1.3 - pillars of sustainability, unsustainable development, justice and inequality

sustainability

ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

three pillars of sustainability

• economic

• environmental

• social

environmental sustainability

responsible use and management of natural resources that allows:

• replacement of resources

• recovery of ecosystems

• regeneration of ecosystems

environmental performance index EPI

data driven summary, that ranks 180 countries on:

• climate change performance

• environmental health

• ecosystem vitality

economic sustainability

ability of an economy to support a defined level of economic production indefinitely

• efficient management of resources

• sustainable development

  • ensuring that needs are met without compromising future generations.

social sustainability

ability of a society to maintain well-being and quality of life for all its members while ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Earth overshoot day

the date each year when humanity's demand for ecological resources exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year.

sustainability indicators

• green GDP

  • value of goods/services that were produced without costs to environment

• human development index (HDI)

  • social, economic, and environmental health of a system.

• carbon footprint calculator

• biocapacity

tragedy of commons

individuals/groups acting in their own self-interest deplete shared resources, leading to long-term negative consequences for the entire community.

example of tragedy of commons

• Newfoundland cod fisheries collapse 1990’s

  • over fishing

  • technological advancements

  • failed control of fishing activities

  • depletion of cod population

  • unemployment

example unsustainable use of natural resources

• Ghana, Africa

  • world’s largest digital dumping site

  • e-waste recycled to extract valuable materials

  • human hazards: air pollution → respiratory problems, toxins

environmental justice

right of all people to live in pollution-free environment and have equitable access to natural resources regardless of their:

• race

• gender

• socio-economic status

• nationality

examples of environmental injustice

• Deepwater Horizon, Gulf of Mexico

  • drilling rig exploded → massive oil spill

  • contamination of marine and coastal ecosystems

  • affecting community of fishing and tourism

  • health problems

  • loss of cultural heritage

  • inadequate support and compensation

• Union Carbide, Bhopal India 1984

  • tons of toxic gas from pesticide plant

  • death and illness

  • contaminated soil and groundwater

  • uncleaned chemical waste

  • Union Carbide refused to take responsibility

inequality

uneven distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among society

examples of environmental inequality

• food inequality Haiti, Caribbean

  • often natural disasters and political instability

  • poor infrastructure for water and sanitation

  • deaths, malnutrition, hunger

• water toxicity in Flint Michigan, USA

  • switch from lake to Flint river caused water pipes to corrode

  • lead and contaminants in drinking water

• energy inequality Beirut, Lebanon

  • widespread blackouts to poor management

scales of sustainability and environmental indicators

• individual

  • choices in lifestyle/consumption

• business

  • sustainable practices

• community

  • collaboration to address issues

• city

  • sustainable initiatives

• country

  • policies, laws,systems

• global

  • international efforts