sustainability and evaluation

sustainability vs sustainable development

sustainability is the goal and sustainable development is a pathway that considers environmental concerns with economic development

what is the environmental pillar

Preserving the environment and adopting a more rational use of resources to maintain biodiversity and improve the quality of land, air, and waterways

what is the environmental pillar

Improving economic growth and standards of living through efficient resource use

what is the social pillar

maintaining and improving social equality, access to basic services, promotion of human rights

what is the cultural pillar

Protecting, developing and expressing values and cultural diversity to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence

New York’s High line and environmentally pillar

repurposed green spaced from abandoned elevated rail line, holds 500 plant species and 1200 trees despite tough urban microclimate due to suspended structure

New York’s High line and social pillar

began from 2 local residents under the name ‘Friends of the High Line’, now its a free park maintained by volunteers

New York’s High line and economic pillar

one of NYC’s biggest tourist attractions, over 7.5 million visitors a year, government invested 135 mil while Friends of the High Line raised over 100 million

New York’s High line and cultural pillar

remnants of old rail tracks left as a nod to it’s industrial history, designed around a concept called ‘idealised nature’

what is the precautionary princple

When there is uncertainty about the potential negative impacts of human activities on ecosystems, landscapes, or communities, action should be taken to avoid or minimise harm

what is intergenerational equity

The present generation should ensure the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations

what is Conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity

focuses on the multi-species diversity across gene polls, ecosystems, and among species themselves

What are the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs)

17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

role of global forums

A network of policymakers and interest groups gather to make global decisions, eg G7 summit who in 2021 spent over 1 billion on COVID vaccines

role of international agreements

Paris Agreement 2015 is an international treaty that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 above pre-industrial levels, ideally limiting it to 1.5

role of international cooperation

common standards to be implemented in more than one country, ensure support for plans that respond to areas of global concern eg. UN

what are intergovernmental organisations (IGOs)

An organisation created by a treaty or agreement between two or more countries, eg. UN

challenges for achieving global sustainability at a global/national scale

conflicting national interests, weak enforcement and compliance, high costs for developing nations, political instability and short-term priorities, equity issues (who pays/acts)

opportunities for achieving global sustainability at a global/national scale

shared goals and coordination, resource and knowledge sharing, political commitment and accountability, economic growth in green industries

opportunities for achieving global sustainability at a local scale

community-led solutions and engagement, sharing local knowledge and resources, strengthens social cohesion and belonging, economic benefits, awareness and education on sustainability

challenges for achieving global sustainability at a local scale

limited funding and resources, conflicting local priorities, lack of expertise or knowledge, resistance to change or habits, coordination with wider government policies

what is benefit sharing

Benefit sharing is the action of giving a portion of advantages, profits or compensation derived from the use of natural resources or traditional knowledge to resource providers

what compensation can benefit sharing involve

financial compensation, legal protection, capacity building