EVSC 100 topic 11

Sustainability

sustainable: in the human scale of time, is able to endure, thrive, and regenerate without overburdening the living systems of the earth.

sustainable society: one that satisfies its needs without jeopardizing opportunities for future generations.

Are our current lifestyles sustainable?

Probably not- No

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Adopted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, signed by all members of the United Nations in 2015

They established 17 SDGs, which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

first 10 goals

last 7 goals

Sustainability requires reduction in inputs and outputs of human economies

•a shift to renewable energy •a reduction in waste • scaling down of lifestyles

Non-renewable natural resource/ energy

Minerals Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal)

Renewable natural resource/energy

energy: solar, wind, tides flowing water, geothermal, clean air, fertile soil, fresh water, biodiversity.

Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that are easily replenished or perpetually available.

Sustainable Energy

Renewable energy with low environmental impact.

How much renewable energy are we producing globally?

more electricity has been generated by biofuels

energy demand still going up despite all renewable that is being generated

Vancouver’s Energy

98% currently comes from BC Hydro (a renewable energy source) Targets to go 100% renewable for all its energy (not just electricity):

Waste: a human concept

In science, the law of conservation of matter states that matter is neither created nor destroyed.

In natural systems, expelled matter is recycled by another organism.

In human systems, we expel waste. There is no waste in natural ecosystems: all matter continues to be used in other forms.

Waste, or trash, is unique to humans, and is defined as products of human creation that are no longer wanted and so are thrown ‘away’.

What is our waste composed of?

Waste Disposal and Diversion in Canada

Ecological Footprint

The impact a country or individual has on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to support their use of natural resources