8. Sustainability

Question 1

Explain the Rule of the diminishing marginal utility.

Answer 1

The amount of one and the same enjoyment diminishes continuously as we proceed with that enjoyment without interruption, until satisfaction is reached”
i.e. The marginal utility (benefit) of a thing to anyone diminishes with every increase in the amount of it he already has.

Question 2

Describe 4 types of growth based on capacity, population and economy. Which can be definitely applied in reality?

Answer 2

Continuous growth
• physical limits are very far off
• physical limits are growing exponentially

Sigmoid growth
• Signal from physical limits to growing economy are instant, accurate and Responded to immediately
• The population or economy limits itself without needing signals from external limits

Overshoot and oscillation
• Signals or responses are delayed
• limits are unerodable or are able to recover quickly from erosion

Overshoot and collapse
• Signals or responses are delayed
• Limits are erodible (irreversibly degraded when exceeded)

Question 3

Explain Brundtland Definition on Sustainable Development

Answer 3

“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs “
The Brundtland Commission introduced the idea of sustainability on three fields:
• Economic Growth • Environmental Protection • Social Equality

Question 4

Explain Range of Options for Sustainable Transport Development

Answer 4

1- field 1: lower limit: (social field of duties)
- providing of basic access to essential services and activities
2- field 2: market economy: (field of possible development)
- Regulations necessary: e.g. true costs of traffic; no subsidies
3- field 3: upper limit: essential minimal amount of natural resources
- Prohibition of usage of natural resources; natural resources are essential for the
functionality of the eco system