Environmental sustainability

Definition

Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible management of natural resources to ensure that ecosystems can continue to function and provide essential services for future generations. It involves balancing economic, social, and environmental needs, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity, reducing waste, and mitigating climate change to maintain a healthy planet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental sustainability emphasizes maintaining biodiversity, which is crucial for resilient ecosystems that can adapt to changes and stresses.
2. It advocates for practices like recycling and using renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and decrease pollution.
3. Incorporating sustainability into urban planning can lead to greener cities that promote healthier lifestyles and improve overall quality of life.
4. Climate change is a major challenge to environmental sustainability, requiring global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy systems.
5. The concept encourages stakeholder engagement, where governments, businesses, and communities work together to create policies that support sustainable practices.

Review Questions

• How does environmental sustainability influence urban planning decisions in modern cities?
  • Environmental sustainability plays a crucial role in urban planning by encouraging the integration of green spaces, efficient public transportation systems, and sustainable building practices. These decisions aim to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life for residents. By prioritizing sustainable development, cities can reduce pollution, conserve resources, and create healthier environments that are more resilient to climate change.
• Discuss the relationship between renewable resources and environmental sustainability in addressing global challenges.
  • Renewable resources are fundamental to achieving environmental sustainability as they provide alternatives to non-renewable resources that contribute to environmental degradation. By harnessing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This shift not only supports environmental health but also promotes energy security and economic stability by creating jobs in new industries focused on sustainable practices.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and their impact on global policies.
  • International agreements such as the Paris Agreement have proven effective in fostering global collaboration on environmental sustainability by setting binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction. These agreements encourage nations to commit to sustainable practices, share technology, and support developing countries in their sustainability efforts. However, their effectiveness often hinges on political will and enforcement mechanisms, highlighting the need for continuous engagement and adaptation of policies to address emerging environmental challenges.

Related terms

Ecological footprint: A measure of the environmental impact of an individual or community, expressed as the amount of land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated.

Renewable resources: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and timber, which are vital for achieving environmental sustainability.

Sustainable development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often linked to environmental sustainability.