sustainable development Flashcards
what is sustainability?
meeting our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
what is ecological sustainable development?
using, conserving, and enhancing a community’s resources so that ecological processes are maintained
what is the difference between sustainability and ESD?
sustainability is a broader approach and just maintains present and future needs, whereas ESD is a focused and more holistic approach, that makes a difference on how we live, work and survive in the present and future.
what are the 3 pillars of sustainability?
ecological/environmental
social
economic
what is ecological/environmental sustainability?
when ecological integrity and environmental balances are maintained
what is economic sustainability?
when global communities can maintain independence whilst meeting their needs
what is social sustainability?
when universal human rights and basic necessities are attained by all and when there are responsible leaders and protection from discrimination
what are the sustainability challenges on food?
droughts, floods, and extreme weather will impact food production as agricultural land deteriorates and the ideal areas for growing different groups shrink.
Livestock will die as a result of lack of feed and droughts.
Water insecurity will mean there is insufficient water for crops and livestock, meaning crop failure and death of livestock.
Crop failure will become more frequent as soil loses moisture and nutrients as soil loses moisture and nutrients, Fertilizer will be used to replace these nutrients, causing further agricultural runoff and eutrophication.
Extreme weather will make food transport more expensive and difficult, and more agricultural workers will be unable to work or be of decreased productivity as they are sick from climate conditions.
Effects:
Food inaccessiblity and food insecurity.
what are the sustainability challenges on food?
droughts, floods, and extreme weather will impact food production as agricultural land deteriorates and the ideal areas for growing different groups shrink.
Livestock will die as a result of a lack of feed and droughts.
Water insecurity will mean there is insufficient water for crops and livestock, meaning crop failure and the death of livestock.
Crop failure will become more frequent as soil loses moisture and nutrients as soil loses moisture and nutrients, Fertilizers will be used to replace these nutrients, causing further agricultural runoff and eutrophication.
Extreme weather will make food transport more expensive and difficult, and more agricultural workers will be unable to work or be of decreased productivity as they are sick from climate conditions.
Effects:
Food inaccessibility and food insecurity.
Food shortages, especially of fresh produce and meat, cause prices to rise.
Disadvantaged people will no longer be able to afford produce, therefore, they must instead consume high-fat and sugar-processed foods, causing lowered nutrition, poorer health, and a higher rate of obesity.
what are the sustainability challenges on water?
Frequent droughts, faster evaporation, and reduced soil water holding capacity will bring about decreased water supply.
Rising sea levels will enable salt water to contaminate aquifers and existing freshwater sources more easily.
More frequent, intense weather will deplete or flood water supplies, making water a variable and unpredictable resource.
Reduced water means people may have to drink from unclean water, may not have water to wash and clean themselves, and means that water pollution will be more concentrated, all of the above causes disease, and degraded health and hygiene.
Limited water may lead to conflict and migration. As nutrients and water retainability of soil decreases, farmers will also generate more agricultural runoff, further polluting water sources.
what are the sustainability challenges on energy?
Heat waves and extreme weather will entail greater usage of air conditioning, using more energy and thus raising energy prices.
There is a higher risk of damage to energy infrastructure, (e.g.: sea levels could damage coastal infrastructure like wind turbines and hydro plants, or hurricanes could damage power lines). This leads to less energy and more frequent blackouts.
Natural gas and coal power plants will be at risk of shutting down because if there are water shortages, they require water to cool their thermoelectric components, which need to be cooled in order to operate.
The above will increase energy demand, decrease energy supply, and raise energy prices, thence, disadvantaged people will have difficulties affording electricity, heating, and cooling.
what are the sustainability challenges on population?
As climate change and variability limit world resources necessary to survive, the world may be able to accommodate a smaller number of people, especially as the number of habitable areas decreases. This may instill a smaller population.
Climate change may also induce higher death tolls, for animals and people, from natural disasters, resource shortages, conflict over resources and land, famine, and poverty.
How will cities provide opportunities for growing populations?
Cities offer many opportunities for employment and education for growing populations. As more people move in, more cultures will be integrated. Recreational activities and technological advancement opportunities in cities are also present. Since, usually, everything in cities is in close proximity, it makes all opportunities accessible for most.
How will cities provide challenges for growing populations?
Infrastructure may not be able to support the number or density of people, resulting in infrastructural decay, congestion, and urban sprawl.
Cities may face challenges combatting the effects of climate change and global warmings, such as droughts, flash floods, heat waves, and storms. Cities need to undertake adequate planning and design to implement preventative measures for these climate events.
Due to the high usage of cars, proximity to industrial areas, and activities like smoking, cities develop poor air quality. This will endanger citizens with lung disease, and asthma, and could cause long-term health problems.
Since cities generally have much cement and asphalt, heat-absorbing surfaces, and due to the often little and dispersed spacing allocated to green space, cities heat up in a phenomenon called the heat island effect, raising temperatures and endangering vulnerable citizens.
Overcrowding may become a problem if cities do not expand to accommodate growing populations, this can result in congestion, and strain on infrastructure.
Traffic congestion and high commute times are problems for many cities, due to overcrowding, and the inability of cities to provide for the high number of private vehicles.
Water and plastic pollution are also serious problems, endangering water quality and nearby natural habitats.
Others: crime rates, terrorism/conflict, formation of slums, energy prices, habitat loss, urban sprawl, sewage, and sanitation, public services, homelessness, underemployment, inequality, housing, public education, public safety
Describe the technique used to analyze data or maps:
PQE:
Pattern: an overview of any pattern or trends
Quantify: provide evidence to support trends
Exceptions: Identify anything that does not fit under the described pattern
