Alternative Definition of Sustainability and the Natural Step

Question 1

Rules of nature w.r.t alternative sustainability definition

Answer 1

• Biosphere is fragile
• Biosphere works in quick cycles
• System is open w.r.t. energy, close w.r.t. matter
• Everything has a tendency to disperse (entropy)
• Photosynthesis creates structure from disorganized matter
• Geological cycles are slow

Question 2

Alternative definition of sustainability

Answer 2

Sustainability is the ability of human society to function indefinitely within natural cycles

Question 3

4 root causes of unsustainable societies

Answer 3

1. Extract large amount of material from the lithosphere to the biosphere
2. Produce substances that accumulate in nature
3. Physically inhibit nature’s ability to run cycles
4. Create barriers to people meeting their needs

Question 4

Why would sustainable development need an alternate definition

Answer 4

The Brundtland definition doesn’t provide any call to action or steps to follow

Question 5

Alternate view of the ‘3 legged stool’

Answer 5

A series of nested systems that need to work in the constraints of the system they are embedded in

Economy is in Society which is in Environment

Question 6

ABCD Planning Process

Answer 6

A - Awareness
B - Baseline Analysis
- Know current state
- Compare our actions against root cause of unsustainability
C - Compelling Vision
- Decide where to go
- Backcast to B to come up with meaningful steps
D - Down to Action
- Brainstorm about possible actions/initiatives
- Prioritize actions