Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) - Topic 1: Foundation

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) lecture.

Sustainability

The extent to which practices allow for the long-term viability of a system and responsible maintenance of socio-ecological systems.

Biocapacity

The capacity of a biologically productive area to generate renewable resources and absorb waste over time.

Citizen Science

Public involvement in scientific research to monitor and address environmental systems.

Ecological Footprint

The area of environment necessary to sustainably support a population's resource consumption and waste absorption.

Doughnut Economics Model

Framework for creating a regenerative and distributive economy, emphasizing the need for balance between social foundation and ecological ceiling.

Circular Economy Model

A model promoting decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources through waste elimination and regeneration.

Environmental Justice

The right of all people to live in a pollution-free environment and have equitable access to natural resources.

What is a carbon footprint?

The quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced by human activities, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (tonnes)

Why do some people have larger carbon footprints than others?

Differences in lifestyle, consumption patterns, travel habits, diet, and energy use.

What are realistic and effective ways of reducing a carbon footprint?

Lower energy use, switch to renewable energy, reduce meat consumption, use public transport, recycle, and minimize waste.

When does unsustainability occur in terms of biocapacity?

When a population’s ecological footprint exceeds the area’s biocapacity.

How does citizen science support sustainability?

It helps monitor Earth systems, track resource use, and inform climate change research.

What are sustainability models?

Simplified frameworks that represent reality to understand sustainability, with both uses and limitations.

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

A set of global social and environmental targets to guide sustainable development and justice.

Give one use of the SDG

They set common ground for policymaking and galvanize international action on inequality

Give one limitation of the SDG

They can be top-down, bureaucratic, and may ignore local contexts

What does the Planetary Boundaries Model describe

Nine Earth system processes that regulate stability and resilience, with limits to human disturbance.

What happens if planetary boundaries are crossed?

Risk of abrupt, irreversible changes to Earth systems increases

Give one use of the Planetary Boundaries Model.

Identifies science-based limits to human disturbance and highlights issues beyond climate change.

Give one limitation of the Planetary Boundaries Model.

Focuses only on ecological systems, not human dimensions like justice or inequality.

What is the Doughnut Economics Model?

A framework for a regenerative and distributive economy, balancing social needs and planetary limits

What is the “social foundation” in Doughnut Economics?

The inner boundary based on social SDGs, ensuring basic human needs are met.

What is the “ecological ceiling” in Doughnut Economics?

The outer boundary based on planetary boundaries, ensuring ecological safety.

What is the goal of Doughnut Economics?

To create a “safe and just space for humanity” where economies thrive sustainably.

What does a regenerative economy mean?

One that works within natural cycles and limits of the living world.

What does a distributive economy mean?

One that shares value and opportunity more equitably among all stakeholders.

Give one use of the Doughnut Economics Model.

Combines ecological and social justice, applied at scales from cities to businesses.

Give one limitation of the Doughnut Economics Model.

Still a work in progress; applying it concretely remains challenging.