sustainability 3
Describe how prioritizing the education of girls around the world helps indirectly to reduce carbon emissions?
education = higher wages and greater upward mobility, which contribute to economic growth have children when they are ready and on their own terms maternal and infant mortality rates drop possibility to 'skip ahead' to greener technologies and bypass fossil fuel technologies (in slide, not sure how this relates to girls' education) equipped with skills to withstand / overcome the shocks of extreme weather events associated with climate change (climate gap issues).
How does food waste enhance global warming?
end up in landfills=anaerobic breakdown process release methane
3 pillars of sustainability
environment, economy, society
Which weather event causes maximum death?
extreme heat
How can reforestation help reduce GHG emissions?
forests sequesters or take in CO2. "[If] the world restore[s] 865 million acres of forest by 2030...12 - 30 Gt C02 would be removed from the atmosphere"(Humans add ~40 billion tons (gigatons) of carbon per year) -Drawdown ...that would be the size of approximately 1/3 of the contiguous U.S.,but spread across the entire world A number of programs have sprouted up to commit countries to restoring their forests and upping their carbon-storing capacities •Currently absorb ~0.8 Gt CO2 annually"If the world restores 865 million acres of forest by 2030...12- 30 Gt CO2 would be removed from the atmosphere"
Examples of reforestation
growing, nurturing, harvesting trees (quizlet) •Bonn (in Germany) Challenge: goal of 350 million hectares of trees by 2030 •China ambitious reforestation program ("Great Green Wall of China") •India and Pakistan with various efforts
What is the difference between weather and climate?
weather: daily changes in the atmosphere, rain, heat, thunderstorm climate: the average 15-20 yrs of weather data, average data over time.
carbon tax
•Companies pay a tax when they buy fossil fuels (coal, natural gas). The price is based on how much carbon is in the fuel. •Costs are sometimes passed onto customers. tax per unit of carbon emissions of fossil fuels. (quizlet)
That are some of the "low hanging fruits" (easy ways requiring little effort) of becoming more sustainable in our everyday lives?
•Eat less beef •Drive less• Waste less food •Consume less plastic •Recycle and compost when you can •Research where your clothing comes from and buy secondhand •VOTE
cap and trade
•Limits set on emissions. From this, standards are calculated for each facility (effective for sulfur dioxide emissions). •Power plants that emit less than the standard earn 'credits', which can be purchased by power plants whose emissions exceed the standards. Market-based system of pollution control whereby individual businesses can buy and sell emission credits even while the total level of industry pollution is capped at some level. (quizlet)
Provide some examples of what city climate plans are doing to address climate change concerns.
•Set concrete, specific, attainable goals that can guide policies •Transportation, green space, waste, energy, sustainable vendors use •Raise awareness, create a culture
Discuss obesity trends in the USA, and the connection to our transportation systems.
Prevalence of obesity in about 19.3% or 14.4 million children and adolescents aged 2-19 in 2018 Walking and biking to school and national obesity rates for kids and adolescents are inversely proportional Obesity has been rising, over 1/3rd US adults are clinically obese, and nearly 2/3rd overweight or obeseAverage life expectancy in US in 2019 was 78.79 years -it spends about twice the OECD average on healthcare In 2020, all US states and territories had more than 20% of adults with obesity. Only 3 states and DC had a prevalence of obesity of less than 25%. 35% or more adults had obesity in 16 states (AL is 39%. Contrast that with 1990, when no state was over 15%
full-cost accounting
QUIZLET definition, not really related to sustainability LOOK IN PP the process of evaluating and presenting to decision makers the relative benefits and costs of various alternatives
List some ways Auburn University addresses sustainability in engagement
Student & Employee Orientation Sustainability Speakers Series Sustainability Film Series Monthly Sustainability Digest Staff Professional Development Community PartnershipsInter-campus Collaboration
List some ways Auburn University addresses sustainability in policy, planning, and administration
Sustainability Policy Campus and Landscape Master Plans University Strategic Plan LEED Buildings Requirement Stormwater Management Fair Labor Code for Licensees Diversity and Affordability Wellbeing and Work
Resilience
The ability of a system to recover from disturbances, absorb shocks and survive, adjust and adapt to change ex. economic resilience after industry collapse. environmental resilience to protect a city and residents from stronger hurricanes, heat, or drought from climate change. the rate at which an ecosystem returns to its original state after a disturbance
How have street network systems evolved since the 1900s to the present?
The development pattern connectivity decreased Suburban development patterns reduced linear feet of streets necessary for development
climate gap
The disproportionate impact of climate change and climate change mitigation on certain social groups, such as people of color and the poor. (quizlet)
hoe many planetary boundaries have we surpassed? Which ones?
4 The Earth has nine Planetary Boundaries that determine the threshold beyond which human impact on Earth's systems will put society at risk 1. climate change, 2. biodiversity loss, 3. land-system change 4. biogeochemical flows all of them are tied to the health of the Earth's soil
Systems Thinking
A system is a coherently organized set of interconnected elements that create a dynamic whole rather than the sum of its parts. System are nested within other systems: -a cell, an organ, and a human body are all systems -ecosystem, an ocean, and economy are all also systems -Earth itself is a system, made of other nested systems Process for understanding how seemingly independent units within a larger entity interact with and influence one another.
Provide some examples of what college campuses are doing to lower their carbon footprints and address racial inequalities.
Access to more public transportation along with more renewable energy sources and green spaces. The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™(STARS) isa transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universitiesto measure their sustainability performance (academics, operations). Net 0 water, waste, emissions•
What is an urban growth boundary, and its purpose?
An urban growth boundary is a regional boundary set to control urban sprawl by mandating that the area inside the boundary be used for urban development and area outside be preserved in its natural state or used for agriculture ex. Portland
What are some pros and cons of using rooftop solar energy to reduce GHG emissions?
BELOW IS FROM OLD QUIZLET. CHECK POWERPOINT Pro:•Panels cost falling, due to incentives, manufacturing economies of scale, and advances in PV technology In rural areas can increase access to affordable, clean electricity - a tool for eliminating poverty. Con:High installation cost. installation costs can be 50% of a rooftop system (a limiting factor)
Describe some characteristics and benefits of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System,
BRT has dedicated right of way for buses (bus-only lanes)-combines some of feature of buses and subway systems--> frequent service, large capacity, dedicated travel lanes, traffic signal priority, and quick passenger loading and unloading from accessible, platform-level doors first one was in Brazil
Describe how family planning can help reduce carbon emissions.
CHECK POWER POINT (2 slides) Securing family planning worldwide has positive impacts on health, welfare, and life expectancy of women and children. When family planning focuses on providing healthcare and meeting expressed needs, empowerment, equality, and well-being are the result; •the benefits to the planet are side effects•225 million women in lower-income countries lack access to contraception •Also issues in other countries (e.g., 45% U.S. pregnancies are unplanned)
What are some ways AU is addressing food waste issues?
Campus Food Pantry provide non-perishable food items to aid AU students struggling with food insecurity. Large aerobic food composter
What are some examples of where solar farms can be built?
Can be placed on top of most surfaces (e.g., deserts, military bases, atop closed landfills, floating on reservoirs, etc.)
what are some characteristics and benefits of compact city development?
Characteristics: 1.higher density 2. mixed uses 3. better street connectivity Benefits: 1. helps lower overall community infrastructure costs by pulling land uses closer together 2. Connectivity creates a pedestrian-friendly street system by reducing walking distances, offering more route choices, more quiet local streets, and dispersing traffic - reducing reliance on arterials for all trips
Which country is leading the world in carbon dioxide emissions?
China
What are 'complete streets'?
Complete Streets accommodate cyclists, pedestrians, and public transportation riders, along with motor vehicles. Pedestrians and bicyclists are comfortable using complete streets. They improve the safety, convenience, efficiency, and accessibility of the transportation system for all users Separated sidewalks, bike lanes, consolidated improved access, underground utilities, raised median, narrower travel lanes. All beneficial to driver safety streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrian, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. These streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bike to work.
Explain the positive feedback loop of the "vicious cycle of congestion". Why does congestion return?
Congestion-->pressure to increase capacity-->new capacity-->lower friction to mobility-->urban sprawl incited-->growth in length and number of movements-->congestion
why is street network connectivity important? E.g., what are some sustainability benefits of enhanced street connectivity?
Connectivity creates a pedestrian-friendly street system by reducing walking distances, offering more route choices, more quiet local streets, and dispersing traffic - reducing reliance on arterials for all trips
sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
ecosystem services
Ecosystems are a community of living organisms interacting with non-living components of the environment. Energy, matter and nutrients cycle/move through ecosystems Ecosystems provide critical services for communities: 1. store water and regulate water flow. 2. purify water. 3. form soil 4. provide habitat 5. provide timber and other resources 6. regulate climate 7. purify air 8. cycle nutrients 9. provide recreation 10. pollinate plants 11. control erosion 12. provide pest control 13. dampen impacts from disturbance 14. filter runoff and treat waste 15. provide food
Externalities
Externalized costs often present significant challenges to human well-being and to sustainable management. Oil spills (drilling rigs, tankers, pipelines) responsible for billions $$$$ in costs to communities and environment paid by society. -Hidden 'costs' not included in crude oil price nor factored into gasoline price at the pump. -Extraction, transportation, burning, waste -Marketplace provides no incentives to reduce this negative externality.
What are some negative impacts of the climate gap?
From internet: Residents of minority and low-income communities, researchers say, are on the front lines of predicted climate change impacts; they are more likely to be exposed to health risks from increases in extreme heat events, air pollution, and infectious diseases, and are more vulnerable to the likely economic costs, such as job losses and increases in property damage.
From the Ted Talk video, what were the differences between compact and sprawl development in California for GHG emissions, household costs, and healthcare costs (d)
GHG emissions: tremendous saving in the compact because in Cali the biggest carbon emissions come from cars and cities that do not use cars as much, create big savings. Household costs: savings in the compact as well, less vehicle miles travels equals costs Health care: cleaner air in compact because less emissions means healthier population
List some ways Auburn University addresses sustainability in operations
Has Tiger transit to help with bulk transportation. The edge uses foods that can be grown in our gardens here at Auburn as well as giving the leftovers to people who have food insecurities. The Bioswale and rain garden also help reduce the water that is put into our systems and rivers.
How does transportation rank, in terms of its contribution to all types of CO2 emissions?
Highest CO2 emissions by economic sector Highest CO2 emissions by end-use sector In 2020 transportation sector had highest CO2 emissions by economic sector (27.2% of all GHG), and also the highest CO2 emissions by end-use sector (36.2% of total fossil fuel emissions) Passenger cars account for 38.5 % and light-duty trucks 18.9% of transportation CO2 emissions)
What is climate resilience? (D)
How a system is able to respond to changes in climate. Climate resilience is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate.
How can we better manage our refrigerators and A/Cs to reduce their environmental impact?
If we prevent refrigerants from leaking and switch to using cleaner chemicals, it would be like keeping nearly 90 Gt of C02 out of the atmosphere. substitute for propane and ammonium, or transform to other chemicals ??? LOOK AT lecture, Kigali agreement
What is the disparity of pedestrian and bicycle mode share, fatalities, and funding?
In 2009, only 2.1% federal transportation funds were used for pedestrian and bicycle, but they account for 11.4% trips and 15% traffic fatalities. The number of people struck and killed while walking has grown by 45% over the last decade
What are some ways to reduce food waste at the retail, policy, and individual level?
In Lower-income Regions:•Improving infrastructure for storage, processing, and transportationIn Higher-income Regions:•Retail and consumer level•National food-waste targets and policies
Why is flooding risk from climate change a potential climate gap issue? (D)
People who live along the coast may not have the opportunity or the money necessary to move away from areas that are susceptible to flooding. Most of these people wont have houses that are raised above the ground and cannot afford to get their houses raised. Lessons from Hurricane Katrina show us that if we had properly maintained the levees to protect the Lower Ninth Ward, the devastating flooding of New Orleans could have been avoided.
What are some examples of changes in phenology from climate change?
Phenology, or the timing of the annual cycles of plants and animals, is extremely sensitive to changes in climate. We know that plants and animals may adjust the timing of certain phenological events, such as tree flowering or migration, based on changes in weather. An example of this is duck migration. Due to climate changes, they are returning to colder climates than what is expected because it is hotter where they were.
What are some examples of how policy can address the climate gap?
Policies that make system wide changes can help address the climate gap by reducing the effects of climate change. Examples of this could be reducing carbon emissions, building green areas, or setting up sea walls.
What is the 'urban heat island' effect and why is it a climate gap issue? (D)
"Urban heat islands" occur when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. This effect increases energy costs (e.g., for air conditioning), air pollution levels, and heat-related illness and mortality. Usually poorer people live in urban areas and are the most affected by the urban heat areas. Minorities and the poor are more likely to live in urban centers with less tree cover to reduce heat and more concrete and pavement to trap it. They also have less access to air conditioning, and are less likely to own cars to escape extreme weather events.
What are the 3 ways we replicate nature for storm water mgmt.? (tour)
1) Bioswale 2)Rain Gardens 3) Green Rooftops
What are 5 characteristics of a sprawling city development pattern?
1. Leapfrog or scattered community 2. Commercial strip development 3. Expanses of low density development 4. Automobile centric development 5. segregated land uses- lack or missed use
EPA's Smart growth principles
1. Mixed land uses 2. Take advantage of compact building design 3. create a range of housing opportunities and choices 4. create walkable neighborhoods. 5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place 6. Preserve open space, farmland natural beauty and critical environment areas. 7. Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities 8. Provide a variety of transportation choices 9. Make development decisions predictable, fair,and cost effective 10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions
Be familiar with some of the principles for building better cities (from Ted Talk) (d)
1. PRESERVE the national environment, the history, the critical (agriculture)? 2. MIX. Meaning mixed incomes, group, mixed-land use 3. WALK. 4. BIKE-the most efficient means of transportation we know. China has put 6 meters of bike lane on every street. 5. CONNECT; street network that allows many routes instead of singular routes and provides many kinds of streets instead of just one. 6. RIDE; we have to invest more in transit. Autonomous vehicles are not going to solve the problem and are going to actually generate more traffic, more MVT. BRT. 7. FOCUS https://medium.com/@coraliecarbonneau/7-principles-for-building-better-cities-eca8bc570be1 1 — Preserve Preserve natural ecologies, agrarian landscapes and cultural heritage sites. 2 — Mix Create mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhoods. Mixed use is already popular in city planning, but Peter Calthorpe emphasizes that the creation of cities where mixed income, mixed age groups as well as mixed-land use must remain a priority. By creating such mixed environment, it will allow a better integration of varied communities and reduce inequality between individuals. 3 — Walk Design walkable streets and human scale neighborhoods. "There's no great city that you don't enjoy walking in." Places where walking is almost impossible is not enjoyable to visit, and we just don't go there. This is the conclusion that the urban planner drew in his exposé. Because we go on vacation where walking is easy and enjoyable, why not make it so everywhere else? 4 — Bike Prioritize bicycle networks and auto-free streets. Bike is the most efficient means of transportation that exists. Many examples of great urban planned city evolves around the utilisation of bicycles. In Europe, Copenhague and Amsterdam are two great examples of such cities. Still, this system can be implanted almost everywhere in the world. In Asia, bicycles were historically very important as a means of transportation. With the proliferation of the autonomous vehicle and it's cheaper alternative, the motorized bike, the bicycle was left behind. Initiative, like the new policies adopted by the government of China to return to the use of bicycles in cities, will become more frequent, for the better. 5 — Connect Increase density of road network, limit block size. The idea behind this concept is to create a network of streets that will allow many routes to go to the same place, instead of singular routes. Also, those routes must be varied, must provide many kinds of streets, instead of only providing one. That way, citizens will be able to use varied means of transportation (walk, bike and transit transport) to go to the same place. 6 — Ride Develop high quality transit and affordable BRT. We have to invest more in transit transportation. It is the only solution. Autonomous vehicles are not going to solve anything for us. As a matter of fact, they're going to generate more traffic, more VMT, than the alternative. Therefore, to limit the growth of this industry, we must provide better options to people. The idea is to present public transportation as the first choice alternative when walking and biking isn't an option. 7 — Focus Match density and mix to transit capacity. We have to use the varied means of transportation, like bicycle, public transportation and autonomous vehicle, to create a varied transit path. The place that each will occupy must depend on their affluence. Therefore, green means of transportation will have the priority in our street as well as in our mind.
What are some of the benefits of wind energy?
1. Wind is either competitive with, or less expensive than coal-generated electricity—and no fuel costs or pollution. 2. To build a wind farm takes ≤ 1 year, • quickly producing energy and investment return. 3. Reducing ongoing costs will soon make wind energy the least expensive source of electricity, perhaps within a decade. 4. Windfarms have small footprints (1% of the land), so grazing, farming, recreation, or conservation can happen simultaneously. 5. The wind energy potential of just Kansas, North Dakota, and Texaswould be sufficient to meet the energy demands of the contiguous U.S.
How can climate change affect your health?
1. children are at increased risk of heat stroke and illness. 2. some communities of color living in risk prone areas face cumulative exposure to multiple pollutants. 3. older adults are vulnerable to extreme events that cause power outages or require evacuation. 4. low income families are at risk of physical and mental illnesses during flooding and in crowded shelter conditions
what are some social and economic impacts of climate change from the lecture?
1. cost of adapting coastal areas to rising sea levels 2. loss of the capacity to work due to heat 3. more wars to gain access to limited resources 4. fresh water will be in short supply in some areas 5. relocation of whole towns 6. shrinking productivity of harvests 7. prices of basic foodstuffs and consumer goods will rise 8. extreme meteorological phenomena will cause widespread poverty 9 diseases will spread due to higher temperatures
How do different protein sources rank in their GHG emission impact?
Most meat based protein sources rank high in their GHG emissions along with some tree nuts. Plant and fish based protein sources are ranked lowerin in their GHG emissions.
4 compass points of Sustainability
Nature, the physical and biological limits of Earth's ecological systems must be respected Economy, human societies, communities, and organizations need functioning economies to provide for their needs and for support of their aspirations Society, social systems should be organized in ways that promote equity, fairness, resilience and opportunity for all. and Wellbeing, human beings have a right to be safe, have access to healthcare, have opportunity for self-expression, self-development, and a good quality of life.
From the storm water management tour you watched, Give an example of how nature does the following 1) slow water down, 2) spread water out 3) let water sink in
Nature: 1) Slows down water by dispersing where the water goes. This comes in the form of trees, natural dams, rocks, etc. 2) Spreads water with branching river paths and trees. Evaporation and rainfall also play a part 3) Lets water sink in with soil absorbing the water and sending it to natural water beds underground.
What does Doughnut Economics encourage?
PP "Meeting the human rights of every person within the means of our life-giving planet (bring all of humanity inside the Doughnut's safe and just place)."
What is the idea behind Biomimicry?
PP Nature as Model Nature as Measure Nature as Mentor the design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes.
What is the idea behind circular systems and cradle-to-cradle systems?
PP forces us to remake the way we make things, less impact
Inequity issues (e.g., wealth gap, health inequities)
People and communities that are found in lower income/ poorer areas have no way to get resources. These resources can come in the form of structural development, water supplies, food access, education, and health care opportunities.
Environmental Justice
The environmental justice movement came from communities that historically bore the brunt of hosting waste sites in their backyards. • In 1982 a predominantly African American county in N. Carolina protested a proposed toxic waste dump and galvanized the nation to talk about environmental racism. the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. A recognition that access to a clean, healthy environment is a fundamental right of all human beings.
Describe how can and trade and a carbon tax encourage industries to reduce GHG emissions
The more expensive carbon is (based on its high environmental cost), the more attractive other sources of energy will be (e.g., renewable energy sources) Cap and Trade and the Carbon Tax laws involve Full Cost Accounting for the effects of carbon emissions (externalities)(from production to consumption and all along the supply chain)
How should one prioritize becoming more sustainable in our everyday lives?
The most important step is understanding the effects of our actions. Once one has understood how their actions affect the world around them, they can make informed decisions to better themselves and the world.
How do different protein sources differ with respect to cost to the consumer?
The protein sources that have lower GHG emissions also tend to be the least expensive (some nuts and fish are exception)
How does sprawl isolate us into economic enclaves, land-use enclaves, and isolate us from nature? (D)
Transcript from TED Talk does not really explain: The key attribute is that it isolates people. It segregates people into economic enclaves and land-use enclaves. It separates them from nature. It doesn't allow the cross-fertilization, the interaction, that make cities great places and that make society thrive.
Which country is leading the world in carbon dioxide emissions per capita?
USA
Anthropocene
the modern geological era during which humans have dramatically affected the environment (quizlet) -believed to have begun in 1800s with the Industrial Revolution. _Human activity has major, planet-scale impact on climate and every living system
How does transportation affect the 4 compass points of sustainability Wellness / Nature / Society /Economics? (From "What is Transportation" slide)
Wellness: Access to transportation would allow people to get to places that would be hard to get to without a form of transportation. Nature: If more people are using public transportation, that reduces their carbon footprint, leading to a healthier and cleaner environment Society: A society that has access to transportation allows for more people to interact with that society. Economics: Less people would have to spend money on personal transportation. This would also give jobs to people who could maintain and work in transportation.
Examples of how addressing climate change also helps address SDGs (either directly or indirectly)
addressing climate change will help achieve Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, build stronger economies and safer, healthier, and more livable societies everywhere.
What is climate change?
any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time
Why is refrigerant management an important priority for reducing GHG emissions?
because the chemicals used in our refrigerators and A/C units trap 1000x more heat than CO2, so containing them is essential to stopping global warming
What are the 3 main GHGs?
carbon dioxide methane nitrous oxide
Not all gasses are created equal. Which GHG remains in the atmosphere for centuries? Which only for a decade or so?
centuries: CO2 decades: methane
Define mitigation, adaptation, and equity as they relate to climate change
mitigation: reducing greenhouse gas emissions adaptation: preparing for the impacts of climate change equity: moving towards a more racially equitable city. Everyone gets what they need to thrive
What are some examples of tipping points?
old ice in arctic vanishing/melting melting of glaciers changes in phenology global temperature increase
What is Smart Growth?
planned economic and community development that attempts to curb urban sprawl and worsening environmental conditions. (quizlet definition) development and conservation strategies that help protect natural environment and make communities more attractive, economically stronger, and socially diverse" Smart growth emerged as a reaction to sprawl - as suburbanization accelerated, many planners became concerned about environmental effects
What is the past and present difference in climate change?
rate/pace of change. We should be experiencing an ice age but instead are seeing rapid warming.
What is climate gap? (D) What are some examples of climate gap issues? (D)
the disproportionate and unequal impact the climate crisis has on people of color living in more polluted areas and the poor 1.suffer more during extreme weather ex. Katrina, heat waves 2. breathe dirtier air 3. pay even more for basic necessities 4. have fewer or shifting job opportunities
