1.3 - Sustainability (Term/Definition Flashcards) (copy)

Sustainability

A measure of the extent to which practices allow for the long-term viability of a system and the responsible maintenance of socio-ecological systems for future generations.

Environmental Sustainability

The use and management of natural resources that allows for their replacement and the recovery of ecosystems. Focuses on resource depletion, pollution, and conserving biodiversity for future generations.

Social Sustainability

Creating structures and systems that support human well-being, including health, education, equity, and community currently and for future generations.

Economic Sustainability

Creating economic structures to support production and consumption of goods and services that meet human needs while ensuring future viability.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; incorporates social, economic, and environmental aspects.

Biocapacity

The capacity of a biologically productive area to generate renewable resources and absorb waste generated by humans.

Ecological Footprint

The area of land and water required to provide all resources consumed and absorb all waste produced for a specific population.

Carbon Footprint

A measure of greenhouse gases produced, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents.

Water Footprint

The total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual or community.

Planetary Boundaries Model

Describes nine processes regulating Earth system stability and identifies limits to human disturbance, with risks of abrupt changes if limits are crossed.

'Doughnut' Economics Model

A framework promoting a regenerative and distributive economy that meets human needs within planetary limits. The inner ring illustrates shortcomings in social sustainability. The outer ring represents the ecological ceiling, showing shortcomings in environmental sustainability (if planetary boundaries have been exceeded). The goal is to operate within the _____, where social foundations are met without breaching environmental limits.

Circular Economy

A model that promotes decoupling economic activity from finite resource consumption through waste elimination, product circulation, and nature regeneration.

Environmental Justice

The right of all people to live in a pollution-free environment and have equitable access to natural resources.

Green GDP

A measure that accounts for the environmental costs of economic activity by subtracting ecological damage from traditional GDP. For example, this includes quantifying the economic impact of pollution, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, making it a more accurate representation of sustainable growth.

Sustainability Indicators

Quantitative measures used to assess sustainability, encompassing aspects like biodiversity, pollution levels, and carbon footprints.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A set of global goals designed to address issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation to promote sustainability.

Citizen Science

Public participation in scientific research to monitor and improve environmental conditions. For example, eBird is a project where individuals contribute bird observations to track species populations and distribution worldwide.

Weak Sustainability Models

A model that shows no, or only partial overlap between environmental, social, and economic pillars.

Nested Dependencies Model

A strong sustainability model where the economy is entirely embedded within society, which is also embedded in the natural environment.

Resource Depletion

The exhaustion of natural resources due to overconsumption or unsustainable practices.

Ecosystem Recovery

The process of restoring the health and function of an ecosystem following degradation or exploitation.

Income Inequality

Disparities in income levels among individuals or groups, impacting access to resources like food, water, and energy.

Cultural Sustainability

Preserving and sustaining cultural practices, languages, and spiritual beliefs for future generations.

Active Regeneration of Ecosystems

Efforts to restore and enhance the health of ecosystems as part of environmental sustainability.

Hydroponics

A method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in water.

Regenerative Economy

An economic system that revitalizes natural resources and ecosystems while prioritizing social equity.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

An organization promoting the principles of a circular economy for sustainable development.

Great Acceleration

The period since the mid-20th century marked by exponential increases in human population, resource use, CO2 emissions, and other forms of environmental impact, driven by industrialization and economic growth.

Anthropocene

A proposed geological epoch that highlights the significant global impact of human activity on Earth's ecosystems and climate, surpassing natural processes.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size or level of resource use that Earth's systems can sustain indefinitely without degrading the environment.

Nature's Unifying Patterns

A set of qualities observed in natural ecosystems that ensure sustainability, like recycling all materials, using only the energy needed, and optimizing rather than maximizing resource use. These inspire human practices like recycling, efficient resource use, and building resilience to support long-term environmental sustainability.

Take-Make-Waste Economy

A linear economic system in which materials are extracted, products are made and consumed, and waste is discarded, often leading to environmental degradation.

Biocapacity Deficit

The condition where a population's ecological footprint exceeds the capacity of its environment to regenerate resources and absorb waste.

Biocapacity Reserve

The surplus available when a region's biocapacity exceeds its ecological footprint, indicating sustainable resource use.

Earth Overshoot Day

The date each year when humanity's resource consumption exceeds Earth's capacity to regenerate those resources for the year. For example, in 2023, it was on August 2. Currently, humanity is using resources equivalent to 1.75 Earths, meaning we are consuming resources much faster than they can be replenished.

Positive Feedback Loop

A reinforcing cycle where an initial change amplifies further changes. For example, economic inequality exacerbating environmental degradation, as the wealthy consume more resources and lobby for policies that protect their interests, further enabling unsustainable practices.

Human Development Index (HDI) and Planetary Pressures-Adjusted HDI (PHDI)

This composite indicator measures development based on life expectancy, education, and income. It also has an adjusted version, which considers environmental impacts like carbon emissions and resource use.

Material Footprint

The total amount of raw materials extracted to support an individual’s or population’s consumption of goods and services. E.g., metals, plastics, fossil fuels, etc.

Composite Indicators

Metrics that combine multiple data points, like the Human Development Index (HDI) which measures life expectancy, education, and income. These metrics are unique because they integrate multiple indicators into a single measure, offering a broader perspective compared to just single indicators.

Single Indicators

Metrics that measure just one characteristic, such as PM2.5 for air pollution, GDP per capita for income, or extinction rates for biodiversity, often focusing on specific aspects of sustainability or development.

PM2.5

A single indicator for pollution that measures dangerous fine particulate matter in the air, less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, posing health risks like respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Freshwater Change

Measures the use and depletion of water resources from both surface and underground sources, impacting ecosystems and human needs. This is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer due to human-made chemicals, reducing protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation. This is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Atmospheric Aerosol Loading

The accumulation of fine particles in the atmosphere from human activities, affecting cloud formation, rainfall, and air quality. This is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Ocean Acidification

The increase in ocean acidity due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, threatening marine ecosystems. This is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Biogeochemical Flows

The natural cycling of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus through ecosystems. Excessive human inputs, such as from fertilizer use, can disrupt these cycles, leading to harmful effects like oxygen-depleted water bodies (eutrophication). This is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Novel Entities/Chemical Pollution

Human-made chemicals or materials, such as plastics and toxins, introduced into ecosystems, potentially causing irreversible damage. This is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Climate Change

The alteration of Earth's climate system due to human activities, particularly through greenhouse gas emissions. This is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Land System Change

The conversion of natural landscapes for human use, reducing biodiversity and ecosystem services. This is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Biosphere Integrity

The health and functioning of Earth's ecosystems, including the diversity of life, the resilience of ecosystems, and their ability to support life. It is crucial for maintaining ecosystem services. It is one of the nine planetary boundaries.

Regenerative Agriculture

Farming practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and improve ecosystems while ensuring sustainable food production.

Rewilding

The process of restoring ecosystems to their natural state by reintroducing native species and reducing human intervention.