Introduction to Sustainability (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Understanding Sustainability

• Sustainability refers to the ability of a system to endure and remain viable (i.e. maintain its functionality and integrity) over time

• In the context of socio-ecological systems, sustainability involves responsible practices that ensure resources are not depleted and conditions for future generations are not compromised

Sustainability of systems

• All human activities are interconnected within systems

• Enhancing the resilience of these systems increases sustainability

  • This can be achieved by making sure the system's components are properly maintained

  • For example, a sustainable agricultural system must take into account multiple factors, such as soil health, water management and biodiversity, to ensure long-term productivity without degrading the environment

The three pillars of sustainability

• Sustainability includes three pillars:

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Social sustainability

  • Economic sustainability

• These pillars are interdependent and must be balanced for overall sustainability

  • For example, a business implementing green practices (environmental) might also improve employee well-being (social) and reduce unnecessary spending (economic) to improve the overall long-term sustainability of the business

Models of sustainability

• Weak sustainability models only show an overlap in the three pillars

  • This type of model does not take into account the importance of the intricate relationships between the pillars

• Strong sustainability models show how the economy is nested within society and how both of these are nested within the natural environment

  • This type of model emphasises the interconnectivity of the three pillars

Awaiting image: Weak sustainability model vs strong sustainability model

Environmental sustainability

• Environmental sustainability focuses on the responsible use and management of natural resources to ensure their replenishment and the preservation of these resources

  • It also focuses on allowing whole ecosystems to recover and regenerate

• Strategies to achieve environmental sustainability include the following:

  • Resource management:

    • Practices that allow for the replacement of resources used, such as sustainable forestry practices

    • Example: sustainable aquaculture and fishery management, where fishing quotas and habitat restoration efforts ensure the replenishment of fish stocks and the preservation of marine ecosystems

  • Pollution control:

    • Efforts that aim to minimise pollution and its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health

    • Example: waste management schemes, like recycling programmes and waste-to-energy plants, reduce landfill waste and pollution, e.g. plastic pollution

  • Biodiversity conservation:

    • Preserving biodiversity ensures the resilience of ecosystems and supports their ability to adapt to changing conditions

    • Example: conservation projects, like the reintroduction of native species or habitat restoration initiatives, enhance biodiversity in local ecosystems

  • Active regeneration:

    • Beyond conservation efforts, active regeneration involves interventions aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems to a more natural state

    • Example: wetland restoration projects, such as those undertaken in the Norfolk Broads (UK), involve re-establishing native vegetation and hydrological patterns to enhance ecosystem functions like flood control and water purification

  • Ecosystem services:

    • Sustainable practices recognise the value of ecosystem services, such as clean water, air purification and carbon sequestration; they should aim to maintain or enhance these services

    • Example: urban green spaces, like London's parks and gardens, provide essential ecosystem services by absorbing pollutants, mitigating urban heat island effects and supporting biodiversity

  • Long-term perspectives:

    • Environmental sustainability requires consideration of long-term impacts and planning for the continued health and resilience of ecosystems

    • Example: afforestation programmes, like the UK's Northern Forest initiative, aim to plant millions of trees to enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon and mitigate climate change impacts over the coming decades

Social sustainability

• Social sustainability focuses on creating inclusive structures and systems that support human well-being and the longevity of societies and cultures

• Strategies to achieve social sustainability include the following:

  • Community development:

    • Sustainable communities prioritise equitable access to resources, services and opportunities for all members

    • Example: community gardens not only promote access to fresh produce but can also help build social connections and local resilience (e.g. by enhancing local food security)

  • Cultural preservation:

    • Sustainability includes efforts to maintain cultural traditions, languages and practices that contribute to the identity and cohesion of societies

    • Example: initiatives to revive Indigenous languages or protect cultural heritage sites can promote social sustainability by preserving cultural diversity

  • Health and education:

    • Access to healthcare, education and other essential services is crucial for social sustainability

    • Example: public health campaigns targeting issues like quitting smoking or adopting healthy eating habits can improve community well-being

Economic sustainability

• Economic sustainability involves creating economic systems that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

• Strategies to achieve economic sustainability include the following:

  • Resource efficiency:

    • Sustainable economic practices prioritise resource efficiency, reducing waste and reducing environmental impacts

    • Example: adoption of circular economy principles in manufacturing, where products are specifically designed for reuse or recycling, promotes economic sustainability

  • Long-term planning:

    • Economic sustainability requires planning for the long term, considering factors like resource availability, technological advancements and market stability

    • Example: investment in renewable energy infrastructure not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates long-term economic opportunities in the clean energy sector

  • Equitable growth:

    • Sustainable economic development seeks to reduce inequalities and ensure fair distribution of resources and opportunities

    • Example: microfinance initiatives can help marginalised communities by providing access to financial capital for entrepreneurial activities and promoting economic sustainability at the grassroots level