Sustainability in Business: Theory and Practice

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What is implied by the concept of 'sustainability' in the context of sustainable development?

A complete transformation of the economy and society
A one-time improvement in the environment
A temporary improvement in the economy and society
A continuous maintenance and ability to continue an activity indefinitely (correct)

What is the difference between 'sustainability' and 'sustainable development'?

Sustainability is the objective, while sustainable development is the aim
Sustainability is the process, while sustainable development is the goal
Sustainability is the goal, while sustainable development is the process
Sustainability is the aim, while sustainable development is the objective (correct)

What is necessary for mankind to survive and move towards higher levels according to Albert Einstein?

A new type of thinking (correct)
More economic growth
More environmental protection
More technological advancements

What is a paradigm shift?

A change from one way of thinking to another (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of an activity being 'sustainable'?

It can continue indefinitely (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to develop' mean in the context of sustainable development?

To improve or get better (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the lecture on Sustainable Development Theory?

To understand the meaning of sustainability and the principles of sustainable development (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the book that warned about the dangers of overpopulation?

The Population Bomb (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the global problems that businesses are expected to play a role in resolving?

Toxicity of chemicals (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary idea behind the concept of 'The Tragedy of the Commons'?

The demise of open access resources (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the report that warned about the costs of unlimited economic growth?

The Limits to Growth (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two aspects of sustainability that students will be able to differentiate between after the lecture?

Weak and strong aspects of sustainability (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the concept of inter-species equity?

Preserving the habitats and well-being of other species (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal idea behind the precautionary principle?

Taking measures to minimize risks despite uncertainty (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the WCED 1987, what is the primary goal of sustainable development?

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main implication of the changed understanding of sustainability?

It has become a more broadly encompassing concept (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'intra-species equity'?

Ensuring equal rights and opportunities among human beings and future generations (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea of the 'essentially contested concept' approach to sustainability?

That sustainability is a concept that is open to different, often incompatible interpretations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated value of natural capital services provided to humans in one generation?

Many quintillion dollars (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Sustainability Spectrum, which camp is characterized by pessimists?

Strong Camp (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for achieving sustainable development?

All of the above, including Inter-species, Intra-species, and Inter-generational equity considerations (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge for businesses in achieving sustainable development?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is lacking in terms of guidance for businesses in achieving sustainable development?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the current era of sustainable development, according to the text?

The 4th era (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the quote 'If we live as if it doesn't matter, and it matters, then it matters'?

The consequences of ignoring nature's importance will be severe (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the ecocentric worldview?

Precaution and carrying capacity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Biosphere 2 experiment?

To develop a self-sustaining artificial ecosystem (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Biosphere 2 experiment?

The scientists were evacuated after a few months due to falling oxygen and rising CO2 levels (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated cost of the Biosphere 2 project per person per year?

$9,000,000 (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the Biosphere 2 experiment for the larger goal of sustaining 7 billion people?

It highlights the difficulties of scaling up to support a large population (A) Signup and view all the answers