1.3 Sustainability

Sustainability

The use and management of resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Natural Capital

The world’s stocks of natural assets — including geology, soil, air, water, and living organisms — from which humans derive ecosystem services.

Natural Income

The yield obtained from natural capital (e.g. timber, clean water, oxygen produced by forests).

Renewable Natural Capital

Can be replaced at the same rate as it is used (e.g. solar energy, timber, wind).

Non-renewable Natural Capital

Cannot be replaced within a human lifetime (e.g. fossil fuels, minerals).

Three Pillars of Sustainability

1. Environmental – maintaining ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.

2. Social – equity, access to basic resources, and community well-being.

3. Economic – ensuring financial stability and responsible growth.

Intragenerational Equity

Fairness between people and groups within the current generation.

Sustainability Indicators

Quantitative measures used to assess the sustainability of environmental, social, or economic systems.

Ecological Footprint

measures the area of land and water required to sustain a population’s resource use and waste assimilation.

EF < Biocapacity = Sustainable
EF > Biocapacity = Unsustainable

Biocapacity

the capacity of ecosystems to regenerate resources and absorb wastes.

Carbon Footprint

total greenhouse gas emissions (usually measured in CO₂-equivalent).

Water Footprint

total freshwater used directly and indirectly by an individual or society.

Citizen Science (benefits and limitations)

The collection and analysis of data by members of the public, often in collaboration with professional scientists.

Benefits:
✅ Increases public awareness and engagement.
✅ Generates large datasets over wide areas.
✅ Reduces costs of scientific monitoring.

Limitations:
❌ Data may lack precision or consistency.
❌ Requires coordination and training.

Example (general):
Tracking bird migrations or plastic pollution by volunteers using mobile apps.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A process used before major development projects to predict and evaluate likely environmental impacts, propose mitigation, and inform decision-making.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals or species an environment can support indefinitely without degradation.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA)

A UN-led study assessing the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and providing a scientific basis for action to conserve and use ecosystems sustainably.

Planetary Boundaries Framework

Identifies environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate (e.g. climate change, biodiversity loss, nitrogen cycle).

Crossing these boundaries risks irreversible environmental change.

Linear Economy

“Take–make–dispose” model where resources are extracted, used, and discarded — unsustainable long-term.

Circular Economy

A model that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency by reusing, repairing, and recycling materials.

Green Economy

Promotes economic growth and development while ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity.

Steady-State Economy

A stable or mildly fluctuating economy that stays within ecological limits — focuses on quality of life rather than growth.