ESS - Unit 1.4: Sustainability
what is the description of a supporting ecosystem service?
essential ecological processes for supporting life (e.g. soil formation, carbon cycle)
what is sustainable fashion?
producing clothes in a way to reduce the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry while still providing consumers with fashionable and functional clothing
define natural income
the careful and sustainable management of natural capital leading to the provision of more resources over time
what is the description of a provisioning ecosystem service?
the goods and services humans obtain from ecosystems (e.g. food, fuel)
define sustainability
the use and management of natural resources that allow full natural regeneration of the resources exploited and full recovery of the ecosystems affected by their extraction and use
what is the description of a cultural ecosystem service?
these services derive from humans interacting with nature in a culturally beneficial way (e.g. tourism, education)
how can an ecological footprint be reduced?
• adopt more sustainable practices (e.g. reduce meat consumption; use renewable energy sources; use public transport)
what is the society aspect of sustainable development?
• cultural diversity • social stability • education • healthcare • crime • personal freedom
what is the economy aspect of sustainable development?
• economic growth • developing nations • cost of urban infrastructure • energy-efficient buildings • ecosystem services • economic policies
how might sustainable fashion be incorporated?
• fabric from sustainable agriculture • biodegradable packaging • recycle, redesign and repair old clothes • shoes made from recycled rubber resin • natural dyes from plants • use renewable energy source • reduce and reuse water required during production • discourage fast fashion and unsustainable brands
when is EF a useful tool?
• for promoting sustainable development • for raising awareness about the impact pf human activities on the environment
what are the advantages of EIAs
+ a systematic process - can help identify and mitigate/avoid direct environmental impacts + assess indirect impacts + promotes public engagement - increases community involvement/awareness
what are the disadvantages of EIAs
- not always effective in identifying all impacts (especially if they are subject to bias) - only assess the potential impacts of proposed projects - can be expensive and time-consuming
what is sustainable development?
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
what is the description of a regulating ecosystem service?
a diverse set of services that shape and stabilise ecosystems (e.g. climate regulation, air quality regulation)
what is the millennium ecosystem assessment (MA)?
a major assessment of the human impact on the global environment
what are environmental impact assessments (EIA)?
a systematic process for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a proposed development project
define natural capital
anything that comes from nature that can be used to benefit humans
what is an ecological footprint (EF)?
measure the impact of human activities on the environment
what were the findings of the MA?
• in the last 50 years, humans have changed ecosystems at a faster rate than at any other time in history • changes have led to substantial gains in economic development at the cost of degrading many ecosystems • changes have substantially increased poverty in some societies
give examples of sustainable practices
• reducing waste • reducing resource use • conserving energy • using renewable resources • protecting biodiversity
what is the environmental aspect of sustainable development?
• renewable energy • waste management • water treatment • reduce, reuse, recycle • nature reserves • urban wildlife
outline the main stages of an EIA
• screening and scoping • baseline study and monitoring • assessment of environmental risk • mitigation • decision making
what are some ecosystem services?
• supporting services • regulating services • provisioning services • cultural services
what were the aims of the MA?
• to assess how changes to ecosystems have affected, are affecting and will affect human health and wellbeing • to assess the scientific basis for action to conserve and use ecosystems sustainably
give some examples of sustainable development
• use of renewable energy sources • sustainable agriculture • sustainable urban planning
