Sustainable Development Goals Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which Sustainable Development Goal focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all?

  • SDG 6 (correct)
  • SDG 10
  • SDG 5
  • SDG 7

At what temperature increase is it predicted that 70-90% of coral reefs will disappear?

  • 1.0C
  • 2.0C
  • 2.5C
  • 1.5C (correct)

Which of these systems is NOT at risk of crossing a tipping point due to global warming?

  • Labrador Sea
  • Coral reefs
  • Amazon Rainforest (correct)
  • Greenland ice sheets

What does the 'triple bottom line' refer to in the context of sustainability?

<p>Economic, Social, and Environmental impacts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

<p>Meeting present needs without compromising future generations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Inner Development Goal is aligned with the concept of peace and justice?

<p>Goal 16 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following refers to a system that can pass a tipping point under certain conditions?

<p>Tipping points (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is a characteristic feature of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?

<p>Initial framework for the UN SDGs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ecocentrism from biocentrism and anthropocentrism?

<p>It includes abiotic factors in ecosystems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant driver of biodiversity loss?

<p>Habitat destruction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the effects of climate change on the Arctic region?

<p>Increased interest in resource extraction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does low albedo indicate about a surface?

<p>The surface absorbs most incoming light. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following viewpoints considers the monetary value of biodiversity?

<p>Anthropocentric viewpoint. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does oil sands development in Canada impact environmental perception?

<p>It is known as a 'dirty oil' industry. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary externality caused by conventional business processes?

<p>Air and water pollution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about biocentrism is accurate?

<p>It argues that all species have intrinsic rights. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

<p>To achieve a sustainable future for all by 2030 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pillars are central to sustainability as described in the content?

<p>Environmental, social, and economic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which goal focuses on reducing carbon emissions?

<p>SDG 13: Climate Action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of social sustainability?

<p>Social equity and community development (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of environmental sustainability?

<p>It aims to conserve the planet's ecosystems and natural resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initiative is associated with SDG 15: Life on Land?

<p>Reforestation programs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of social sustainability in business?

<p>Enhanced technological innovation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Goal 1 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to achieve?

<p>No poverty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a program that supports Goal 2: Zero Hunger?

<p>Community-supported agriculture programs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is economic sustainability emphasized in decision-making?

<p>To ensure economic systems are efficient and resilient (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which goal focuses on providing affordable and clean energy?

<p>Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major anticipated consequence of the current trajectory regarding water supply by 2030?

<p>56% water supply deficit relative to demand (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does governance play in achieving sustainability goals?

<p>To facilitate cooperation and ensure transparency (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What alarming statistic was reported about gender equality progress?

<p>It is expected to take 300 years to reach gender equality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which goal aims to develop sustainable urban infrastructure?

<p>Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant increase was noted regarding extreme poverty in 2023?

<p>It rose to 714 million from 689 million (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the triple bottom line-based definition of CSR emphasize?

<p>Balancing economic, social, and environmental responsibilities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective considers human beings as the most important entity in the universe?

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

How does biocentrism view the value of all living beings?

<p>All living beings have inherent value. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of ecocentrism?

<p>It recognizes inherent value regardless of use to humans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which definition of environment is considered ego-centric?

<p>The natural world affected by human activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the volunarism-based definition of CSR focus on?

<p>Philanthropic responsibilities to society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical stance considers humans and their activities interconnected with nature?

<p>Biocentrism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a characteristic of ecocentrism?

<p>It supports the idea that all aspects of ecosystems have inherent value. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

17 global goals set by the United Nations to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.

Tipping Point

A critical threshold in a system where a small change can cause a significant and irreversible shift.

Global Tipping Points Report

A report highlighting key areas like the cryosphere, biosphere, and ocean/atmosphere where tipping points are likely.

Coral Reefs Tipping Point

The point at which coral reefs, due to rising temperatures, die back beyond recovery.

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Triple Bottom Line

A framework that considers economic, social, and environmental factors to measure sustainability.

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Millenium Development Goals (MDGs)

The predecessor to the SDGs, focusing on development goals between 2000 and 2015.

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Defining Sustainability

'Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' - Brundtland Commission

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UN SDGs Measurement

A framework to monitor progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Environmental Sustainability

Maintaining the health of the planet's ecosystems by conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, protecting biodiversity, and managing resources responsibly.

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Economic Sustainability

Creating and maintaining a healthy economy while considering environmental and social factors. This means ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

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Social Sustainability

Building a society that promotes well-being, justice, and equal opportunities for all individuals, including social equity, human rights, and education.

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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

This goal encourages sustainable practices in production and consumption, like using biodegradable materials and reducing waste.

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SDG 13: Climate Action

This goal focuses on tackling climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts.

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SDG 14: Life Below Water

This goal aims to protect the oceans and marine resources from pollution and overfishing.

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CSR: Triple Bottom Line

A corporation's approach to balancing its economic, social, and environmental responsibilities to meet shareholder and stakeholder expectations.

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CSR: Voluntarism

A corporation's voluntary commitment to its legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities to society.

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Environment: Ego-centric View

The natural world as it relates to and is affected by human activity.

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Environment: Biocentric View

The physical surroundings and conditions where living organisms exist, including humans.

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Anthropocentrism

The belief that human beings are the most important entities in the universe, with greater moral value than other species.

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Biocentrism

The belief that all living beings have inherent value, and humans aren't superior to other species.

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Ecocentrism

The belief that ecosystems, including both living and non-living elements, have inherent value, regardless of their usefulness to humans.

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Biodiversity: Value

The importance of diverse living organisms and ecosystems for the health and well-being of the planet.

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Why is economic sustainability important?

It ensures the longevity of the global economy and the preservation of human life. A healthy environment is essential for sustainable economic growth.

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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

This goal aims to provide access to affordable and clean energy for all, including those in remote areas. Examples include solar energy projects and wind farms.

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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

This goal focuses on promoting sustainable economic growth, decent work, and full and productive employment. It supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promotes decent work conditions.

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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

This goal promotes sustainable industrialization, innovation, and infrastructure development. It aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

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Global Cooperation and Governance

Essential for achieving SDGs. It involves collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to address global challenges.

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Monitoring SDG Progress

Regular assessments are crucial to track progress towards the SDGs. They highlight areas where action is needed and identify successes.

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SDGs - Challenges and Progress

Current progress towards the SDGs is insufficient. The world is facing challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality.

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Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, encompassing different species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.

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Albedo

The reflectivity of a surface, determining how much sunlight it absorbs or reflects back into space.

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Biodiversity Loss

A decline in the variety of life on Earth, caused by threats like habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.

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Externalities

Side effects of economic activities that are not reflected in the cost of goods or services, like pollution or resource depletion.

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Conventional Business Processes

Traditional business practices that prioritize short-term profit maximization and often ignore environmental and social costs.

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Overexploitation

The unsustainable use of natural resources at a rate faster than their ability to replenish, leading to depletion.

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Study Notes

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • SDGs are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all".
  • SDG 1: No Poverty
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 14: Life Below Water
  • SDG 15: Life on Land
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Triple Bottom Line and the SDGs

  • The Triple Bottom Line considers 3 interconnected pillars:
    • Economy
    • Society
    • Environment
  • The study of sustainability goes beyond environmentalism and includes all three pillars.

Global Tipping Points

  • A tipping point is a point at which a small change can lead to a large, sudden change.
  • There are at least one embedded tipping point that can pass the tipping points under reachable conditions
  • Global Tipping Points Report
    • Three categories:
      • Cryosphere
      • Biosphere
      • Ocean and Atmosphere
    • Five major tipping systems are at risk of crossing tipping points at present levels of global warming:
      • Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets
      • Permafrost regions
      • Coral reefs
      • Labrador Sea
      • Subpolar gyre circulation

A Tipping Event - Coral Reefs

  • Healthy: Dec 2014
  • Dying: Feb 2015
  • Dead: Aug 2015
  • 70-90% of coral reefs may disappear with 1.5C increase.
  • 99% of coral reefs may exceed negative tipping point and decay beyond recovery by the 2030s at the current rate.
  • Loss of biodiversity may result.

Defining Sustainability

  • Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • The UN SDGs are the current set of sustainable development goals.
    • First set was the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
    • There are 17 global goals, 169 targets and 231 indicators.

Environmental Sustainability

  • Maintaining the health of the planet's ecosystems.
  • Conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, protecting biodiversity, and managing natural resources responsibly.

Social Sustainability

  • Maintaining and improving social quality, including social equity, human rights, labor rights, community development, and education.
  • Promoting well-being, justice, and equal opportunities for all members of society.

Economic Sustainability

  • Achieving economic growth without harmful environmental trade-offs.
  • Emphasizes efficient, resourceful, and resilient economic systems.

Environmental Issues - Canada

  • Oil sands development
  • Overfishing
  • Artic sovereignty and environmental protection
  • Indigenous land and resource rights

Biodiversity

  • Biodiversity is an interconnected web of life.
  • Loss of biodiversity caused by:
    • Habitat destruction.
    • Pollution
    • Invasive species.
    • Climate change.

Anthropocentric vs. Biocentric vs. Ecocentric Perspectives

  • Anthropocentrism: Humans are the most important entity in the universe.
  • Biocentrism: All living beings have inherent value.
  • Ecocentrism: Ecosystems (living and non-living) have inherent value.
  • The google dictionary definition is ego-centric whereas the Oxford English Dictionary definition is biocentric.

Nature Rights

  • There's a growing trend of recognizing nature's rights in several countries
  • Indigenous perspectives often include nature's inherent rights.

Environmental Personhood

  • The idea of environmental entities having legal rights.
  • This concept is relatively new and controversial.

Individual Responsibilities

  • How we treat our relationship with the environment.
  • How we meet our needs in an eco-friendly way.

Ethical Dilemmas

  • Environmental sustainability conflicts with other bottom lines (poverty, culture, economic growth, ideological clashes).

Business Externalities

  • External costs/benefits of business activity.

Climate Change (General)

  • Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns due to natural causes or human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution.

Carbon Cycle

  • Carbon constantly moves between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.
  • Burning fossil fuels significantly disrupts this balance.

Other Key Issues

  • Deforestation
  • Resource Depletion
  • Overpopulation
  • Overconsumption
  • Conventional business processes and its externalities

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