Chapter 2 - Pillars of sustainability

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

Environmental, Social, Economic.

Why must the three pillars be balanced?

Focusing on one pillar can damage the others, so balance ensures long-term sustainability.

What is environmental sustainability?

Protecting natural resources and ecosystems for current and future generations.

What are key environmental challenges?

Climate change, pollution, waste, biodiversity loss, resource depletion.

What is the impact of poor environmental sustainability?

Resource depletion, ecosystem damage, increased climate risks.

What is social sustainability?

Ensuring fairness, wellbeing, and equality in society.

What are key social sustainability challenges?

Inequality, poor working conditions, lack of access to resources.

What is the impact of poor social sustainability?

Social inequality, unrest, reduced quality of life.

What is economic sustainability?

Long-term economic growth without harming society or the environment.

What are key economic sustainability challenges?

Resource scarcity, cost of sustainability, competition, market instability.

What is the impact of poor economic sustainability?

Business failure, unemployment, economic instability.

Why do conflicts occur between sustainability pillars?

Actions benefiting one pillar may negatively affect another (trade-offs).

Give an example of a conflict between pillars.

Conservation efforts (environmental) limiting local livelihoods (social/economic).

What is the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)?

A framework measuring business performance across People, Planet, and Profit.

What are the 3 Ps of the Triple Bottom Line?

People (social), Planet (environment), Profit (economic).