Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary definition of sustainability?
What is the primary definition of sustainability?
- A method for managing social impacts.
- The practice of reforestation after logging.
- A short-term strategy for economic growth.
- The ability to exist without failure in perpetuity. (correct)
What does the term 'triple-bottom line' refer to in sustainability?
What does the term 'triple-bottom line' refer to in sustainability?
- Implementing short-term solutions for social issues.
- Managing environmental, social, and economic impacts. (correct)
- Balancing ecological, economic, and private interests.
- Focusing solely on economic development.
Who is credited with the first known use of the concept of sustainability?
Who is credited with the first known use of the concept of sustainability?
- Robertson.
- Wackernagel & Rees.
- Hans Carl Von Carlowitz. (correct)
- Brundtland Commission.
How does UNESCO differentiate between sustainability and sustainable development?
How does UNESCO differentiate between sustainability and sustainable development?
What major idea was promoted by the Brundtland Commission regarding sustainable development?
What major idea was promoted by the Brundtland Commission regarding sustainable development?
What does Wackernagel & Rees emphasize in their definition of sustainable development?
What does Wackernagel & Rees emphasize in their definition of sustainable development?
In what context were the Latin words 'Sus' and 'tenere' originally used?
In what context were the Latin words 'Sus' and 'tenere' originally used?
What is a significant outcome of the sustainable development approach?
What is a significant outcome of the sustainable development approach?
What is meant by 'wicked problems' in the context of environmental issues?
What is meant by 'wicked problems' in the context of environmental issues?
How did the image taken by the Apollo 17 crew influence public perception of the planet?
How did the image taken by the Apollo 17 crew influence public perception of the planet?
Which two authors are noted for their warnings about environmental threats?
Which two authors are noted for their warnings about environmental threats?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a threat to the environment?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a threat to the environment?
What kind of issues do Sustainable Development and Sustainability aim to address?
What kind of issues do Sustainable Development and Sustainability aim to address?
What is one reason the problems facing the planet are described as 'nasty surprises'?
What is one reason the problems facing the planet are described as 'nasty surprises'?
What was one significant message from the documentary 'Last Hours'?
What was one significant message from the documentary 'Last Hours'?
What effect has the visibility of environmental threats had on policymakers?
What effect has the visibility of environmental threats had on policymakers?
Study Notes
Environmental Challenges
- Environmental issues often emerge unexpectedly, posing significant challenges for detection and resolution.
- "Wicked problems" refer to complex, interdependent issues that hinder straightforward solutions in social, economic, and environmental contexts.
Sustainable Development Emergence
- Sustainable Development and Sustainability have gained traction as coherent responses to environmental degradation and social inequalities.
- The Apollo 17 image from 1972 highlighted Earth's vulnerability, leading to increased awareness of threats such as nuclear risks, pollution, and climate change.
Historical Perspectives
- Key authors like Rachel Carson ("Silent Spring", 1962) and Paul Ehrlich ("Population Bomb", 1968) warned of environmental hazards and overpopulation.
- Documentaries like "Last Hours" emphasize the urgent threats of climate change gases.
Definitions of Sustainability
- Sustainability is defined as the enduring ability to maintain existence without failure and operate independently.
- The term "Sustainable Development" is derived from Latin, meaning to "hold up" human existence.
- Hans Carl Von Carlowitz introduced the concept of sustainability in 1713, advocating for a balance between logging and reforestation.
Brundtland Commission's Contribution
- In 1987, the Brundtland Commission defined Sustainable Development as fulfilling present needs without jeopardizing future generations' ability to meet theirs.
- The Brundtland report emphasizes ecological, economic, and social dimensions in human existence.
Managing Impacts
- Sustainable Development includes managing social, environmental, and economic impacts, often described through the triple-bottom line (TBL) concept by John Elkington.
- Wackernagel & Rees defined Sustainable Development as living peacefully within nature's limits.
Distinctions Between Concepts
- Though often used interchangeably, sustainability is viewed as the ultimate long-term goal, while Sustainable Development is the process of achieving that goal.
- UNESCO highlights that Sustainable Development serves as a pathway toward sustainability, emphasizing the importance of structured approaches to realize lasting environmental health.
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Description
Explore the key events and milestones in the journey of sustainable development. This quiz will challenge your understanding of the environmental and social issues that shape our world today. Test your knowledge of the timeline that outlines pivotal moments in addressing wicked problems and environmental degradation.
