Chapter 2 - Introduction to Sustainable Development Flashcards
What is sustainable development?
Development is sustainable if it meets the needs and aspirations of teh present without compromising those of the future.
What is the difference between ‘weak’ and ‘strong’ sustainability?
‘Strong’ sustainibility adknowledges that environment, economy and are all linked (economy is part of society which exists within an environment’ whereas ‘weak’ sustainability allows for trad-offs between them.
Comment on the world’s current way of life and the imapcts it has on natural resources.
The current way of living is unsustainable through usage of finite resources, ineqaulity, socio-economic priorities etc. Humanity’s ecological footprint exceeds the planet’s regenerative capacity meaning ecosystems are being run down and waste is being created.
What are enviromental limits and what are the consequences if we do not live within them?
Environmental limits can be defined as the point beyond which the environment exceeds its ability to provide essential resources.
If we do not live within them then it results in declining biodiversity, climate change, deforestation, water shortages etc.
What are some of the components of ecological footprint?
Carbon - forest land required to cancel out CO2 emmisions.
Cropland - land required to gorw food for humans, animal feed etc.
Forest - land required to supply timber and other resources from trees.
Fishing ground - primary production (growth of water planst that feed fish) required to support seafood caught.
Built-up land - land covered by human infrastructure.
Grazing land - land required to raise livestock for meat, dairy etc.
Comment on expected population growth in coming decades.
Population will largely increase in Africa and Asia. The rest of the world will have decreasing populations.
What is the definition of an ecosystem?
A dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environmenyt interacting as a functional unit.
What is the definition of an ecosystem service?
The benefits that human obatin from ecosystems.
What is the definition of biodiversity?
The quantity and variability amoung living organisms within species, between species, and between ecosystems.
What are the 6 principles to guide engineers when making decisions that impact sustainability?
- Contribute to building a sustainable society, present and future.
- Apply professional and responsible judgement and take a leadership role.
- Do more than comply with legislations and codes.
- Use resources efficiently and effectively.
- Seek multiple views to solve sustainability challanges.
- Manage risk to minimise impact to people or the environment.
What is the Human Development Index (HDI) and how does it correlate to enviromental impacts of the countries it represents?
HDI is an index measuring 3 basic dimensons of human development: a long, healthy life; knowledge; and a good standard of living.
Generally, the higher the HDI, the more of an impact the country has on the environment i.e. more developed countries harm the environment more.
