ESS 1.3 Sustainability

sustainability (1.3.1)

The ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves balancing environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being. Example: Costa Rica's commitment to renewable energy, with 98% of its electricity coming from renewable sources in 2021.

environmental sustainability (1.3.3)

The responsible use and management of natural resources that allows for their replacement, recovery, and regeneration of ecosystems. Example: The sustainable forestry practices in Sweden, where the forest area has doubled in the last 100 years.

social sustainability (1.3.4)

The creation and maintenance of social structures and systems that support human well-being, including health, education, equity, and community. Example: The universal healthcare system in Canada, which provides access to medical services for all citizens.

economic sustainability (1.3.5)

The development of economic structures and systems that support long-term production and consumption of goods and services to meet human needs. Example: The circular economy model adopted by the Netherlands, aiming to reuse raw materials and reduce waste.

sustainable development (1.3.6)

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic, social, and environmental factors. Example: Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index, which measures development based on environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and equitable socio-economic development.

ecosystem collapse (1.3.7)

The breakdown of an ecosystem's structure and function due to severe disturbances, often caused by human activities. Example: The collapse of the cod fishery in Newfoundland, Canada, in the 1990s due to overfishing.

gross domestic product (GDP) (1.3.8)

The total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. Example: The United States produced approximately $23 trillion of goods and services in 2021.

green GDP (1.3.8)

The total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period, while accounting for environmental costs and benefits, subtracting environmental degradation and depletion from traditional measures. Example: China's experimental calculations in the mid-2000s showed significantly lower economic growth rates when environmental costs were considered.

environmental justice (1.3.9)

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to environmental regulations and policies. Example: The movement against water contamination in Flint, Michigan, which disproportionately affected low-income and minority communities.

ecological footprint (1.3.13)

A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems, expressed as the area of biologically productive land and water required to support a population's consumption and absorb its waste. Example: In 2021, the average United States citizen required about 8 global hectares to meet their needs for the year.

carbon footprint (1.3.14)

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents. Example: The average Australian produces about 15 tons of CO2 equivalent per person per year.

water footprint (1.3.14)

The total volume of freshwater used to produce goods and services consumed by an individual, community, or business. Example: The production of one cup of coffee requires about 140 liters of water when considering the entire supply chain.

biocapacity (1.3.15)

The capacity of ecosystems to produce biological materials used by people and to absorb waste material generated by humans. Example: Brazil has some of the most productive land in the world, capable of supplying the equivalent of about 9 global hectares per person for resource use and waste absorption.

citizen science (1.3.16)

The participation of non-professional scientists in scientific research, often through data collection or analysis. Example: The Christmas Bird Count, an annual bird census conducted by volunteers across North and South America.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (1.3.18)

A set of 17 interconnected global goals established by the United Nations to address poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Example: SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

planetary boundaries model (1.3.19)

A framework that defines nine critical Earth system processes and their boundaries within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive. Example: The limit for climate change, which suggests limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

doughnut economics model (1.3.20)

An economic model that balances essential human needs with planetary boundaries, visualized as a doughnut-shaped diagram. Example: Amsterdam' has chosen to adopt this model to guide its circular economy strategy.

regenerative economy (1.3.20)

An economic system that restores and replenishes, rather than depletes and destroys, natural systems and communities. Example: Sustainable agricultural practices in India that improve soil health and biodiversity while producing food.

distributive economy (1.3.20)

An economic system that fairly distributes value among all stakeholders who help generate it, rather than concentrating wealth. Example: The Mondragon Corporation in Spain, a federation of worker cooperatives that distributes profits among workers.

circular economy (1.3.21)

An economic model that aims to eliminate waste and maximize resource use through continual reuse, repair, and recycling. Example: The ReFood program in Portugal, which collects and processes food waste into animal feed and organic fertilizer.