Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main objective of the Paris Agreement?
What is the main objective of the Paris Agreement?
To limit global warming preferably below 1.5 degrees.
Which organization regularly produces assessment reports on climate change?
Which organization regularly produces assessment reports on climate change?
The UN Sustainable Development Goals were established in 2015.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals were established in 2015.
True
The only way that CO2 is removed naturally from the environment is through __________.
The only way that CO2 is removed naturally from the environment is through __________.
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What is the goal of the NTU Sustainability Office by 2035?
What is the goal of the NTU Sustainability Office by 2035?
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Which of the following is NOT a consequence of climate change?
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of climate change?
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Name one main greenhouse gas mentioned in the content.
Name one main greenhouse gas mentioned in the content.
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Sustainability solutions tend to have a quick evaluation process.
Sustainability solutions tend to have a quick evaluation process.
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What is an example of needed professionals in the economic perspective of sustainability?
What is an example of needed professionals in the economic perspective of sustainability?
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The knowledge gained from different fields in sustainability is termed __________.
The knowledge gained from different fields in sustainability is termed __________.
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Study Notes
Why Sustainability Matters
- Global leaders have recognized the urgent need for climate action, culminating in the Paris Agreement (2015) and COP26 (2021), aiming to limit global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) regularly provides scientific assessments of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for action.
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015) outline 17 goals aimed at achieving a sustainable future by 2030, encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects.
- Singapore has also acknowledged the gravity of sustainability by launching its Green Plan (2021) to create a greener and more sustainable nation by 2030.
- NTU's Sustainability Office is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and reducing energy, water use, and waste by 50% by 2026 (compared to 2011 levels).
- The effects of climate change are becoming more evident, creating a sense of urgency for sustainability initiatives.
- Human activities, particularly burning fossil fuels and industrial processes, contribute significantly to the release of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), which trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
- The ocean absorbs CO2, leading to ocean acidification, affecting marine ecosystems and biological processes.
- Rising sea levels are a direct consequence of climate change and pose significant risks to coastal communities and ecosystems.
- Unsustainable practices have a detrimental impact on natural resources, biodiversity, human societies, livelihoods, peace, security, economic stability, and the planet overall.
Challenges of Sustainability
- Sustainability is a complex and interconnected issue, with multiple causes and no readily available solutions that can be universally applied.
- The effectiveness of solutions may take time to evaluate, necessitating a long-term approach.
Interdisciplinarity in Sustainability
- Sustainability demands an integrated approach that combines knowledge and insights from various disciplines, going beyond simply adding different perspectives.
- Multidisciplinary: Combines knowledge from different disciplines.
- Interdisciplinary: Integrates and synthesizes knowledge from different disciplines.
- Transdisciplinary: Goes beyond disciplines, seeking solutions that transcend traditional academic boundaries.
Perspectives on Sustainability
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Society:
- Focuses on environmental justice, the unequal distribution of climate change effects, and understanding human behavior to drive change.
- Recognizes the potential for political conflict or humanitarian crises due to climate change or environmental degradation.
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Economy:
- Considers the need for sustainable capital investments and the integration of financial decisions with sustainability considerations.
- Acknowledges the interconnectedness of social and environmental impacts with economic outcomes.
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Environment:
- Emphasizes the importance of protecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources for the well-being of current and future generations.
- Recognizes the crucial role of natural systems in providing essential services and maintaining a healthy planet.
Examples of Sustainability Initiatives
- Singapore's Green Plan aims to enhance green spaces and biodiversity by creating additional nature parks and planting a million trees.
- Singapore also focuses on mitigating human-wildlife conflict, promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
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Description
Explore the critical importance of sustainability in contemporary global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This quiz also delves into Singapore's Green Plan and NTU's commitment to carbon neutrality. Test your knowledge on various aspects of climate change and sustainability efforts worldwide.
