Topic 1: Intro to Sustainability Flashcards
What is Sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Why is there a need for sustainability?
The Earth’s natural resources are finite. Thus we need to live sustainably by making lifestyle choices that aim to positively impact the planet to care for the needs of our future generations
What is corporate sustainability?
It is an approach that seeks to create long-term value for all stakeholders including the environment, society & economy.
What are some sustainability issues that impact companies?
- Increased insurance costs: Australia Bushfires in 2020
- Operational impact: Climate-related disasters, such as facilities damage & workforce disruption
- Scarcity/Cost of resources: Food, water energy (At risk due to environmental & human causes)
- Reputational Damage: Sustainability efforts are becoming core tenets of organisation’s culture & brand identity
- Regulatory damage/Political uncertainty
What is the Paris Agreement?
It is a pact made during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, that commits all countries to reduce carbon emissions. The agreement includes that all the parties will make an effort to limit global warming to a temperature increase of below 2 degrees Celsius (Preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius). To keep global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees - emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
How Does Carbon Footprint affect Singapore?
The more carbon footprint there is, means that there is a higher amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Which traps heats and causes the Earth to be warmer.
What is the 17 SDGs?
The SDGs were created as a shared blueprint for United Nations Member States to end poverty, ensure prosperity and protect the planet.
How will Singapore be affected by climate change? Give 3 Impacts
- Higher temperatures
The average daily temperatures in Singapore could reach 35 to 37 degrees Celsius by 2100. - Rising Sea Level
As a low-lying island, Singapore’s sea level is estimated to increase by half to one metre by 2100. - Extreme weather patterns
Singapore will likely experience frequent dry spells during drier months and flash floods due to more intense and frequent heavy rainfall during the wet months.
What is the Singapore Green Plan?
The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is a whole-of-nation movement to advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development. It aims to achieve long-term net zero emissions aspiration by 2050.
What are the 5 pillars in the Singapore Green Plan
- City in Nature
- Energy Reset
- Sustainable Living
- Green Economy
- Resilient Future
Give one example of what SG is doing for ‘City In Nature’
Plant 1 million more trees and have every household within a 10-minute walk from a park by 2030
Give one example of what SG is doing for ‘Energy Reset’
Quadruple solar energy deployment to 1.5 gigawatt-peak by 2025. By setting up solar panels on rooftops, reservoirs, HDBs and offshore floating systems.
Give one example of what SG is doing for ‘Sustainable Living’
Green commutes: Expand rail network by 360km by early 2030. Triple the cycling path network.
Give one example of what SG is doing for ‘Resilient Future’
By keeping Singapore cool! By moderating the rise in urban heat such as using cool paint and by increasing greenery & natural shades
Give one example of what SG is doing for ‘Green Economy’
Seek new investments that are amongst the best-in-class in energy/carbon efficiency
