Week 1 SI Flashcards
What is the historical significance of the 1972 report “The Limits to Growth” by the Club of Rome?
It highlighted the risks of unchecked resource consumption,
How does the 1987 “Our Common Future” report define sustainable development?
Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
What are the three pillars of the Triple Bottom Line in sustainability?
People (social impact), Planet (environmental impact), and Prosperity (economic impact).
Who originally proposed the Triple Bottom Line concept, and why?
John Elkington proposed it in 1994 to encourage organizations to consider not only their economic value but also their environmental and social impacts.
Explain the relationship between the Triple Bottom Line components.
True sustainability is achieved when solutions benefit people, the planet, and the economy equally, resulting in viable, equitable, and bearable outcomes.
What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and when were they established?
Established in 2015, the SDGs are a global framework consisting of 17 goals to address critical issues like poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and climate change.
Summarize the objective of SDG 1 (No Poverty).
SDG 1 aims to end poverty in all forms worldwide, with a specific target to halve the number of people living in extreme poverty by 2030.
What is the primary focus of SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)?
SDG 7 seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Describe the significance of SDG 13 (Climate Action).
SDG 13 urges urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, with a goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
What is meant by “Life Below Water” in SDG 14?
SDG 14 aims to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources to prevent pollution, protect marine life, and mitigate ocean acidification.
Define “renewable energy” in the context of SDG 7.
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that replenish over time, such as solar, wind, and hydro energy, making it sustainable for long-term use.
Why are fossil fuels not considered renewable or clean energy sources?
Fossil fuels are finite, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and cause pollution, making them unsustainable and environmentally harmful.
What is the purpose of the SDG Compass tool?
The SDG Compass helps businesses align their strategies with the SDGs by defining priorities, setting goals, and integrating sustainable practices.
Describe the steps in using the SDG Compass to assess a product’s impact.
1) Define priorities, 2) Tag positive and negative impacts, 3) Set goals for improvement, 4) Create an action plan, 5) Summarize findings.
How does SDG 4 (Quality Education) contribute to sustainability?
SDG 4 promotes inclusive and equitable education, which empowers individuals to improve their lives and drive sustainable development.
Why is SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) essential for health and environmental stability?
SDG 6 ensures access to clean water and sanitation, which is critical for preventing diseases, supporting ecosystems, and improving quality of life.
What is the “wedding cake” model of SDGs, and what does it prioritize?
The “wedding cake” model layers SDGs with ecological goals as the foundation, supporting social goals above, which in turn support economic goals.
Give an argument against the priority order in the wedding cake model.
One could argue that social stability is essential before environmental goals can be effectively prioritized, especially in economically challenged regions.
What are “social foundations” as outlined in Doughnut Economics?
Social foundations refer to minimum standards in areas like education, health, and equity, essential for ensuring human well-being within planetary limits.
How does SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) address waste?
SDG 12 encourages efficient resource use, reduction of waste, and recycling to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable economies.
Explain the purpose of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
SDG 11 focuses on making urban areas inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable as the global population increasingly shifts to cities.
What is “Earth Overshoot Day,” and how does it relate to the SDGs?
Earth Overshoot Day marks when humanity’s resource consumption exceeds Earth’s annual regenerative capacity, underscoring the need for sustainable practices
Describe the role of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) in sustainable development.
SDG 5 aims to empower women and eliminate gender disparities, which strengthens economic growth and leads to more equitable societies.
What is the relationship between SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and sustainable development?
Reducing inequalities promotes social stability, supports economic growth, and helps ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
