Chap.3 - Frameworks and Principles Flashcards
17 goals that went into effect in 2016. Call on all nations to end poverty in all forms by promoting individual wellbeing while protecting the planet
UN SDGs
Framework developed in 1990 by Dr Karl Henrik Robert based on five levels: system, success, strategy, action, tools
The Natural Step (TNS)
This is also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, and states that all energy and mass in a system is conserved in some way—that the essence of a thing may change but nothing is either created or destroyed.
First law of thermodynamics
Also known as entropy, this scientific law states that energy disperses and spreads out if not prevented from doing so. As a result anything emitted into the environment will disburse throughout nature.
Second law of thermodynamics
This is the process by which plant cells capture energy from the sunlight and convert it to energy. It is the only aspect of the Earth that is an open system, gaining energy from the sun. According to The Natural Step, this process “pays the bills,” creating structure and order.
Photosynthesis
These practices involve the replacement of conventional materials with less impactful alternatives. Along with dematerialization, these approaches provide a key mechanism for driving sustainable development. Harnessing renewable energy in lieu of fossil fuels is an example of this practice.
substitution
This term describes the practice of reducing material flows—using less of the same substances to produce an equivalent product. Along with substitution, this practice provides a key mechanism for driving sustainable development.
Dematerialization
Comprised of four major systems explored by environmental studies and Earth science. The Geosphere is the Earth’s core, mantle, and crust. The Atmosphere is the air around the Earth, which includes the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere. The Hydrosphere –is all the water contained on Earth, whether in solid, liquid or gaseous form (e.g. ice, oceans, clouds, etc.). The Biosphere – life on Earth, including plants, animals, insects, etc.
Ecosphere
Unlike forecasting based on data about what has already happened, this planning approach begins with the end in mind. Central to The Natural Step framework, planners first envision the desired future state, and then build a strategy that will lead to the desired outcome.
Backcasting
Coined by John Elkington of SustainAbility, in 1994-5, this term refers to the practice of focusing, and accounting for, sustainability impacts on environment, society and the economy. Sometimes it is described as “economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social equity,” or as “people, planet, profit” (3Ps).
Triple Bottom Line
A key agreement arrived at by participants to the 1992 Earth Summit included these 15 non-legally binding principles.
Forest principles
The parent treaty to the Kyoto Protocol this framework convention was a major outcome of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. With near universal membership (197 members) the goal of the convention is “to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system”.
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
This is the common name for a conference that was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. During its convening of 172 governments, parties sought to rethink economic development.
The conference resulted in 5 pivotal outcomes: Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; Agenda 21; Statement of Land Resources: Deforestation; UN Framework Convention On Climate Change; UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
Rio Earth Summit
This declaration defined a series of principles governing the rights of people to development, and their responsibilities of States to safeguard the common environment
Rio Declaration on the Environment and Development
This group of individuals is defined as having a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory—culturally and historically distinct from the majority populations with political dominance.
indigenous people
Based on the existing conditions, this is an ethical framework that provides guidance for the transition to more sustainable living and development. The 16 guiding principles address four primary concepts: Respect and care for the community of life; Ecological integrity; Social and economic justice; Democracy, nonviolence, and peace.
Earth Charter
This term refers to an ecosystem when all the native components—the abiotic elements, biodiversity and ecosystem processes—intact.
Ecological integrity
One of the principles of environmental law. This concept describes the obligation of current generations to protect environmental health, diversity and productivity for the benefit of future generations.
Intergenerational law
This principle holds that the cost of mitigating negative impacts should be borne by the entity responsible for their emission.
Polluter pay principle
Launched in 2006 in partnership with UNEP, were “developed by
investors, for investors” and have gained over 1,500 signatories from 50+ countries. These principles guide
institutional investors so they can act in the long-term best interest of beneficiaries.
Principles for responsible investing (PRI)
These principles, attributed to the Australian ecologist, Charles Birch hold that: nothing grows forever; continuation of life depends on the cycles of essential elements; the probability of extinction is greatest when population density is very high or very low; despite complexity, chances of survival and reproduction depend on only a few factors; our ability to change the Earth increases faster than our ability to foresee the consequences change; and living organisms are not a means but an ends—they have intrinsic value.
Principles of Natural Systems
At a minimum, signatories to the UNGC must produce one of these each year. The document reinforces corporate commitment to the UNGC and describes the measurable results of actions taken over the prior year.
Communication on Progress (COP)
Developed in 1997, reflects principles for enterprises so they “meet fundamental responsibilities in the
areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.” Grouped into four categories and 10 principles
UN Global Compact (UNGC)
Drafted under the direction of Harvard’s John Ruggie, these principles clarified existing human rights standards for transnational corporations and other business enterprises. These principles provide guidance for practicing the three pillars of CSR: Protect, Respect, and Remedy -> 31 principles
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Ruggie Framework)
