ESS 1.3 Sustainability

Sustainability

Maintaining the long-term viability of socio-ecological systems without diminishing conditions for future generations.

Environmental Sustainability

Responsible use and management of natural resources for recovery and regeneration.

Social Sustainability

Building systems (health, education, equity) that support human well-being.

Economic Sustainability

Structures supporting future production and consumption of goods and services.

Sustainable Development

Development meeting current needs without compromising future generations.

Unsustainable Resource Use

Leads to ecosystem collapse.

GDP and Sustainability

GDP often ignores the value of natural systems, leading to unsustainable growth.

Environmental Justice

The right of all people to live in pollution-free environments with equal resource access, regardless of identity.

Inequality and Resource Access

Disparities arise due to income, race, gender, and cultural identity.

Sustainability Indicators

Measures like biodiversity, pollution levels, human population, climate change, and ecological footprints.

Ecological Footprint

The human demand on Earth's ecosystems.

Carbon Footprint

Total greenhouse gases emitted, measured in CO₂ equivalents.

Water Footprint

Total freshwater used by individuals or communities.

Biocapacity

The biological capacity to generate renewable resources and absorb waste.

Citizen Science

Non-professionals helping monitor environmental systems.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Global goals to address sustainability and environmental justice.

Planetary Boundaries Model

Identifies limits to human disturbance beyond which Earth systems may face irreversible changes.

Doughnut Economics Mode

A framework balancing essential human needs with planetary boundaries.

Circular Economy

A model that reduces resource consumption by eliminating waste, circulating materials, and regenerating nature.