DP IB ESS: SL 1.3 Sustainability Study Notes

Introduction to Sustainability

Understanding Sustainability Sustainability refers to the ability of a system to endure and remain viable (i.e. maintain its functionality and integrity) over time. In the context of socio-ecological systems, sustainability involves responsible practices that ensure resources are not depleted and conditions for future generations are not compromised.

Sustainability of Systems All human activities are interconnected within systems. Enhancing the resilience of these systems increases sustainability. This can be achieved by making sure the system's components are properly maintained.

• Example: A sustainable agricultural system must take into account multiple factors, such as soil health, water management, and biodiversity, to ensure long-term productivity without degrading the environment.

The Three Pillars of Sustainability Sustainability includes three pillars that are interdependent and must be balanced for overall sustainability:

1. Environmental sustainability

2. Social sustainability

3. Economic sustainability

• Relational Example: A business implementing green practices (environmental) might also improve employee well-being (social) and reduce unnecessary spending (economic) to improve the overall long-term sustainability of the business.

Models of Sustainability

• Weak Sustainability Models: These models only show an overlap in the three pillars. This type of model does not take into account the importance of the intricate relationships between the pillars.

• Strong Sustainability Models: These models show how the economy is nested within society and how both of these are nested within the natural environment. This type of model emphasises the interconnectivity of the three pillars.

Environmental Sustainability Strategies

Environmental sustainability focuses on the responsible use and management of natural resources to ensure their replenishment and preservation. It also focuses on allowing whole ecosystems to recover and regenerate.

Key Strategies:

• Resource Management: Practices that allow for the replacement of resources used, such as sustainable forestry practices.     * Example: Sustainable aquaculture and fishery management, where fishing quotas and habitat restoration efforts ensure the replenishment of fish stocks and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

• Pollution Control: Efforts that aim to minimise pollution and its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health.     * Example: Waste management schemes, like recycling programmes and waste-to-energy plants, reduce landfill waste and pollution (e.g., plastic pollution).

• Biodiversity Conservation: Preserving biodiversity ensures the resilience of ecosystems and supports their ability to adapt to changing conditions.     * Example: Conservation projects, like the reintroduction of native species or habitat restoration initiatives, enhance biodiversity in local ecosystems.

• Active Regeneration: Beyond conservation efforts, active regeneration involves interventions aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems to a more natural state.     * Example: Wetland restoration projects, such as those undertaken in the Norfolk Broads (UK), involve re-establishing native vegetation and hydrological patterns to enhance ecosystem functions like flood control and water purification.

• Ecosystem Services: Sustainable practices recognise the value of ecosystem services, such as clean water, air purification, and carbon sequestration; they should aim to maintain or enhance these services.     * Example: Urban green spaces, like London's parks and gardens, provide essential ecosystem services by absorbing pollutants, mitigating urban heat island effects, and supporting biodiversity.

• Long-term Perspectives: Environmental sustainability requires consideration of long-term impacts and planning for the continued health and resilience of ecosystems.     * Example: Afforestation programmes, like the UK's Northern Forest initiative, aim to plant millions of trees to enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and mitigate climate change impacts over the coming decades.

Social and Economic Sustainability Strategies

Social Sustainability Social sustainability focuses on creating inclusive structures and systems that support human well-being and the longevity of societies and cultures.

• Community Development: Sustainable communities prioritise equitable access to resources, services, and opportunities for all members.     * Example: Community gardens promote access to fresh produce and help build social connections and local resilience (e.g., enhancing local food security).

• Cultural Preservation: Sustainability includes efforts to maintain cultural traditions, languages, and practices that contribute to the identity and cohesion of societies.     * Example: Initiatives to revive Indigenous languages or protect cultural heritage sites.

• Health and Education: Access to healthcare, education, and other essential services is crucial.     * Example: Public health campaigns targeting smoking cessation or healthy eating.

Economic Sustainability Economic sustainability involves creating economic systems that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

• Resource Efficiency: Prioritising efficiency, reducing waste, and reducing environmental impacts.     * Example: Adoption of circular economy principles in manufacturing, where products are designed for reuse or recycling.

• Long-term Planning: Considering factors like resource availability, technological advancements, and market stability.     * Example: Investment in renewable energy infrastructure reduces emissions and creates long-term economic opportunities.

• Equitable Growth: Seeking to reduce inequalities and ensure fair distribution of resources.     * Example: Microfinance initiatives providing financial capital to marginalised communities for entrepreneurial activities.

Examiner Tip: There can be no long-term economic sustainability without environmental sustainability; economies rely on natural resources to support activities.

Sustainable Development

Definition Sustainable development is a concept that aims to balance economic, social, and environmental factors to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Historical Context The concept gained wider recognition with the publication of the Brundtland Report in $1987$ by the World Commission on Environment and Development. It highlighted the importance of addressing social and economic issues alongside environmental concerns.

Examples of Sustainable Development

• Energy: Using renewable sources (wind, solar, hydropower) instead of non-renewable fossil fuels.

• Agriculture: Techniques that minimise environmental impact, such as crop rotation, soil conservation, and reduced pesticide/fertiliser use.

• Urban Planning: Creating liveable, efficient cities through public transportation, green spaces (green roofs/parks), and energy-efficient buildings.

Aspects of Sustainable Development Table

Case Study: Unsustainable Use of Natural Resources

Newfoundland Cod Fisheries The Newfoundland cod fishery was once one of the most productive in the world. Its collapse serves as a primary example of how mismanagement leads to ecosystem and economic disaster.

• Overfishing: In the mid-$20^{\text{th}}$ century, advancements like factory trawlers and sonar technology allowed catches to exceed reproductive rates.

• Ecosystem Impact: Cod were both predators and prey; their decline caused imbalances affecting other species and disrupting ecological processes.

• Economic Fallout: Tens of thousands of jobs were lost, leading to economic hardship and social difficulties in coastal communities, impacting industries from fishing to tourism.

Economic Indicators and Sustainability

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) vs. Green GDP Traditional indicators like GDP provide a limited view because GDP measures the value of goods and services produced but does not account for the depletion of natural resources or environmental degradation costs.

Green GDP Economists use Green GDP to adjust traditional calculations by subtracting environmental costs associated with economic activities.

• Application: In China, policymakers have begun incorporating Green GDP to recognise the importance of sustainability in achieving long-term economic prosperity.

Environmental Justice

Definition Environmental justice refers to the right of all people to live in a pollution-free environment and to have equitable (fair and equal) access to natural resources, regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, or nationality.

Inequalities and Disparities Disparities in income and race lead to unequal access to water, food, and energy.

• Example: In India, rural communities struggle to afford electricity, limiting job and development opportunities.

• Privatisation: Privatising water sources can exacerbate these issues via higher costs.

Forms of Environmental Injustice

• Local Level:     * Hazardous facilities (landfills, incinerators) located in low-income or minority neighbourhoods.     * Pollution hotspots causing health problems in poorer communities.     * Lack of green spaces or safe housing in economically disadvantaged areas.

• Global Level:     * Exploitation of resources in developing countries by multinational corporations.     * Export of hazardous waste from wealthy nations to poorer countries.     * Climate change impacts disproportionately affecting low-income countries with limited adaptation resources.

Environmental Justice Case Studies

Local: Altgeld Gardens Landfill, Chicago, USA

• A predominantly African American low-income neighbourhood.

• The landfill, operated since the $1940\text{s}$, was a dumping ground for municipal, hazardous, and toxic industrial waste.

• Residents suffer from air/water pollution, foul odours, and respiratory problems.

• The site continues to operate as a waste transfer station despite community protests.

Global: Plastic Waste Export to Southeast Asia

• European nations export plastic waste to Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

• The influx overwhelms local infrastructure; waste is often burned or disposed of improperly.

• This leads to air/water pollution and public health risks for local populations, increasing global inequalities.

Sustainability Indicators

Sustainability indicators are quantitative measures used to assess different dimensions of sustainability across scales.

Ecological Footprint (EF)

• Definition: A theoretical concept that quantifies the area of land and water required to support a specific population at a particular standard of living.

• Unit: Global hectares ($gha$) per capita per unit time.

• Biocapacity: The amount of resources the planet can provide sustainably.

• UK Context: The EF is estimated at approximately $4.2\,gha$ per person per year, while the biocapacity is only $1.7\,gha$, indicating unsustainable living.

Carbon Footprint

• Definition: Measures the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced by a person, activity, or business.

• Unit: Carbon dioxide equivalents ($CO_2e$) in tonnes per year.

• Example: A UK citizen's carbon footprint is approximately $5.5\,tonnes$ of $CO_2$ per year.

Water Footprint

• Definition: Measures the amount of water used directly or indirectly for goods and services.

• Unit: Cubic metres ($m^3$) per year.

Citizen Science

Citizen science involves the public participating in scientific research.

Impact and Examples:

• Monitoring Earth Systems:     * OPAL (Open Air Laboratories): UK citizens monitor air/water quality and biodiversity.     * GLOBE Programme: Global students/citizens share environmental data for climate research.

• Research Integration:     * UK Ladybird Survey: Monitors ladybird populations to study invasive species/climate impacts.     * Bioblitz Events: Scientists and public survey species in specific areas.     * The Big Garden Birdwatch: Annual UK event monitoring bird populations.     * National Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme: Aids researchers in understanding threats to pollinators.     * Project Bud Burst: Records plant phenology to study climate change.     * The Big Butterfly Count: Records butterfly sightings to monitor population changes.

Sustainability Frameworks: UN SDGs

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ($2015$) The UN established $17$ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and $169$ targets.

The 17 Goals:

1. No Poverty: End all forms of poverty.

2. Zero Hunger: Achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture.

3. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives for all.

4. Quality Education: Inclusive and equitable quality education.

5. Gender Equality: Empower all women and girls.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Sustainable management of water.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Sustainable energy for all.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Sustained, inclusive economic growth.

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure.

10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities inclusive and safe.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable patterns.

13. Climate Action: Urgent action to combat climate change.

14. Life Below Water: Conserve oceans and marine resources.

15. Life on Land: Protect terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss.

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Effective, accountable institutions.

17. Partnerships for the Goals: Revitalise global partnerships.

Assessment:

• Uses: Provides common ground for policy, global relevance (developed/developing), and galvanises the international community.

• Limitations: Insufficient ambition, top-down approach, ignoring local contexts, and data deficiency.

Planetary Boundaries Model

This model outlines $9$ critical processes regulating Earth's stability (the Holocene).

The Nine Boundaries:

1. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and sea levels. Example: Hurricanes.

2. Biosphere Integrity: Biodiversity loss. Example: Amazon deforestation.

3. Biogeochemical Flows: Nitrogen/Phosphorus cycle disruption. Example: Gulf of Mexico "Dead Zone."

4. Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: Thinning via CFCs. Example: Antarctic ozone hole.

5. Ocean Acidification: Lowering pH via $CO_2$ absorption. Example: Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching.

6. Freshwater Use: Unsustainable extraction. Example: Aral Sea shrinking.

7. Land System Change: Conversion to urban/agri areas. Example: Amazon cattle ranching.

8. Chemical Pollution: Release of synthetic chemicals. Example: PCB contamination.

9. Atmospheric Aerosol Loading: Particulate matter emission. Example: City smog.

Assessment:

• Uses: Science-based limits, highlights comprehensive action beyond just climate, raises awareness.

• Limitations: Ignores societal/human dimensions, it is a work-in-progress, and global focus may not suit local action.

Alternative Economic Models

Doughnut Economics Model An economy that meets human needs while staying within ecological limits.

• Social Foundation: The inner ring; based on social SDGs (education, health, etc.).

• Ecological Ceiling: The outer ring; based on planetary boundaries.

• Safe and Just Space: The middle of the "doughnut" where humanity prospers in harmony.

• Regenerative Economy: Works within natural cycles (e.g., transitioning to solar).

• Distributive Economy: Shares value/opportunity equitably (e.g., universal basic income).

Circular Economy Model Designed to decouple growth from finite resource consumption.

• Principle 1: Eliminating waste and pollution. Redesigning products (e.g., biodegradable materials).

• Principle 2: Circulating products and materials. Maintenance, reuse, and repair (e.g., furniture repair services).

• Principle 3: Regenerating nature. Enhancing natural capital (e.g., regenerative agriculture).

• Butterfly Diagram (Ellen MacArthur Foundation):     * Biological Cycle: Biodegradable products return to nature.     * Technical Cycle: Products are recycled, reused, or remanufactured.

Assessment of Circular Model:

• Uses: Ecosystem restoration, GHG reduction, support for local food networks and communities.

• Limitations: Consumer/company awareness lack, regulation lack, technical limits (unrecyclable mixed materials), and financial barriers.