Introduction to Sustainable Development

Question 1

Definition of Sustainable Development (SD):

Answer 1

SD is a development that meets the needs of present without compromising ability of future generations needs to meet their own needs

Question 2

Root Causes of Unsustainability:

Answer 2

1. Extracting large flows of material from the Earth’s crust
   Example Coal
2. Accumulation of substances physically created by the society
   Example CO2
3. Physically inhibiting nature’s ability to run cycles
   Example. Cutting trees
4. Creating barriers to people in meeting their basic needs worldwide

Question 3

faced sustainability issues:

Answer 3

• Unsustainable agriculture
• Deforestation
• Land erosion
• Water shortage

Question 4

Why SD is a central concept for our age?

Answer 4

• Overpopulation ( Need for an increase in resources, More waste production)
• Overconsumption (Climate change, availability of fresh water, habitat destruction)

Question 5

SD tries to make sense of the interactions of three complex systems:

Answer 5

• The world economy
• The global society
• The Earth’s physical environment

Question 6

SD Goals:

Answer 6

Goal 2: zero hunger; End hunger, achieve food security andimproved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Goal 3: good health and wellbeing; Ensurehealthy livesand promote well-being for all at all ages.

Goal 6: clean water; Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Goal 12: responsible consumption and production; Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Goal 13: climate action; Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Question 7

Challenges to SD:

Answer 7

• Population increase
• Economic development
• Physical environment

Question 8

How do we sustain an increasing population?

Answer 8

reduce food waste, reduce consumption

Question 9

How do we increase/maintain prosperity and well-being for all?

Answer 9

clean water, clean food, spending time with family.

Question 10

How do we increase/maintain prosperity and well-being for all, without damaging the environment?

Answer 10

by the global goals

Question 11

Good governance => SD

Answer 11

• Democratic procedures
• Good health care
• Good education system
• Safe society
• Food security
• Care about environment

Question 12

Bad governance => anti SD

Answer 12

• Corruption
• Discrimination
• Lack of food security
• Lack of safety
• Lack of education
• Environmental pollution