ENST 150: Intro to Sustainability and Sustainability Definitions

What are the 3 common elements sustainability is defined with?

Some common elements between the various definitions of sustainability include: Current and future generations Interaction of natural and human systems Equity and justice

What frameworks can be used to model sustainability?

Sustainability can be organized to be represented in various structures. Some include: Theoretical Framework, such as the 3 pillars of sustainability and Goal or outcome oriented frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable development goals.

How is sustainability represented in the model of the Three Pillars of Sustainability?

Sustainability is represented as the synergy between society, economics, and environment.

What are the 3 pillars of sustainability?

The 3 pillars of sustainability model the overlap of these factors: Environmental Social Economic

How has the term sustainability generally been thought of in the past?

The concept of sustainability was connected to human-dominated ecological systems.

What is included in the economic aspect of the Three Pillars of Sustainability?

The economic factors are drivers for growth, profit, reducing costs, and investments into research and development, etc.

What is included in the environmental aspect of the Three Pillars of Sustainability?

The environmental aspects include use of natural resources, pollution prevention, biodiversity, and ecological health.

What is sustainable development?

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

When was the Sustainable Development Goals implemented?

In September 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which converged in setting 17 sustainable development goals. These goals link the conceptual understanding of sustainability to specific focus areas, where actions are needed.

How is sustainability related to ecosystems?

In ecology, sustainability characterizes the ability of biological systems to remain healthy, diverse, and productive over time.

What is the cross section of the social and economic factors modeled in the Three Pillars of Sustainability?

Interaction of social and economic spheres result in formulation of combined socio-economic aspects. Those are, for instance, business ethics, fair trade, and worker's benefits.

What are some of sustainability objectives? What does prioritizing sustainability aim to achieve?

1. Reduce/eliminate unsustainable extraction of natural resources 2. Reduce waste and pollution to a level that our natural system can process 3. Stop degradation or elimination of remaining intact natural systems 4. Change conditions and systems that undermine people's abilities to meet their needs

What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?

17 goals that became the common framework for governments and organizations developing sustainability plans, assessing new initiatives and emerging technologies, and tracking progress.

What is the cross section of the environmental and social factors modeled in the Three Pillars of Sustainability?

Intersection of social and environmental spheres lead to creation of conservation and environmental protection policies, establishment of environmental justice, and global stewardship for sustainable use of natural resources.

What is important to note from examining the Sustainable Development Goals?

Most of the goals still sound very general and would require specific measures (or metrics) to assess their achievement.

What was the purpose of the Our Common Future report?

Our Common Future served as further global guideline for the world's nations in formulating their political and economic agenda.

What was the result of the 1987 General Assembly of the United Nations in which an urgent call for change was issued?

The result of the 1987 General Assembly of the UN was the report named Our Common Future.

What is included in the social aspect of the Three Pillars of Sustainability?

The social aspects include standards of living, availability of education and jobs, and equal opportunities for all members of society.

What event/meeting initiated the discussion of sustainability?

The topic of sustainable development gained importance as it became a central discussion point at the 1987 General Assembly of United Nations (UN). The UN was concerned with the deterioration of the human environment, uneven development, poverty, population growth, and extreme demand on natural resources.

True or False: Sustainable development involved environmental, economic, and social aspects.

True, for a particular process to be sustainable it should not cause irreversible change to the environment, should be economically viable, and should benefit society.

How is human decision making related to sustainability?

With human decision making involved, sustainability attains a significant ethical aspect and transforms the social paradigm on success , growth, profit and standards of living. This reevaluation required a broader and more synergistic overview of many components of anthropological systems.

What is the cross section of the environmental and economic factors modeled in the Three Pillars of Sustainability?

a combination of economic and environmental interests facilitate increasing energy efficiency, development of renewable fuels, green technologies, and also creation of special incentives and subsidies for environmentally sound businesses.