Regenerative business (detailed)

What was Severn Suzuki’s message when she spoke to the United Nations in Rio in 1992? And who spoke in Katowice in 2018 to the UN Climate Plenary (COP24) and what was her message?

Severn Suzuki told world leaders in 1992 that young people will inherit the consequences of today’s environmental destruction and urged immediate action for a sustainable future. In 2018, Greta Thunberg spoke at COP24 in Katowice and warned that the climate crisis is urgent, leaders are failing to act, and young people demand change.

What is the definition of Sustainable Development, in which report was it first published, and when?

Sustainable Development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It was published in the Brundtland Report “Our Common Future” in 1987.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals? Who developed them? Name 3 goals.

The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030. Examples: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being.

What are the 5 Ps of Sustainable Development of the UN? Explain briefly.

People = improve lives and reduce inequality. Planet = protect environment and resources. Peace = create just and peaceful societies. Partnerships = cooperation between governments, businesses and people. Prosperity = ensure economic and social progress for everyone.

What are the major sustainability challenges our society faces in the 21st century?

Climate change, depletion of natural resources, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.

What is Peak Oil? [GRAPH/DRAWING IN DOCUMENT]

Peak Oil is the point where oil production reaches its maximum level and then begins to decline.

Explain “blood coltan”.

Blood coltan is coltan mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo under conditions involving war, violence and human rights abuses. Profits often fund armed conflict.

What are the two main causes of the sustainability challenges we face?

Population growth and an unsustainable consumption/production society.

Explain “Earth = Spaceship”.

Kenneth Boulding used the metaphor “Earth = Spaceship” to show that Earth is a closed system with limited resources, so humans must use resources responsibly and sustainably.

Draw Malthus’s theory on population. How was this theory picked up in the seventies? [GRAPH/DRAWING IN DOCUMENT]

Malthus argued that population grows exponentially while resources grow linearly, leading to shortages. In the 1970s, the Club of Rome revived the theory in “The Limits to Growth”.

In the World Economic Forum video on inequality, what three steps did OXFAM propose?

Redistribute wealth and income, invest in public services, and protect workers’ rights.

Explain the Gini coefficient briefly.

The Gini coefficient measures income inequality from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

What are the key messages in the movie “The Story of Stuff”?

The current linear production and consumption system is unsustainable, causes pollution and inequality, assumes infinite growth, and should be replaced by a circular economy.

What are the five stages of the materials economy and what is missing?

Extraction → Production → Distribution → Consumption → Disposal. Missing are environmental and social impacts and sustainability principles like reuse and recycling.

According to Annie Leonard, why is our production and consumption system “a system in crisis”? [GRAPH/SCHEME IN DOCUMENT]

Because it is a linear system on a finite planet, driven by overconsumption, pollution, waste and resource depletion.

In the Story of Stuff, what did Annie Leonard say about the role of government?

Governments often support unsustainable systems through subsidies, tax breaks and regulations favouring corporations over people and the environment.

What did President Bush advise Americans after 9/11 and how is it linked to Victor Lebow?

He encouraged people to continue shopping. Like Victor Lebow, this reflects the idea that consumption drives the economy and social stability.

What is meant by planned and perceived obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence = products are designed to have a limited lifespan. Perceived obsolescence = consumers feel products are outdated even if they still work.

What was criticized in “The Light Bulb Conspiracy”?

The documentary criticized planned obsolescence, especially how companies intentionally reduce product lifespan to increase profits.

What is the current economic paradigm and what is Daly’s criticism of it?

The neoclassical paradigm prioritizes economic growth, free markets and ignores environmental limits. Daly criticized it as unsustainable, unequal and short-sighted.

What makes somebody happy and what is the National Happiness Index?

Happiness depends on genes, social environment and personal actions. The Gross National Happiness Index measures wellbeing beyond economic growth.

Which SDG is criticized a lot and why?

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) is criticized because constant economic growth may increase inequality and environmental damage.

What could replace GDP as a measurement of success of a country?

Gross National Happiness Index.

Define Ecological Footprint. What can you do to lower yours?

The Ecological Footprint measures how much land and water are needed to support consumption and absorb waste. You can lower it by using less energy, eating less meat, recycling and buying less stuff.

What does Biocapacity mean and how is it linked with Ecological Footprint?

Biocapacity is nature’s ability to regenerate resources and absorb waste. If ecological footprint exceeds biocapacity, ecological overshoot occurs.

What is Overshoot Day? What causes it and how can we solve it?

Overshoot Day is the day humanity uses more resources than Earth can regenerate in a year. Causes include population growth and overconsumption. Solutions include reducing consumption and protecting ecosystems.

What was Overshoot Day in 2018 and what was the impact of COVID-19?

Overshoot Day in 2018 was July 29. COVID-19 temporarily delayed Overshoot Day because economic activity and emissions decreased.

Explain this Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity graph. [GRAPH IN DOCUMENT]

The graph shows ecological footprint growing faster than biocapacity, meaning humanity is in ecological overshoot.

Explain the Doughnut Economy briefly. Who wrote the book? [GRAPH IN DOCUMENT]

The Doughnut Economy combines social foundations and planetary boundaries to create a safe and just space for humanity. It was written by Kate Raworth.

What is meant by shortfall and overshoot in Doughnut Economics? [GRAPH/DRAWING IN DOCUMENT]

Shortfall means people lack basic needs like food or education. Overshoot means humans put too much pressure on Earth’s systems.

Explain this ecological footprint and human development graph. What is the black box? [GRAPH IN DOCUMENT]

The graph compares human development and ecological footprint. The black box represents high human development within Earth’s ecological limits.

What is the final goal of Sustainable Development and what are three essential things needed to achieve it?

Goal = meet present and future needs on Earth. Needed: control growth, redistribute prosperity/resources, and change technology, investment and resource use.

What are the possibilities to lower environmental pressure measured in CO2?

Lower population, reduce prosperity/consumption, use less energy and raw materials, and reduce environmental impact.

Draw the 4 pillars of Sustainable Development and explain positive/negative setback. [GRAPH/DRAWING IN DOCUMENT]

The 4 pillars are Economy, Environment, Social and Democracy. Negative setbacks create poverty and ecosystem destruction; positive change improves balance and sustainability.

What are the characteristics of a sustainable enterprise?

Create societal benefits, fulfil human aspirations, exceed ecological sustainability, develop value-based markets and remain profitable.

Entrepreneurship + … = sustainable business according to Michel Bauwens.

Entrepreneurship + “Donne” (giving) = sustainable business. Businesses should give back to society, not only take profit.

Draw a stakeholder map of a company and explain it. [GRAPH/SCHEME IN DOCUMENT]

A company interacts with stakeholders like customers, suppliers, employees, investors, governments and communities. Companies are also stakeholders in broader societal processes.

What are externalities and what is the link with sustainability?

Externalities are hidden social or environmental costs not included in a company’s financial costs. They encourage pollution and unsustainable behaviour.

Why did Ray Anderson call CEOs “plunderers” and what solution did he propose?

He said CEOs exploit Earth’s resources for profit. He proposed shifting from a linear economy to a circular economy.

What is zero ecological footprint according to Ray Anderson?

A situation where human activity causes no net environmental damage because resources regenerate and waste is absorbed sustainably.

What is intergenerational tyranny and how is it linked to sustainable development?

Intergenerational tyranny means current generations unfairly burden future generations through unsustainable actions, which opposes sustainable development.

Explain the Triple Bottom Line. Why did John Elkington recall it in 2018?

The Triple Bottom Line measures People, Planet and Profit. Elkington recalled it because companies used it superficially for greenwashing instead of real sustainability.

What is the criticism of the Triple Bottom Line?

Companies focus too much on profit instead of balancing people, planet and profit equally.

Explain the Mickey Mouse model of greenwashing. [GRAPH/DRAWING IN DOCUMENT]

It shows profit as the largest circle and people/planet as smaller circles, meaning companies pretend to care about sustainability while prioritizing profit.

What is a mission-driven company? Give an example.

A company guided by a social or environmental mission alongside profit. Example: Fairphone, an ethical modular smartphone company.

Why should businesses transform from sustainable to regenerative? Give an example. [GRAPH/PICTURE IN DOCUMENT]

Regenerative business restores ecosystems and society instead of only reducing harm. Example: Ecovative uses mushrooms to create sustainable packaging and materials.

What is eco-efficiency? Give examples and explain the difference with eco-effectiveness.

Eco-efficiency means creating more value with fewer resources and less pollution. Eco-effectiveness means creating positive environmental impact where waste becomes food.

What is Annie Leonard pleading for in “The Story of Solutions”?

She argues society should focus on “better” instead of “more”. Real solutions should empower people, reduce inequality and account for environmental costs.

What is Cradle to Cradle or Waste = Food?

Products should be designed so all materials can safely return to nature or be endlessly reused in industry.

What is meant by moving from a linear to a circular system? Give an example.

A circular system reuses resources and minimizes waste. Example: composting food scraps in permaculture.

What is the mission of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation?

To accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

What are incentives for companies to develop circular business models?

Finite resources, investor pressure and government policies encourage companies to adopt circular models.

What is the peer-to-peer movement? What does Michel Bauwens say about it?

Peer-to-peer systems are based on collaboration and shared networks. Bauwens believes they can transform society into a more equal alternative to capitalism.

Who said “TINA is dead, long live TAPAS”? Explain.

Michel Bauwens. TINA = There Is No Alternative. TAPAS = There Are Plenty of Alternative Systems.

What is the Tragedy of the Commons and how did Elinor Ostrom propose solving it?

Shared resources are overused when individuals act selfishly. Solutions include clear group boundaries, sanctions and low-cost conflict resolution.

Explain the Economy of the Common Good and the Common Good Matrix. [GRAPH/TABLE IN DOCUMENT]

The model focuses on maximizing wellbeing instead of profit. The matrix measures impact on human dignity, solidarity, sustainability and social justice across stakeholders.

What is ESG and why is it important to investors?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It helps investors identify sustainable and responsible companies.

What does ESG officially stand for and what is Ralph Thurm’s criticism?

Environmental, Social and Governance. Thurm criticized ESG as exploitation, slavery and gain because it can create a false image of sustainability.

What is double materiality?

Double materiality means considering both how sustainability affects a company and how the company affects society and the environment.

Why did the EU make ESG reporting mandatory?

To ensure companies report transparently on sustainability impacts and governance practices.

What is the Common Good Matrix and how do companies use it?

A tool companies use to measure and report their social, ecological and ethical impact.

Explain LCA and apply it to a product. [GRAPH IN DOCUMENT]

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) measures environmental impacts of a product from raw material extraction to disposal. Example: a coffee machine’s production, use and disposal impacts.

Explain the LCA of a McDonald’s hamburger.

It examines impacts from cattle farming, crop production, transport, preparation, consumption and waste disposal.

How would you calculate the ecological footprint of your mobile phone?

By measuring impacts from raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport, energy use and disposal/recycling.

What was the purpose of the ACE Bank campaign and what can we learn from it?

It exposed unethical investments by banks and showed consumers should be careful where banks invest their money.

Why is it important to choose your bank? What are “just” banks?

Because banks decide where your money is invested. Just banks invest ethically in sustainable and socially beneficial projects.

What is BlackRock and what was Larry Fink’s message to CEOs?

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager. Larry Fink said companies should focus on all stakeholders, not only shareholders.

What is the difference between the real and financial economy?

The real economy includes goods and services like schools and houses. The financial economy includes banks and financial institutions supporting the real economy.

What caused the 2008 financial crisis and what did Iceland do differently?

The crisis was caused by risky banking practices and deregulation. Iceland allowed banks to fail and jailed some responsible bankers.

What did Bernard Lietaer mean by restructuring the money system?

He proposed complementary currencies and a new monetary system to support sustainability and resilience.

What is a Bristol Pound and why was it created?

A local currency created to support independent businesses in Bristol.

What are the three components of SuMSy?

Universal guaranteed income, demurrage (negative interest), and funding projects for the common good.

Explain Universal Basic Income and why Rutger Bregman supports it.

UBI gives every citizen a monthly payment to provide security and stability.

What is systems thinking and how can system change be achieved?

Systems thinking studies how systems are interconnected. Sustainable change requires changing economic, environmental and social systems together.

What is globalization and how can it hinder sustainability?

Globalization increases worldwide connections and supply chains but can externalize environmental and social costs to poorer countries.

Who are the actors driving change for a more sustainable world?

International organizations, activists, NGOs, businesses and regulators.

Who are the Yes Men and what did they do with Bhopal/Dow?

Activists who impersonated Dow Chemical executives and falsely announced compensation for Bhopal disaster victims to expose injustice.

What transitions are needed for a more sustainable world?

Economic transition, renewable energy, sustainable transport, circular economy, resilient agriculture, sustainable cities and financial reform.

Give three bottlenecks preventing a sustainable society.

Market dominance over governments, increasing inequality and weak international organizations.

Why does sustainability require both behavioural and system change?

Individual actions matter, but systems like the economy and institutions must also change to create lasting sustainability.

What is a global citizen?

Someone aware of global issues who actively works for a peaceful, fair and sustainable world.

What is the link between “Blood, Sweat and Takeaways” and globalization?

The series shows how globalization can lead to exploitation, inequality and environmental damage in food production.

What is Rethinking Economics and what is its purpose?

A global movement promoting pluralism and more real-world relevance in economics education.

Why is legislation important for sustainability?

Legislation creates obligations and penalties that push governments, companies and individuals toward sustainable behaviour.

Explain the “polluter pays” principle.

The party causing environmental damage should pay the costs of preventing and repairing it.

Explain “extended producer responsibility”.

Producers must help pay for collection and recycling of their products after use.

How does the EU Emissions Trading System work? [GRAPH IN DOCUMENT]

The EU ETS is a cap-and-trade system where companies buy and trade emission allowances under a decreasing emissions cap.

What is the main goal of the European Green Deal and how can it be achieved?

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and make Europe climate neutral by 2050 through sustainability regulations and innovation.

What is greenwashing and how is the EU combating it?

Greenwashing is misleading consumers about environmental friendliness. The EU combats it with the Green Claims Directive.

What is the aim of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive?

To ensure companies identify and address human rights and environmental impacts across their operations and supply chains.

What is the aim of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive?

To require companies to report audited sustainability information across the supply chain.

How do businesses engage in EU sustainability legislation?

Businesses can drive sustainability innovation but may also lobby against strict sustainability laws.

What is the Seed Vault from Christian Clauwers’ lecture?

A secure storage facility in Svalbard preserving duplicate crop seeds from around the world as backup for global food security.