Sustainability Models - Chapter 6 Quiz

Study Notes

Traditional financial metrics expanded to include social and environmental impact
Three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, and Profit
People (Social Impact): fair labor practices, community well-being, and social responsibility
Planet (Environmental Impact): minimizing ecological footprints through sustainable practices and resource conservation
Profit (Economic Impact): long-term profitability and economic sustainability
Businesses can thrive while benefiting society and the environment

Needs: Prioritizes the essential needs of the world's poor
Limitations: Impacts imposed by technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs

Carson's "Silent Spring" (1962): Explored negative impacts of inorganic pesticides (e.g., DDT) on various ecosystems and human health
Ehrlich's "Population Bomb" (1968): warned of potential widespread starvation due to overpopulation
Schumacher's "Small Is Beautiful" (1973): Critique of unlimited growth, emphasizing resource limits and human-centered economies
Limits to Growth (1972): Hypothetical scenario emphasizing technological and social measures and reduction in material goods, and higher consumption of services to address environmental limits.
Importance of Models: Models are simplified representations of reality, enabling the simplification of essential elements, measure, calculation and explanation.

Strong sustainability: Views natural resources as irreplaceable and emphasizes ecological integrity
Weak sustainability: Permits substitution of natural resources with human-made capital if economic growth is prioritized

Culture is the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes groups of people
Distinguishing feature of cultural groups are examined in consideration of cultural causation, representation, and impact in relation to sustainability

Large-scale transformations affecting Earth's systems (environmental, economic, social, and political)
Human activities are the most influential force (population growth, resource consumption, fossil fuels, land use, pollution)
Includes recognition of the "Great Acceleration" and the "Anthropocene"

Weather represents short-term atmospheric conditions (changes within minutes or hours)
Climate represents long-term weather patterns (average weather over many years)

Impacts on water availability, food production, human health, settlements, and infrastructure
Impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, including changes in species ranges and seasonal timing
Various sectors are impacted (physical risks, transition risks)

Fair access to resources, opportunities, and environmental benefits within the same generation
Equitable distribution of resources and addressing current inequalities

Ensuring the needs and rights of future generations are not compromised by current actions
Preservation of resources and minimization of environmental harm for long-term sustainability

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a company's commitment to economic development while improving quality of life, for the workforce, families, and communities.
Stakeholders are any group or individual whose interests are affected by the firm's objectives (owners, employees, customers, governments, suppliers, the environment, etc.). A long-term perspective is important in decision-making for equitable use of resources (renewable energy, sustainable forestry).
Corporate governance, including education and healthcare programs, is important consideration. Climate action and carbon neutrality are key priorities.

Human civilization as a result of an 'energy binge'
The crucial role of energy sources, and energy systems, and technologies including telematics, formal and informal standards, energy markets
Analyzing current energy systems and considering the possibilities for change and sustainability

Lack of access to clean, affordable energy
Systemic inequalities and barriers for obtaining modern energy sources
SDG 7.1: Access to energy
Understanding the 'energy ladder' as a way to understand energy use and availability for different socioeconomic levels