the land used for habitation/waste/energy production

Theoretical, but still valuable tool to assess our impact

Measured in global hectares per capita per unit time

Question 35

Why is ecological footprint useful?

Answer 35

Provides comprehensive measure of the demands that human population place on the enviroment
- take into account resources consumed, waste generated, services required (to absorb waste)
- evaluate human sustainability

Used to compare the sustainability of different lifestyles, businesses, countries
EFexceedsthe area available to the population (biocapacity: the amount of resources that the planet can provide sustainably) -> not sustainablein the long-term

Reduce ef -> adopt sustainable practices
- reduce meat consumption
- renewable energy
- public transport…

Overall…
EFs are ausefultoolfor promoting sustainable development and for raising awareness about the impact of human activities on the environment

Question 36

What is carbon footprint?

Answer 36

Carbon footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced by a person, activity, business, or country

Usually measured in CO2 equivalents (in tonnes) per year

Helps understand how much out actions contribute to global climate change

Question 37

What is water footprint?

Answer 37

water footprints measure the amount of water used directly or indirectly to produce certaingoodsandservices

understanding water footprints helps us manage water resources more sustainably

water footprints are usually measured incubic metresper year

Question 38

What is the doughnut model?

Answer 38

Alternative economic model
Goal is to meet the needs of the people within the means of living planet

Framework for building economy that:
Meets needs of people
Staying in ecological limits of planet

IMPORTANCE OF REGENERATIVE AND DISTRIBUTIVE ECONOMY

Outside -> planetary boundaries
Inside -> UNSDGs

Question 39

Explain the design of the doughnut model

Answer 39

Regenerative economy: work within the natural cycles/limits of the planet
-> restore and renew rather than deplete

Distributive economy: shared value and opportunities more equitably among all
-> reduced inequality and ensure fair distribution of resources

Social foundation: inner ring -> UNSDGs
Minimum standards for humans

Ecological ceiling: outer ring -> planetary boundaries
Limits of the earths ecosystems and resources

Question 40

Doughnut model and our current world

Answer 40

Billions still fall short of social foundations
Humanity overshot most of planetary boundaries

Objective -> move into the doughnut
- economy that enables all societies to prosper
- harmony with living world

Economy -> regenerative and distributive
- need immediate change -> policies, practices that promote sustainability and equity

Question 41

Strengths of doughnut model

Answer 41

Support enviromental jsutice:
Ecological and social elements

Raise awareness:
Reach popular awareness
Highlights interconnectedness of social+enviromental
Raise public understanding and engagement in efforts

Applied at various scales:
Businesses to countries -> sustainable development
Provide framework -> applied to different contexts

Promote interdisciplinary collaboration:
Collab between economist, environmentalist, policymakers, communities, etc.

Question 42

Limitations of doughnut model

Answer 42

Lack specificity:
Work in progress
Board principles but lacks detailed guidance on specific policies
‘Too theoretical’ -> lack practical solutions

Challenges in application:
Different context -> different approach
Translating model -> complex

Changing nature:
Our understanding of sustainability evolve -> boundaries adjusted

Question 43

T or F:

Natural process are linear
Man made processes are circular

Answer 43

False

Its the other way around

Question 44

What are the principles of the circular economy?

Answer 44

Eliminating waste and pollution:
Reduce waste generation
Minimize enviromental pollution
Encourage redesign of products/processes -> eliminate waste at source

Circulating products and materials:
Maintains products/components/materials to highest utility/value for as long as possible
Reuse, repair, remanufacture, recycling -> extend life of products

Regenerating nature:
Restore/enhance natural capital + promote economic growth
Ex: reforestation, sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, etc.

Question 45

What is the circular economy model?

Answer 45

a sustainable economic system designed to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency

it aims to decouple economic growth from the consumption of finite resources, promoting long-term environmental sustainability

Question 46

Circular economy: butterfly diagram

Answer 46

Ellen MacArthur foundation -> butterfly diagram to represent circular economy
-> contrast linear economic model (take-make-waste)
-> continuous flow of resources

Two cycles:
Biological cycle (biodegradable products -> natural environment)
Technical cycle (products recycled, reused, repaired, remanufactured)

Question 47

Strengths of circular economy model

Answer 47

Regeneration of natural systems:
Support ecosystems restoration and biodiversity conservation

Reduction of greenhouse gas emission:
Promote energy efficacy and use of renewable resources

Improvement of local food networks and support of local communities:
encourages sustainable agricultural practices and local food production

Reduction of waste by extending the product lifecycle cycle:
Emphasize product durability, repairability, recyclability

Changed consumer habits:
Mindful compsumption
Responsible products choices

Question 48

Limitations of circular economy

Answer 48

Lack of enviromental awareness by consumers/companies:
Challenges in educating consumers/businesses about importance of circular practices

Lack of regulations enforcing the recycling of products:
Inadequate policies and regulation that incentivize/enforce recycling

Some waste isn’t recyclable (technical limitations):
Certain materials -> challenges for recycling due to technical constraints

Lack of finance:
Financial barrier to implementing circular economy initiatives
Especially small businesses

Question 49

What are sustainability frameworks/models?

Answer 49

Range of frameworks and models that support our understanding of sustainability

Simplified version of reality
-> uses and limitations

Question 50

What is the UN sustainable development goals?

Answer 50

Sustainability model made by the UN in 2015

Called the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

Comprehensive set of social and environmental objectives that were made targets for the 2030 agenda
- 17 goals
- 169 targets

Aim to provide a universal framework for addressing urgent global challenges while also promoting sustainable development+environmental justice

Recognized their interconnectedness

Question 51

What are the uses/limitations of the UNSDGs?

Answer 51

Uses:
Common groups for policymaking
Global relevance (developing and developing)
Galvanizing the international community (collaboration)

Limitations:
Insufficient ambitions (doesn’t address magnitude enough)
Top-down approach (not enough local communities)
Ignoring local context for different regions)
Data deficiency (how do we evaluate and monitor?)

Question 52

What are the 17 UNSDGs?

Answer 52

No poverty

Zero hunger

Good health and well-being

Quality education

Quality equality

Clean water and sanitation

Affordable and clean energy

Decent work and economic growth

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Reduced inequalities

Sustainable cities and communities

Responsible consumption and production

Climate action

Life below water

Life on land

Peace, justice and strong institutions

Partnership for the goals