Ecological Transition Challenges

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Questions and Answers

What is the defining characteristic of a "Strong sustainability" approach, compared to a "TBL approach"?

  • The "Strong sustainability" approach places greater emphasis on environmental performance.
  • The "Strong sustainability" approach considers social, economic, and environmental performance as equally important.
  • The "Strong sustainability" approach prioritizes compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to CSR.
  • The "Strong sustainability" approach integrates sustainability deeply into the core of the business strategy. (correct)

At which level of the CSR integration pyramid are companies primarily focused on meeting legal and regulatory requirements related to CSR?

  • Level 4: Embedded CSR
  • Level 2: Compliance (correct)
  • Level 3: Strategic CSR
  • Level 1: Philanthropy

What is the key advantage of companies moving beyond philanthropy and compliance in their CSR journey?

  • Greater compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Increased charitable donations and sponsorships.
  • Reduced risk of compliance breaches.
  • Enhanced reputation and competitive advantage. (correct)

What is the primary objective of Strategic CSR?

<p>Creating shared value for the company and society. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary approach to environmental regulation within the EU during Phase 1 (1974-1990s)?

<p>A command-and-control approach with strict rules and regulations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the EU's command-and-control approach during Phase 1 (1974-1990s)?

<p>High rates of compliance breaches by member states. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a directive, as mentioned in the text?

<p>A legal act that binds member states to implement specific measures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary meaning of "CSR"?

<p>Corporate social responsibility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of interest representation in the EU?

<p>Influence the policy formulation and decision-making processes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which treaty formalized the right to lobby within the EU?

<p>Lisbon Treaty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups has become more influential in lobbying over time?

<p>Non-business lobbies and individual companies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union emphasize regarding lobbying?

<p>The need for citizen engagement and transparent dialogue. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable change in the scope of issues relating to EU lobbying?

<p>Widening to include a greater variety of EU-related issues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the interactive system between living creatures and their environment as proposed by Tansley in 1935?

<p>Ecosystem (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle was recognized by the OECD in 1971 concerning environmental responsibility?

<p>Polluter pays principle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event in 1972 marked a significant turning point in international environmental governance?

<p>Creation of UNEP (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary idea presented in Aldo Leopold's 'The Land Ethic'?

<p>We should view land as a community to which we belong. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant environmental concept was adopted by the U.N. following the Brundtland Commission in 1987?

<p>Sustainable development (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What framework for sustainable development was created by Kate Raworth?

<p>Doughnut model (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes one of the major challenges in the ecological transition?

<p>Complex and nonlinear dynamics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the UN for the years 2015-2030?

<p>17 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the strengths of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals?

<p>Interrelated goals grounded in science (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major belief that emerged during the time of the Industrial Revolution?

<p>Rational control of the natural environment promotes progress. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential weakness of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals?

<p>Risk of greenwashing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'novel entities' refer to in the context of planetary boundaries?

<p>Substances like plastics that are newly established in the environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the process of ecological transition considered uncertain?

<p>Forecasting the evolution of problems is difficult. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the year 1987 for the European Union?

<p>The Single Act integrated environmental protection into economic policies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did Denmark face in the context of the Single Market?

<p>Tension between its strict environmental regulations and economic integration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle was enshrined in the Maastricht Treaty of 1992?

<p>Sustainable Development as a guiding principle for the EU. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'Triple Bottom Line' approach?

<p>Integration of environmental, social, and economic objectives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which policy instrument was introduced to discourage polluting practices?

<p>Environmental taxes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the environmental policy phase from the late 1990s to 2010s?

<p>Diversification of policy instruments including eco-labels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was reintroduced in 2009 as part of the sustainable development effort?

<p>Göteborg Sustainable Development Strategy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four key objectives of the Triple Bottom Line?

<p>Space Exploration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Rio Summit in 1992?

<p>Launch of Agenda 21 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the differing responsibilities of countries regarding environmental issues?

<p>Common but differentiated responsibility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)?

<p>To lead ecological transitions in business practices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the nine transformation actionable routes for companies?

<p>Public health policies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mindset shift is NOT required for businesses to move beyond traditional practices?

<p>Prioritizing short-term profits over sustainability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key change in the business world’s approach to environmental issues prior to the 2000s?

<p>Businesses were mainly concerned with profits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Vision 2050 framework outlines that companies should focus their actions in areas where they can:

<p>Lead systemic transformations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of sustainability that businesses must balance?

<p>All three pillars of sustainability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ecosystem

An interactive system formed by biocoenosis and biotope.

The Land Ethic

A philosophy that views land as a community to which we belong.

IUCN

The first global environmental organization, established in 1948.

Limits to Growth

A report highlighting finite resources and the need for a new development model.

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Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.

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Interest Representation

Activities aimed at influencing policy formulation and decision-making in EU institutions.

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Lobbyists in Brussels

Estimated number of lobbyists ranges from 25,000 to 30,000.

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National Route vs European Route

Lobbying initially occurred nationally before moving to the European level.

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Lisbon Treaty 2009

Formalized the right to lobby and encouraged citizen involvement in EU actions.

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Growing Lobbying Importance

Evidence includes the new role of Parliament and broadening EU issues.

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Single Act (1987)

A pivotal agreement that integrated environmental protection into EU's economic policies.

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Denmark case

Highlighted conflicts between strict environmental laws and Single Market integration.

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Maastricht Treaty (1992)

Established the principle of Sustainable Development within the EU framework.

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Sixth Environment Action Plan

A policy framework emphasizing diverse approaches beyond traditional regulations.

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Environmental taxes

Financial charges aimed at reducing pollution by discouraging harmful practices.

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Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS)

Market-based initiatives that cap emissions and allow trading of emission permits.

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Triple Bottom Line

A framework considering environmental, social, and economic impacts equally.

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Multi-stakeholder decision-making

Involving various entities in the decision-making process for better outcomes.

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Rio Summit (1992)

A major conference that established agreements on climate change, desertification, and biodiversity, and launched Agenda 21.

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Common but differentiated responsibility

Principle stating that all nations are responsible for addressing climate issues, but some bear greater responsibility than others.

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Kyoto Protocol

An international treaty established in 1997 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among participating countries.

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WBCSD

World Business Council for Sustainable Development, established in 1995 to advocate for sustainability in business practices.

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Vision 2050

WBCSD's strategy outlining paths for businesses to address climate, nature loss, and inequality by 2050.

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Three mindset shifts

Changes business leaders must adopt: rewarding true value, building long-term resilience, and a regenerative approach.

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Nine transformation pathways

Areas businesses should focus on to enable sustainable system transformations, including energy and transport.

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Business as usual

Traditional business approach prioritizing profit over environmental and social concerns.

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TBL Approach

A business strategy that balances economic, social, and environmental performance equally.

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Strong Sustainability Approach

A method where sustainability is fundamentally integrated into a business's core strategy.

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CSR Integration Pyramid Level 1

The basic level of CSR focused on philanthropy, such as charitable donations.

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CSR Integration Pyramid Level 2

The compliance level where companies meet legal requirements related to CSR.

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CSR Integration Pyramid Level 3

Strategic CSR integrates social responsibility into the core business strategy.

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CSR Journey

The evolution of companies moving up the CSR integration pyramid over time.

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EU Environmental Governance Phase 1

The period marked by the rise of environmental policy in the EU, with many directives but high compliance breaches.

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Command-and-Control Approach

A top-down method where the EU enforces strict rules on member states with expectations of compliance.

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Doughnut model

A sustainable development framework by Kate Raworth, balancing ecological and social needs.

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Planetary boundaries

Limits within which humanity can safely operate to avoid environmental degradation.

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Circular approach

A sustainable production and resource use strategy aimed at minimizing waste.

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Complex challenges

Problems characterized by multiple interactions, often unpredictable and difficult to manage.

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United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A collection of 17 global goals designed to address sustainability challenges from 2015 to 2030.

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Greenwashing

The practice of companies misleadingly promoting environmental efforts without substantive actions.

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Industrial Revolution

A period marked by rapid industrial growth and environmental impact starting in the 18th century.

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Jacques Rousseau influence

An influence on modern environmental thought advocating for a connection with nature.

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Study Notes

Session 1: Challenges Behind Ecological Transition

  • Kate Raworth's Doughnut model: a framework for sustainable development
  • Contains 9 planetary boundaries (Rockström) and social boundaries
  • A 10th boundary: novel entities (e.g., plastics)
  • Tackles transition to circular production and resource use
  • Climate change, biodiversity loss, and water access are complex, uncertain, and constantly evolving problems; require international cooperation
  • UN 17 SDGs (2015-2030): a comprehensive, globally acceptable, science-grounded framework, covering interconnected goals

Growth Impacts on Environment

  • Insufficient coupling between growth and environmental protection negatively impacts the environment
  • Modern Europe: belief in progress, control, and unlimited resources led to the current ecological crisis, despite benefits
  • Descartes (1637) initiated focus on modern, rational, control of the environment.

Historical Overview of Environmental Governance

  • International environmental governance system emerged in the 1970s and 1980s
  • Creation of UNEP (1972) -first action plan for environmental issues
  • Limits to growth (1972 discussion) highlighted finite resources
  • 1982: Convention on the Law of the Sea, U.N. world Charter for Nature

Sustainable Development Concept (1987 onwards)

  • Brundtland Commission (1987), leading to sustainable development concept adoption by UN
  • Rio Summit (1992) conventions on climate change, desertification, and biodiversity.
  • "Common but differentiated responsibility" principle
  • Importance of global cooperation in managing environmental problems to ensure human progress

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