4. Sustainable Development

Question 1

What is sustainable development?

Answer 1

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 2

Specific examples of sustainable development?

Answer 2

1. Social progress which recognizes the needs of everyone: Needs must not be met by treating others, including future generations and people elsewhere unfairly.
2. Effective protection of the environment: We must limit global environmental threats, such as climate change to protect human health and safety from hazards such as poor air quality and toxic chemicals.
3. Prudent use of natural resources: We need to ensure that non-renewable resources are used efficiently and that alternatives are developed to replace them.
4. Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment, so that everyone can share in high living standards and greater job opportunities.

Question 3

What are carbon footprints?

Answer 3

Carbon footprint: the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.

Question 4

What is ‘Natural Capital’?

Answer 4

Natural capital is an economic metaphor for environmental assets, such as air, forests, soils or marine habitats that supply resources to the economy or offer a receptacle for disposal of wastes.

Question 5

What is the ‘Tragedy of the commons’ theory?

Answer 5

The tragedy of the commons is an economic problem in which every individual tries to reap the greatest benefit from a given resource. As the demand for the resource overwhelms the supply, every individual who consumes an additional unit directly harms others who can no longer enjoy the benefits.