sustainability

Define sustainability

if something is sustainable it can be upheld or defended. It means we can keep something at a certain level. It is the ability to continue a defined behaviour indefinitely,

the rule of 72

the rule of 72 indicates that the time it takes for an economy's output to double. It is represented as 72/g where g is the average growth rate of the economy. For example if an economy grows a 4% per year then output will double in 72/4 or 18 years.

resource degradation

when natural resources become less productive over time. e.g. a river used for fishing becomes polluted fish may reproduce less and fie causing the river to be less productive,

what are the main functions of the environment

Provide resources: The environment enables services and goods to be produced, e.g. wood to make paper, seas to facilitate transport, farm produce as a source of food. Provide amenities- The environment offers experiences to enjoy, e.g. beautiful views, hill walks, lakes to fish in Absorb waste: The environment is used to absorb waste produces by humans e.g. trees convert CO2 to O2

2 ways you can measure income inequality

S80/S20 share ratio and the Gini coefficient

sustainable development

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

what is the HDI and what factors are included

Human Development Index. Life expectancy, birth rates (as a measure of the countries health standards), and on the average years of schooling and expected years of schooling (measure of the educational achievement). These measures along with GNI per capita, give an overall measure of economic welfare.

resource depletion

the reduction of available natural resources. The depletion of resources occurs when non-renewable resources e.g. gas, oil, coal are used and cannot be replaces

effects of inequality

1) Inequality threatens growth- Individuals at the bottom of the income distribution spectrum may lack the resources to invest in their skills and education. As a result they may not be able to reach their full potential, which holds back economic growth. 2) Inequality undermines social fairness- If the resources of an economy are unevenly distributed, it may threaten social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Both these effects can be evident if the high levels of inequality are five by greater number of people living in poverty. This group may face increased deprivation, homelessness or social exclusion 3) Inequality of income can lead to inequality of opportunity.- if incomes are distributed unequally, it can result in less equality of opportunity for the next generation. Family advantages that result from higher income and wealth may be passed on to the next generation, while other people become stuck in a cycle of multi-generational poverty traps.

what are the. main challenges in achieving SDGs

International instability -The Great Recession, political upheaval in various parts of the world and the growing problems caused by climate change have all brought instability and insecurity into our lives. Furthermore, in developing countries the effects of poverty, hunger, poor access to education and healthcare are felt most acutely. implementing the goals -Converting the redevelopment aims and goals into relevant local programmes is also challenging. Countries and communities need to raise finance and then measure the return on investment (using cost-benefit analysis). What measure accurately reflect sustainable development and how can a gov't tell if they are successful? Is an increase in the amount of household wealth sufficient to determine whether there has been an improvement in the quality of life? Should gov'ts use other measures. co-ordination between nation states -Good governance is the way in which power is used positively in the organisation of a country's economic and social resources for development. 2 issues are important here: 1)Is there a unified approach from all parts of society to introduce sustainable long-term practices? 2) How do countries co-ordinate with each other in implementing the SDGs

What are the three pillars of sustainability

economic, environmental, social

environmental sustainability

a sustainable environment a system would be able to maintain populations, biodiversity and overall functioning over an extended period

how are the 3 pillars of sustainability connected

in the 1983 Brundtland commission looked at these three overlapping areas of sustaining life on earth suggested that any change in one will disturb the other two. e.g. economic growth requires the use of non-renewable natural resources and produces harmful emissions, which will affect our social wellbeing and the environment. In the short term, there are many benefits of economic growth; businesses grow, profits increase, countries prosper, more people find work and the quality of life improves. Technology has enabled us to benefit from rapid communications, global travel and improved efficiencies, so as consumers we demand more and more. To grow, the economy feeds on natural resources, emits waste that pollutes the air and threatens the climate that life relies on. Our unlimited use of natural resources such as oil and gas that allow economic growth also deplete energy from the earth. This in turn undermines the foundation that economic growth is built on.

inequality

inequality of income or wealth is how the income earned in an economy is distributed unequally across the population

S80/S20 share ratio

measures the annual income of the wealthiest 20% of households compares to the poorest 20%. A score of 5 means the richest 20% earn 5 times as much as the poorest. A higher S80/20 ratio implies more income inequality; a lower score means less inequality. A perfect equality of income would be a score of 1

'GDP is the best indicator of wellbeing ' agree or disagree

no it is not it does not take into account negative externalities such as pollution or longer working hours.

Economic sustainability

the ability of an economy to support a defined level of economic production indefinitely

explain social sustainability

the ability of our social system, such as family business or nation to operate indefinitely at a defined level of social well-being and harmony,