chapter 1 sustainability 2010-1

8/4/2019 Chapter 1 Sustainability 2010-1

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Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Scienceand Sustainabilityand Sustainability


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Sustainability, is the ability of earths variousSustainability, is the ability of earths varioussystems to survive and adapt tosystems to survive and adapt toenvironmental conditions indefinitely.environmental conditions indefinitely.

The steps to sustainability must beThe steps to sustainability must be

supported by sound science.supported by sound science.

Sustainability: The Integrative ThemeSustainability: The Integrative Theme


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Sustainability and Natural CapitalSustainability and Natural Capital

Natural Capital is aNatural Capital is a

Key component ofKey component of

SustainabilitySustainability

Natural resources andNatural resources and

Natural Services thatNatural Services that

keep us and other lifekeep us and other life

forms alive andforms alive and

support our economiessupport our economies

Natural Capital isNatural Capital is

supported by solarsupported by solar

capital (energy fromcapital (energy from

sun)sun)


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Environmental Impact The environmental

impact of our use ofNatural Capital is

commonly referred to

an ecological footprint.Ecological footprints

determine the amount

of land needed tosustain an individual.


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Our Ecological Footprint

Humanitys ecological

footprint has exceeded

earths ecological

capacity. Figure 1-7Figure 1-7


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SolutionsSolutions

Solutions are needed to live sustainably.Solutions are needed to live sustainably.

Some solutions are not ideal and result inSome solutions are not ideal and result in

trade-offstrade-offs


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Environmental Worldviews

People have different views about

Environmental Problems and Their Solution

Planetary management worldview:Humans are the most important and dominant

beings and so therefore we should manage theplanet to our benefit (Use resources til they are

gone and find replacements)

Environmental Wisdom Worldview:We are part of the earth, we need the earth it

doesnt need us. Discourage waste, encourage

environmental sustainability.


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In making a shift toward sustainabilityIn making a shift toward sustainabilitydepends on the actions of individuals thatdepends on the actions of individuals that

live within that society.live within that society.

Sustainability and Natural CapitalSustainability and Natural Capital


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Aldo Leopold a leader inAldo Leopold a leader inthe conservation andthe conservation and

environmental movementsenvironmental movements

of the 20of the 20thth century believedcentury believed

that the human speciesthat the human species

should protect nature notshould protect nature not

conquer it.conquer it.

The individual is a memberThe individual is a member

of a community ofof a community of

interdependent partsinterdependent parts A Sand county AlmanacA Sand county Almanac

Environmental EthicsEnvironmental Ethics


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Four Scientific Principles ofFour Scientific Principles of

Sustainability: Copy NatureSustainability: Copy Nature

To live sustainablyTo live sustainably

we should copywe should copy

naturenature Reliance on SolarReliance on Solar

EnergyEnergy

BiodiversityBiodiversity Population ControlPopulation Control

Nutrient RecyclingNutrient Recycling

Figure 1-16Figure 1-16

chapter 1 sustainability 2010-1

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