Unit 4Sustainable outdoor

Relationships

In this unit we will explore key characteristics of healthy environment and explore some of the threats to maintaining and sustaining healthy environments.

4.1.1

Sustainability andsustainable development.

Sustainability orEcological Sustainable development

(ESD)According to our text book sustainability refers to: “the practice of ensuring and equitable, healthy future for all people and natural environments”

Brundtland Commision definition 1987"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". It contains two key concepts:• the concept of 'needs', in particular the essential

needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and

• the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs.

Dimensions of sustainable development

Society… an understanding of social institutions and their role in change and development, as well as the democratic and participatory systems which give opportunity for the expression of opinion, the selection of governments, the forging of consensus and the resolution of differences.  Environment… An awareness of the resources and fragility of the physical environment and the effects on it of human activity and decisions, with a commitment to factoring environmental concerns into social and economic policy development.

Economy… skills to earn a living as well as a sensitivity to the limits and potential of economic growth and its impact on society and on the environment, with a commitment to assess personal and societal levels of consumption out of concern for the environment and for social justice. (UNESCO, 2010).

• Biosecurity• A term often used to refer to the preventative measures

used to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, quarantined pests and invasive species. In the context of this study, that definition is used in conjunction with a consideration of the security of food and other natural resources.

• Integrated farming• An approach to farming that combines the best traditional

methods with modern technology. Generally integrated farming combines both livestock and crop production and involves a more diverse method of farming than monoculture approaches. The aim of integrated farming is to achieve high productivity and a low environmental impact. Nation building The process of

Sustainability in actionVoluntary action taken by people

Ecotourismsustainable tourism that promotes cultural, environmental and conservation understandings.

Organic food Organic farmers use only sustainable methods, and therefore have no need for chemicals. Buying organic supports farmers and encourages others to go chemical free.

Land care, coast care, land for wildlifeVoluntary community organisations working together to address environmental issues such as habitat loss and land degradation.

Sustainable livingReduce energy consumption, less transport, veggie garden, recycle and compost, renewable energy.

Sustainability in actionPolitical intervention and mitigation

Carbon tax-$23 per tonne on industries that pollute/create carbon. (gas, power, fuel etc)-Cost will be passed onto consumers

Building and planning lawsHouses become more efficient using solar heating, recycled water, double glazed window and ventilation, recycled and less hazardous materials.Planning laws that set aside ‘green wedge’ areas around urban areas.

Green powerSolar, hydro, wave, tidal, wind etc

Criticisms of Sustainability

Vagueness of definition-Possibly open floods gates to more laws on people and less freedom.

Consequences-Poor will most likely suffer the most.-Who is willing to give up their lifestyle, human do not generally change until it is forced upon them (think 2012 the movie)

Who benefits-Is this just a sham to protect large multinational corporations that control most of the worlds wealth and resources.

Other options- Extinction of human race- Sustainable de-growth

People are the basis of all pollution and destruction. What is the point of reducing our car emissions by 5% if every year the amount of people and cars on the road increase by 5%?

GROWTH ITSELF IS UNSUSTAINABLE!

What do you think?

Brochure creationRead pg 259-263

Using each of the ways in which we can live in a sustainable manner you have just read create a brochure you could hand give to a friend to inform them of:• ways in which they can live in a

more sustainable manner• groups they could join and why• options for energy use• direct minimal impact action they

can undertake for a specific activity

Sustainability researchLook up Sustainability/Ecological Sustainable DevelopmentCome up with your own opinion and support your stance.

(Is it real, should we be, how to achieve it etc)

Climate change, water resources, biosecurity

Sustainable developmentChoose a sustainable development/initiative;• BEDZed UK• 60L Green building (pg 264)• Ford motor company• Origin energy• The Natural step (pg 265)

• What is the effectiveness of this?

Sustainable developmentCreate a review of this using the following questions..• Initiative practices (what are they

doing) (150 words)• What is the effectiveness of this?• What is in it for them?• What resources are being used

and what is being reduced• Effectiveness in working towards

sustainable development?• Where to from here? – what more

can be done?