Sustainability Definition and Pillars
8 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is sustainability?

  • The ability of a system to maintain its own viability over time (correct)
  • The ability of a system to ignore social justice over time
  • The ability of a system to deplete natural resources over time
  • The ability of a system to harm the environment over time
  • What are the three pillars of sustainability?

  • Social, Economic, and Technological
  • Environmental, Social, and Cultural
  • Environmental, Social, and Economic (correct)
  • Environmental, Economic, and Political
  • What is carrying capacity?

  • The maximum number of people an ecosystem can support (correct)
  • The minimum number of people an ecosystem can support
  • The average number of people an ecosystem can support
  • The total number of people an ecosystem can support
  • What is the main goal of sustainable development?

    <p>To achieve sustainable development by 2030</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main aim of a circular economy?

    <p>To minimize waste and promote efficient resource use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major challenge to achieving sustainability?

    <p>Climate change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main goal of renewable energy?

    <p>To reduce greenhouse gas emissions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is ecological footprint?

    <p>A measure of human impact on the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Definition of Sustainability

    • Sustainability refers to the ability of a system to maintain its own viability over time, without depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment.
    • It involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

    Three Pillars of Sustainability

    • Environmental Sustainability: conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and protecting ecosystems.
    • Social Sustainability: promoting social justice, human rights, and community well-being.
    • Economic Sustainability: ensuring economic growth and development while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts.

    Key Concepts

    • Carrying Capacity: the maximum number of people or activities that an ecosystem can support without degrading its natural resources.
    • Ecological Footprint: the measure of human impact on the environment, including resource consumption and waste generation.
    • Green Economy: an economy that is low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive.

    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    • 17 goals set by the United Nations to achieve sustainable development by 2030, including:
      • No Poverty
      • Zero Hunger
      • Good Health and Well-being
      • Quality Education
      • Climate Action
      • Life Below Water
      • Life on Land

    Strategies for Achieving Sustainability

    • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: minimizing waste and promoting efficient resource use.
    • Renewable Energy: transitioning to energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power.
    • Sustainable Consumption: encouraging responsible consumption patterns and reducing waste.
    • Circular Economy: promoting the reuse and recycling of materials to minimize waste.

    Challenges and Barriers to Sustainability

    • Climate Change: rising global temperatures and associated environmental impacts.
    • Population Growth: increasing pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.
    • Lack of Education and Awareness: limited understanding of sustainability issues and their impacts.
    • Economic Inequality: unequal access to resources and opportunities.

    Definition of Sustainability

    • Sustainability is the ability of a system to maintain its viability over time without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.

    Three Pillars of Sustainability

    • Environmental Sustainability: conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and protecting ecosystems.
    • Social Sustainability: promoting social justice, human rights, and community well-being.
    • Economic Sustainability: ensuring economic growth and development while minimizing environmental and social impacts.

    Key Concepts

    • Carrying Capacity: the maximum number of people or activities an ecosystem can support without degrading its natural resources.
    • Ecological Footprint: the measure of human impact on the environment, including resource consumption and waste generation.
    • Green Economy: an economy that is low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive.

    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    • The United Nations has set 17 goals to achieve sustainable development by 2030, including:
      • No Poverty
      • Zero Hunger
      • Good Health and Well-being
      • Quality Education
      • Climate Action
      • Life Below Water
      • Life on Land

    Strategies for Achieving Sustainability

    • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: minimizing waste and promoting efficient resource use.
    • Renewable Energy: transitioning to energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power.
    • Sustainable Consumption: encouraging responsible consumption patterns and reducing waste.
    • Circular Economy: promoting the reuse and recycling of materials to minimize waste.

    Challenges and Barriers to Sustainability

    • Climate Change: rising global temperatures and associated environmental impacts.
    • Population Growth: increasing pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.
    • Lack of Education and Awareness: limited understanding of sustainability issues and their impacts.
    • Economic Inequality: unequal access to resources and opportunities.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Quiz about the definition of sustainability, its importance, and the three pillars of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

    More Like This

    Environmental Science and Ecology
    10 questions
    Environmental Technology and Ecology
    18 questions
    Ecology and Environmental Science Lesson 1
    24 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser