Sustainability Introduction Flashcards
Sustainability definition
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
What is the Anthropocene
The Anthropocene defines earths most recent geologic time period as being human influenced, or anthropogenic.
What is the Anthropocene based off ?
Global evidence that atmospheric, hydrologic, biospheres and geologic processes are being altered by humans
Why has there been an increase in human impact on the earth ?
Increasing technology, advancements in health, booming population growth.
What is the Great Acceleration ?
From 1750 onwards, post Industrial Revolution the anthropogenic impact on earth processes and planetary boundaries has increased dramatically. This is due to population rise, new technologies and advancements in health
What are planetary boundaries ?
A set of nine boundaries within which humanity can continue to thrive and survive
Why is it bad to cross planetary boundaries ?
Crossing boundaries increases the risk of generating large scale abrupt or irreversible environmental changes to earths system
What does sustainability involve ?
Balancing the 3 pillars: society environment and economy
What is a renewable resource ?
Replenished by nature at time scales of days to decades. Within human lifetime.
What are non-renewable resources
Replenished on a geological timescale. Mineral resources and coal, gas, oil
What is IPAT
Total impact = population x affluence (wealth + consumption) x technology
For example:
A large population with high affluence will have a greater negative total impact due to high consumption levels
Why is development that exists within planetary boundaries alone not enough for sustainability to be achieved ?
Because sustainability exists within 3 pillars, environment, societal, and economics. The planetary boundaries only fall under environmental. We must exist within the safe zones of the societal and economical boundaries as well as environmental
