Sustainability

Question 1

UN definition of sustainability

Answer 1

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 2

Definition of social sustainability

Answer 2

Creating an equitable society that meets the needs of all citizens and can be maintained indefinitely.
ALL people have their human rights upheld; to participate in society and decisions affecting lives e.g. political stability, and equal access to resources e.g. education.

Question 3

Examples of social sustainability

Answer 3

Investing in education
Development of healthcare systems
Peace and security
Promotion of political and legal rights
Access to safe and decent working conditions
Gender equality
Elimination of poverty and provision of social support systems

Question 4

Definition of economic sustainability

Answer 4

Ensuring that average incomes in all countries are adequate to sustain a decent standard of living and continue to rise in line with inflation and living costs in the future.

Question 5

Examples of economic sustainability

Answer 5

Innovative and diverse range of industries
Increasing opportunities for trade and fair trade
Economic growth/increasing incomes (in line with inflation)
Employment opportunities
Managing debt

Question 6

Definition of environmental sustainability

Answer 6

Ensuring the natural environment is used in a way that will preserve resources into the future

Question 7

Examples of environmental sustainability

Answer 7

Maintaining biodiversity
Managing climate change
Reducing emissions
Responsible waste removal and reducing pollution
Responsible agriculture productivity
Responsible use of non-renewable resources and energy
Responsible use of natural resources
Responsible development of infrastructure

Question 8

Renewable energy

Answer 8

Replenished naturally over short period of time e.g. crops, water, oxygen, forests, fish stocks.
Requires careful planning e.g. not overfishing, trees to grow back after being using for timber.
Switching to electricity produced renewable sources e.g. by sun (solar), wind e.g. wind farms is more sustainable.

Question 9

Name the three dimensions of sustainability

Answer 9

(SEE - SEcEn)
Social sustainability
Economic sustainability
Environmental sustainability