Unit 2; 1.4 What is an Environmentally Sustainable Society?

Conservationists

people who want resources managed wisely and scientifically in a way that allows people to use the resources while making sure that there are resources available in the future

Preservationists

people who want resources set aside and protected so they cannot be used

Both Rachel Carson and Cuyahoga River

made the public demand government action to help protect the environment

natural income

Portion of renewable resources that can be used sustainably.

human-centered

believe the world is here to benefit humans

Earth-centered

believes we should learn from nature to benefit the whole planet

Rachel Carson

published a book (Silent Spring) showing the effect of a pesticide, DDT, on wildlife

Cuyahoga River

so polluted that it caught fire several times

Earth Day

started in 1970; people protested for the government to protect the environment

protect natural capital and live off natural income

this means that you only use a small portion of resources and leave enough there to regenerate; analogy with money - win $1 million and invest it. You can earn money from your investment and if you only spend that money, you will always have your original $1 million. If you just spend from the $1 million, you will eventually run out of money

Early colonists

thought we would never run out of resources in America

life-centered

want to keep all species alive regardless of value

environmentally sustainable society

when you protect natural capital and live off natural income; Society that meets the current and future needs of its people for basic resources in a just and equitable manner without compromising the ability of future generations of humans and other species from meeting their basic needs.