Chapter 3 - Sustainability and Stewardship

Climate Change

The scientific theory that the Earth’s climate is being altered by human activities

Tipping Point

A point beyond which a situation changes, so profoundly that is not possible to return to the initial state (can’t return to its original state)

The Law of the Few

Those who posses specific traits or networks and are able to use them to influence the behaviours and beliefs of others

The Law of the Few - Roles

Gladwell’s law of the few highlights 3 important roles:

1. Mavens

2. Connectors

3. Salesmen

The Law of the Few - Mavens

• Very knowledgeable about specific topics (Ex: Scientists)

• Highly trusted or respected opinions

• Willing to share their expertise with others

The Law of the Few - Connectors

• Large, diverse social networks

• Make introductions

• “Connect” people across different social circles

The Law of the Few - Salesmen

• Persuasive Communicators

• Highly Charismatic

• Convince others to adopt ideas or behaviours

Stickiness

The quality that compels people to pay close, sustained attention to a concept or idea

(Ex: What is an image that relates to Climate Change? Polar Bears)

The Power of Context

Refers to how people see an idea fitting into their life

Weather

Short term variation in atmosphere

Climate

Weather conditions over a long period of time

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of the atmosphere as some of its gases absorb heat given off by earths surfaces

Greenhouse Gasses

Atmospheric gasses that create the greenhouse effect by absorbing and holding heat in the earth’s atmosphere

Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas

The only greenhouse gas made by man

Carbon Dioxide

Via burning of fossil fuels

Methane

Via decomposition of organic material and solid waste

Climate Change: The Impact

• Global temperature will increase

• Significant (total?) melting of the polar ice caps and glaciers

• Flooding will result from higher sea levels

• The impact of pests and disease will increase

• Droughts will become more widespread

• Large numbers of environmental refugees created

Positive Feedback Loops

Accelerate or amplify the effects of climate change (aka amplifying feedback loops)

Reinforce climate change and drive climate change on their own

Positive Feedback Loops and Climate Change

• Exacerbate the effects of climate change

• Interconnected

• Self-Reinforcing

Mitigation Strategies

Actions taken to reduce or prevent the causes of climate change - mainly by cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions

Adaption Strategies

Actions taken to adjust to the effects of climate change that are already happening or expected to happen

Mitigating Strategies

Mitigating Strategies include:

1. Carbon taxes

2. Cap and Trade Systems

3. Geo-Engineering Projects

Carbon Tax

A fee that governments charge companies (and sometimes individuals) for releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere

• Can be attached to all products and services

• Motivates reducing emissions by taxing polluters

• Encourages use of “greener” alternatives

Geoengineering

Interventions in the Earth’s natural systems to mitigate the effects of climate change (aka “Planet Hacking”)

Geoengineering Category - Solar Radiation Management

Techniques aimed to reflect a portion of the Sun’s energy away from the Earth

Geoengineering Category - Carbon Dioxide Removal

Techniques aimed to remove, and store, carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere

Albedo Effect

A surface’s ability to reflect sunlight

High Albedo Surfaces

• Reflect a large portion of incoming solar radiation back into space

• Help Cooling

Ex. Fresh Snow

Low Albedo Surfaces

• Absorb more solar radiation, leading to a higher temperature

• Contributing to warming

Ex. Dark paved parking lot

Cap and Trade Systems

• Emissions producers are allocated quota they may not exceed (cap)

• Extra quota in market can be bought and sold

• Rewards companies that pollute less

The Politics of Climate Change - International Agreements & Policy

• Encourage cooperation among nations

• Set targets for greenhouse emissions reductions

• Establish plans for climate action

The Rio Conference

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1992)

• 1st global effort to address climate change

• Establish principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”

The Kyoto Protocol

• Kyoto, Japan (1997)

• Established legally binding emission reduction targets

• Targets set by individual countries

• Limited participation (ex. no USA)

The Paris Agreement

• Paris, France (2015)

• “Universal” participation

• Ambitious emission targets

• Financial support to developing countries

Carbon Footprint

The number of greenhouse gases released into our atmosphere by individuals and communities

British Petroleum (BP)

• Founded in 1909

• Oil and gas company

• Significant contributor to climate change

• 32.1 million metric tons of GhG emissions in 2023

Social License

The ongoing approval or acceptance of a practice or policy

Environment Stewardship: Roles and Responsibilities - Government - Policy Making

Governments create laws and regulations (e.g carbon tax, emissions standards, protected areas)

Environment Stewardship: Roles and Responsibilities - Government - Enforcement

Enforce environmental laws through regulatory bodies (e.g. CEPA)

Environment Stewardship: Roles and Responsibilities - Government - Public Engagement

Promote environmental awareness through education and campaigns (e.g. Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup)

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), 1999

• Aims to protect pollution and protect the environment and human health

• Allows the government to investigate violations, issue fines, and prosecute offenders

• Covers Air and water quality, toxic substances, hazardous waste, and environmental emergencies

Fast Fashion: Characteristics

1. Trend Driven

2. Speedy Production and Turnover

3. Low Cost. Poor Quality Materials.

4. High Volume of Production

Fast Fashion: Environmental Impact

1. Textile Waste

2. Water usage and pollution

3. Greenhouse gas emissions

4. Land use and habitat destruction

Sustainable Consumption

The use of goods and services in a way that minimizes their environmental impact

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy

• “People of the long house” - Meaning of Haudenosaunee

• Group of 6 Indigenous nations

• Earth as a “sacred relative”

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy - The Seven Generation Principles

• Guiding Principle

• Considers future well-being of people and the planet

• Challenges dominant systems

• Moral obligation, not metaphor