Define sustainability .

Sustainability is a measure of the extent to which a practice allows the long-term viability of a system.

Sustainability is made up of three interdependent pillars: environmental, social and .

Sustainability is made up of three interdependent pillars: environmental, social and economic .

Define environmental sustainability .

Environmental sustainability is the use and management of natural resources in a way that allows their replacement and the recovery and regeneration of ecosystems.

Define social sustainability .

Social sustainability focuses on creating the structures and systems, such as health, education and equity, that support human well-being.

Define economic sustainability .

Economic sustainability focuses on creating economic structures and systems that support the production and consumption of goods and services to meet human needs into the future.

Which sustainability model shows only an overlap between the three pillars, without capturing how interconnected they truly are?

The weak sustainability model shows only an overlap between the three pillars, without capturing how interconnected they truly are.

Which sustainability model shows the economy nested within society, and both nested within the natural environment?

The strong sustainability model shows the economy nested within society, and both nested within the natural environment.

True or False? A sustainable agricultural system only needs to consider soil health, and does not need to account for water management or biodiversity.

False. Sustainable agriculture must consider multiple interconnected factors, including soil health, water management and biodiversity.

Which UK wetland restoration project is an example of active environmental regeneration?

The Norfolk Broads wetland restoration project is an example of active environmental regeneration.

Which economic strategy designs products specifically for reuse or recycling to promote resource efficiency?

The circular economy is an economic strategy that designs products for reuse or recycling to promote resource efficiency.

Which community initiative promotes social sustainability by improving access to fresh produce and building local social connections?

Community gardens promote social sustainability by improving access to fresh produce and building local social connections.

True or False? Efforts to preserve Indigenous languages are an example of cultural preservation, which supports social sustainability.

True. Cultural preservation, such as reviving Indigenous languages, contributes to the identity and cohesion of societies.

Define sustainable development .

Sustainable development meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Examples of sustainable development include using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar or , instead of fossil fuels.

Examples of sustainable development include using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar or hydropower , instead of fossil fuels.

Which international report, published in 1987, introduced the concept of sustainable development?

The Brundtland Report (1987) introduced the concept of sustainable development.

Which organisation published the Brundtland Report in 1987?

The World Commission on Environment and Development published the Brundtland Report in 1987.

True or False? Gross domestic product (GDP) fully accounts for the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation.

False. GDP measures the value of goods and services produced but does not account for the depletion of natural resources or environmental degradation.

Green GDP adjusts traditional GDP calculations by accounting for the environmental costs and depletion of natural resources associated with economic activity.

Which historic fishery collapsed due to decades of overfishing enabled by technologies such as factory trawlers and sonar?

The Newfoundland cod fishery collapsed due to decades of overfishing enabled by technologies such as factory trawlers and sonar.

True or False? Cod played only a minor ecological role in their marine ecosystem, so their population decline had little effect on other species.

False. Cod were both predator and prey, so their decline led to imbalances in the marine ecosystem, affecting other species.

What economic consequence did coastal communities face after the collapse of the Newfoundland cod fishery?

Coastal communities faced tens of thousands of job losses and widespread economic hardship after the collapse of the Newfoundland cod fishery.

Which country has begun incorporating Green GDP into its economic planning to better recognise environmental sustainability?

China has begun incorporating Green GDP into its economic planning.

Define sustainable agriculture (as an example of sustainable development).

Sustainable agriculture uses techniques that minimise the negative environmental impact of farming, such as crop rotation, soil conservation and reduced use of pesticides and fertilisers.

Sustainable urban planning aims to create cities that are liveable and environmentally friendly, using strategies such as public transportation and .

Sustainable urban planning aims to create cities that are liveable and environmentally friendly, using strategies such as public transportation and green spaces .

Define environmental justice .

Environmental justice is the right of all people to live in a pollution-free environment and to have equitable access to natural resources, regardless of factors such as race, gender or socio-economic status.

Which landfill in Chicago, USA, is used as a case study of local environmental injustice affecting a predominantly African American, low-income neighbourhood?

The Altgeld Gardens Landfill in Chicago, USA, is used as a case study of local environmental injustice.

True or False? Despite decades of protests, the Altgeld Gardens Landfill has been permanently closed.

False. Despite community protests and lawsuits, the landfill continues to operate as a waste transfer station.

Define environmental injustice .

Environmental injustice is the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and benefits, often due to factors such as race, class or other social factors.

To which region has Europe increasingly exported its plastic waste, overwhelming local waste management infrastructure?

Europe has increasingly exported its plastic waste to Southeast Asia (e.g. Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam), overwhelming local waste management infrastructure.

The export of plastic waste from Europe to Southeast Asia increases existing inequalities between and developing countries.

The export of plastic waste from Europe to Southeast Asia increases existing inequalities between developed and developing countries.

Which type of facilities are often located in or near low-income or minority neighbourhoods, contributing to local environmental injustice?

Hazardous facilities , such as landfills, incinerators or industrial plants, are often located in or near low-income or minority neighbourhoods.

How does the impact of climate change tend to differ between wealthy and low-income countries?

Climate change impacts disproportionately affect low-income countries and communities , which have limited resources to adapt or mitigate.

Sustainability and environmental justice can be applied at scales ranging from the individual to the scale.

Sustainability and environmental justice can be applied at scales ranging from the individual to the global scale.

Which UN Sustainable Development Goal specifically focuses on fighting climate change?

SDG 13 specifically focuses on fighting climate change.

True or False? Multinational corporations exploiting natural resources in developing countries never leads to the displacement of Indigenous communities.

False. This exploitation can lead to environmental degradation and the displacement of Indigenous communities.

What broad social consequence does environmental injustice tend to have on vulnerable populations?

Environmental injustice tends to increase existing social inequalities and undermine human rights, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Define sustainability indicators .

Sustainability indicators are quantitative measures used to assess various aspects of sustainability, such as biodiversity, pollution or climate change.

Define ecological footprint .

An ecological footprint is a theoretical tool that quantifies the area of land and water required to support a population at a particular standard of living.

In which unit is an ecological footprint typically measured?

An ecological footprint is typically measured in global hectares (gha) per capita per unit time.

Biocapacity is the capacity of a given biologically productive area to generate an ongoing supply of renewable resources and to absorb its resulting wastes.

True or False? If a population's ecological footprint is smaller than the biocapacity available to it, this indicates the population is living unsustainably.

False. Unsustainability is indicated when the ecological footprint is greater than the available biocapacity, not smaller.

The UK's ecological footprint is estimated to be about 4.2 global hectares per person per year, while its biocapacity is only around gha per person per year.

The UK's ecological footprint is estimated to be about 4.2 global hectares per person per year, while its biocapacity is only around 1.7 gha per person per year.

Define carbon footprint .

A carbon footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced by a person, activity, business or country, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (tonnes) per year.

The carbon footprint of a UK citizen is approximately tonnes of CO2 per year.

The carbon footprint of a UK citizen is approximately 5.5 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Define water footprint .

A water footprint measures the amount of water used directly or indirectly to produce certain goods and services.

In which unit is a water footprint typically measured?

A water footprint is typically measured in cubic metres per year.

Sustainability indicators can be applied at a range of scales, from local to .

Sustainability indicators can be applied at a range of scales, from local to global .

Define citizen science .

Citizen science involves members of the public participating in scientific research projects by contributing data, observations or resources.

Which UK network engages citizens in monitoring local air and water quality, biodiversity and climate change impacts?

The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network engages UK citizens in monitoring local air and water quality, biodiversity and climate change impacts.

Which international programme involves students and citizens worldwide in collecting environmental data to understand global climate patterns?

The GLOBE Programme (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment) involves students and citizens worldwide in collecting environmental data.

The UK Ladybird Survey uses citizen scientists to monitor ladybird populations, aiding research into invasive species and the impact of on native biodiversity.

The UK Ladybird Survey uses citizen scientists to monitor ladybird populations, aiding research into invasive species and the impact of climate change on native biodiversity.

IBEnvironmental Systems & Societies (ESS)DPSLFlashcards1. Foundation1.3 Sustainability

1.3 Sustainability (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL): Flashcards

1/71

0Still learning

Know0

FrontIntroduction to Sustainability
Define sustainability.

Was this flashcard helpful?

Cards in this collection (71)

Define sustainability.
Sustainability is a measure of the extent to which a practice allows the long-term viability of a system.
Sustainability is made up of three interdependent pillars: environmental, social and .
Sustainability is made up of three interdependent pillars: environmental, social and economic.
Define environmental sustainability.
Environmental sustainability is the use and management of natural resources in a way that allows their replacement and the recovery and regeneration of ecosystems.
Define social sustainability.
Social sustainability focuses on creating the structures and systems, such as health, education and equity, that support human well-being.
Define economic sustainability.
Economic sustainability focuses on creating economic structures and systems that support the production and consumption of goods and services to meet human needs into the future.
Which sustainability model shows only an overlap between the three pillars, without capturing how interconnected they truly are?
The weak sustainability model shows only an overlap between the three pillars, without capturing how interconnected they truly are.
Which sustainability model shows the economy nested within society, and both nested within the natural environment?
The strong sustainability model shows the economy nested within society, and both nested within the natural environment.
True or False?
A sustainable agricultural system only needs to consider soil health, and does not need to account for water management or biodiversity.
False.
Sustainable agriculture must consider multiple interconnected factors, including soil health, water management and biodiversity.
Which UK wetland restoration project is an example of active environmental regeneration?
The Norfolk Broads wetland restoration project is an example of active environmental regeneration.
Which economic strategy designs products specifically for reuse or recycling to promote resource efficiency?
The circular economy is an economic strategy that designs products for reuse or recycling to promote resource efficiency.
Which community initiative promotes social sustainability by improving access to fresh produce and building local social connections?
Community gardens promote social sustainability by improving access to fresh produce and building local social connections.
True or False?
Efforts to preserve Indigenous languages are an example of cultural preservation, which supports social sustainability.
True.
Cultural preservation, such as reviving Indigenous languages, contributes to the identity and cohesion of societies.
Define sustainable development.
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Examples of sustainable development include using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar or , instead of fossil fuels.
Examples of sustainable development include using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar or hydropower, instead of fossil fuels.
Which international report, published in 1987, introduced the concept of sustainable development?
The Brundtland Report (1987) introduced the concept of sustainable development.
Which organisation published the Brundtland Report in 1987?
The World Commission on Environment and Development published the Brundtland Report in 1987.
True or False?
Gross domestic product (GDP) fully accounts for the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation.
False.
GDP measures the value of goods and services produced but does not account for the depletion of natural resources or environmental degradation.
Define Green GDP.
Green GDP adjusts traditional GDP calculations by accounting for the environmental costs and depletion of natural resources associated with economic activity.
Which historic fishery collapsed due to decades of overfishing enabled by technologies such as factory trawlers and sonar?
The Newfoundland cod fishery collapsed due to decades of overfishing enabled by technologies such as factory trawlers and sonar.
True or False?
Cod played only a minor ecological role in their marine ecosystem, so their population decline had little effect on other species.
False.
Cod were both predator and prey, so their decline led to imbalances in the marine ecosystem, affecting other species.
What economic consequence did coastal communities face after the collapse of the Newfoundland cod fishery?
Coastal communities faced tens of thousands of job losses and widespread economic hardship after the collapse of the Newfoundland cod fishery.
Which country has begun incorporating Green GDP into its economic planning to better recognise environmental sustainability?
China has begun incorporating Green GDP into its economic planning.
Define sustainable agriculture (as an example of sustainable development).
Sustainable agriculture uses techniques that minimise the negative environmental impact of farming, such as crop rotation, soil conservation and reduced use of pesticides and fertilisers.
Sustainable urban planning aims to create cities that are liveable and environmentally friendly, using strategies such as public transportation and .
Sustainable urban planning aims to create cities that are liveable and environmentally friendly, using strategies such as public transportation and green spaces.
Define environmental justice.
Environmental justice is the right of all people to live in a pollution-free environment and to have equitable access to natural resources, regardless of factors such as race, gender or socio-economic status.
Which landfill in Chicago, USA, is used as a case study of local environmental injustice affecting a predominantly African American, low-income neighbourhood?
The Altgeld Gardens Landfill in Chicago, USA, is used as a case study of local environmental injustice.
True or False?
Despite decades of protests, the Altgeld Gardens Landfill has been permanently closed.
False.
Despite community protests and lawsuits, the landfill continues to operate as a waste transfer station.
Define environmental injustice.
Environmental injustice is the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and benefits, often due to factors such as race, class or other social factors.
To which region has Europe increasingly exported its plastic waste, overwhelming local waste management infrastructure?
Europe has increasingly exported its plastic waste to Southeast Asia (e.g. Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam), overwhelming local waste management infrastructure.
The export of plastic waste from Europe to Southeast Asia increases existing inequalities between and developing countries.
The export of plastic waste from Europe to Southeast Asia increases existing inequalities between developed and developing countries.
Which type of facilities are often located in or near low-income or minority neighbourhoods, contributing to local environmental injustice?
Hazardous facilities, such as landfills, incinerators or industrial plants, are often located in or near low-income or minority neighbourhoods.
How does the impact of climate change tend to differ between wealthy and low-income countries?
Climate change impacts disproportionately affect low-income countries and communities, which have limited resources to adapt or mitigate.
Sustainability and environmental justice can be applied at scales ranging from the individual to the scale.
Sustainability and environmental justice can be applied at scales ranging from the individual to the global scale.
Which UN Sustainable Development Goal specifically focuses on fighting climate change?
SDG 13 specifically focuses on fighting climate change.
True or False?
Multinational corporations exploiting natural resources in developing countries never leads to the displacement of Indigenous communities.
False.
This exploitation can lead to environmental degradation and the displacement of Indigenous communities.
What broad social consequence does environmental injustice tend to have on vulnerable populations?
Environmental injustice tends to increase existing social inequalities and undermine human rights, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Define sustainability indicators.
Sustainability indicators are quantitative measures used to assess various aspects of sustainability, such as biodiversity, pollution or climate change.
Define ecological footprint.
An ecological footprint is a theoretical tool that quantifies the area of land and water required to support a population at a particular standard of living.
In which unit is an ecological footprint typically measured?
An ecological footprint is typically measured in global hectares (gha) per capita per unit time.
Define biocapacity.
Biocapacity is the capacity of a given biologically productive area to generate an ongoing supply of renewable resources and to absorb its resulting wastes.
True or False?
If a population's ecological footprint is smaller than the biocapacity available to it, this indicates the population is living unsustainably.
False.
Unsustainability is indicated when the ecological footprint is greater than the available biocapacity, not smaller.
The UK's ecological footprint is estimated to be about 4.2 global hectares per person per year, while its biocapacity is only around gha per person per year.
The UK's ecological footprint is estimated to be about 4.2 global hectares per person per year, while its biocapacity is only around 1.7 gha per person per year.
Define carbon footprint.
A carbon footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced by a person, activity, business or country, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (tonnes) per year.
The carbon footprint of a UK citizen is approximately tonnes of CO2 per year.
The carbon footprint of a UK citizen is approximately 5.5 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Define water footprint.
A water footprint measures the amount of water used directly or indirectly to produce certain goods and services.
In which unit is a water footprint typically measured?
A water footprint is typically measured in cubic metres per year.
Sustainability indicators can be applied at a range of scales, from local to .
Sustainability indicators can be applied at a range of scales, from local to global.
Define citizen science.
Citizen science involves members of the public participating in scientific research projects by contributing data, observations or resources.
Which UK network engages citizens in monitoring local air and water quality, biodiversity and climate change impacts?
The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network engages UK citizens in monitoring local air and water quality, biodiversity and climate change impacts.
Which international programme involves students and citizens worldwide in collecting environmental data to understand global climate patterns?
The GLOBE Programme (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment) involves students and citizens worldwide in collecting environmental data.
The UK Ladybird Survey uses citizen scientists to monitor ladybird populations, aiding research into invasive species and the impact of on native biodiversity.
The UK Ladybird Survey uses citizen scientists to monitor ladybird populations, aiding research into invasive species and the impact of climate change on native biodiversity.
Which type of citizen science event brings together scientists and the public to survey and record species in a specific area?
Bioblitz events bring together scientists and the public to survey and record species in a specific area.
True or False?
The Big Garden Birdwatch is a one-off event that has only ever been held once in the UK.
False.
It is an annual UK citizen science event where participants observe and record bird species visiting their gardens.
Which UK citizen science scheme collects data on bumblebee sightings and abundance to help researchers understand threats to pollinators?
The National Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme collects data on bumblebee sightings and abundance.
What do participants observe and record as part of "Project Bud Burst"?
Participants in Project Bud Burst observe and record plant phenology to study the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
Which annual UK event has volunteers record butterfly sightings to monitor population changes?
The Big Butterfly Count is an annual UK event in which volunteers record butterfly sightings to monitor population changes.
True or False?
Citizen science offers no benefit beyond collecting extra data, since all participants share the same background and perspective.
False.
Citizen scientists have varied backgrounds, locations and perspectives, which contribute to more comprehensive datasets.
Why can citizen science be valuable for assessing whether Earth's resources are being used sustainably?
Citizen science can play an important role in monitoring Earth systems and assessing whether resources are being used sustainably.
Define UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of social and environmental goals and targets that guide action on sustainability and environmental justice.
How many goals make up the SDG model?
The SDG model consists of 17 goals and 169 targets.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals were established in 2015 as part of the Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals were established in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
What is one criticism of the SDGs relating to how much they involve local communities in decision-making?
The SDGs are criticised for taking a top-down approach that fails to adequately involve local communities in decision-making.
True or False?
A lack of comprehensive and accurate data does not affect our ability to monitor progress towards the SDGs.
False.
Data deficiency hinders the monitoring and evaluation of progress towards achieving the SDGs.
What is one strength of the SDGs relating to how widely they can be applied?
The SDGs have global relevance, as they are applicable to both developed and developing countries.
Define planetary boundaries model.
The planetary boundaries model describes the nine processes and systems that have regulated the stability and resilience of the Earth system since the Holocene epoch.
What increased risk is associated with crossing one of the planetary boundaries' limits?
Crossing one of the planetary boundaries' limits increases the risk of abrupt and irreversible changes to Earth systems.
One limitation of the SDGs is that they may overlook the unique socio-cultural, economic and environmental contexts of different .
One limitation of the SDGs is that they may overlook the unique socio-cultural, economic and environmental contexts of different regions.
What is one criticism of the planetary boundaries model relating to the human dimension of sustainability?
The planetary boundaries model is criticised for ignoring societal factors, focusing only on ecological systems.
True or False?
The planetary boundaries model is a fixed, unchanging set of limits that never needs to be revised.
False.
Assessments of the planetary boundaries are constantly changing as new data becomes available.
What is one strength of the planetary boundaries model relating to the range of environmental issues it covers?
The planetary boundaries model highlights the need for comprehensive action, shifting focus beyond climate change to other critical environmental issues.
What is one strength of the SDGs relating to bringing countries together?
The SDGs can galvanise the international community, encouraging collaboration among nations and stakeholders.

Sign up to unlock flashcards

By signing up you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Previous:1.2 SystemsNext:2.1 Individuals, Populations, Communities & Ecosystems