Category: Environmental Sustainability

The Amazon rainforests, which are also called the lungs of the planet, produce 20% of the oxygen in the Earths atmosphere. This region includes vast territories that belong to several countries. Amazon rainforests have exceptional biological biodiversity since one in ten world-famous species lives in the Amazon rainforests, which makes this collection of living plants and animals the largest in the world. Moreover, these forests play a significant role in saving the planet from global warming. Nevertheless, there is a critical problem that needs immediate action since the area is constantly shrinking because of the Brazilian economy. Everything comes to the fact that now the Amazon rainforest needs salvation. The purpose of this research is to analyze the background of the problem, arguments from both sides of the debate, as well as to propose a beneficial solution.

Background

In the 1980s and 1990s, Amazons forest area began to decline gradually as farmers, miners, and loggers cleared land to grow crops, raise livestock, or sell timber. It was a way to make money in a region with high unemployment, enormous poverty, and a small state presence. Fortunately, during the 1980s, the environmental protection laws in Brazil started to appear and develop. Similar to legislation in other countries, the main idea of such initiatives was that those who threaten the environment should be held to account. During this time, licensing systems, fines, legal guidelines, and other tools have all been implemented and improved over the years.

Up until the beginning of the 21st century, Brazil became a prime example of how sustainable development can effectively coexist with economic growth. For example, Brazil was one of the first countries to implement a new approach to the protection of nature, such as the Amazon Fund. It is a mechanism that was created in 2008 in order to collect donations from the international community for forest conservation. According to researchers, an 80% decline in deforestation from 2005 to 2014 coincided with 3.5% average annual economic growth and a 56% total increase in national agricultural production (Unterstell 2019, para. 3). Such a result occurred since industries that for a long time caused deforestation have changed their methods of conducting business by implementing new policies and technology. Moreover, new legislation for controlling and punishing violators was also effective.

Nevertheless, the situation was about to change when the new President Bolsonaro took office. It is argued that because of him, the criminal activity under the name of land grabbing increased rapidly. In other words, criminal organizations took control over public land, and conduct their business operations by cutting forests and applying for government aid. Another reason that led to further deforestation is the governmental decision to put the safety of all National Parks in Brazil under the question. Therefore, the fate of a number of natural areas, including the Itatiaia National Park, the Ararinha Azul Wildlife Refuge, and the other 334 territories is yet to be decided (Unterstell 2019). The land is exploited by local businessmen by means of different illegal methods, including mining, exploding land, burning, and cutting trees; however, their practices also involved threatening indigenous communities. All these events indicate a drastic transformation of Brazils environmental policies, which led to the huge loss of the Amazon forest.

Why Is It Important?

There are a number of reasons why deforestation should be controlled. First of all, the tropical rainforests of the Amazon are the largest in the world. They produce oxygen not only for Latin America but for the entire planet. One of the most tragic ecological disasters on Earth is also associated with Amazonia; due to deforestation caused solely by human activities, more than 20% of Amazonian forests are irretrievably lost. The Amazonian forests serve as giant storage of carbon dioxide and affect the climate in the region and the entire planet. The death of trees because of cutting and fires contributes to the simultaneous spread of a huge amount of this gas, which leads to an increase in world temperature and a change in the global climate. Unfortunately, agricultural farms and enterprises negatively influence these territories. Their owners and workers destroy the unique flora and fauna and the habitat of Native American communities that have lived there for thousands of years.

This is a vast region of moist tropical evergreen broadleaf forests, located on a vast, almost flat and plain land covering almost the entire Amazon basin. The forest itself occupies covers the territory of nine states: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana. The main reason for deforestation is a local business; in recent years, the trees have been cut down for soybean cultivation, most of which is used for feeding cattle. The Brazilian economy has traditionally focused on the export of natural resources, including oil, grain, vegetables, fruits, and meat.

The constant Forest destruction inevitably leads to a decrease in the stability of the biosphere and an increase of floods, mudflows, water erosion, dust storms, devastating droughts, and dry winds. In addition, the irreversible process of desertification also accelerates, which can later make the land unusable. Researchers note that in case if all the planned roads were built, at least 2.4 million hectares of Amazon forest would be cleared in the next 20 years (Moloney 2020, para. 9). If this were to happen, Brazil would be considered as the country with the highest rates of deforestation, Violation of the ecological balance and deforestation causes damage not only to plants and animals but also to humans. About 300,000 Native Americans who remained in the Amazonian region of Brazil still coexist in this deteriorating environment. They are becoming more and more worried about lumberjacks, gold miners, and others, many of whom consider the Indigenous people to be a hindrance to business development.

At the same time, the Amazon rainforest is considered to be the largest ecosystem of its kind. In this place, a fifth of the freshwater reserves on Earth is concentrated. The forest plays a significant role in absorbing carbon dioxide and keeping the global temperature from rising. For this reason, preserving it seems to be an important task for policymakers. Therefore, many world leaders and environmentalists began to consider Amazon as a valuable World Heritage Site that is in need of diligent protection.

There are many activists that tried to stop deforestation. According to researchers, they have a number of various reasons, including protecting indigenous groups, preserving the forests unique biodiversity that has about a tenth of the worlds plants and species, including many yet undiscovered (Vanham 2018, para. 5). Moreover, scientists emphasize that the process of deforestation is close to the point of no return. The territory may soon turn into a dry savannah and lose a key role in climate regulation. About 20% of it has already been destroyed, and irreversible processes may begin after cutting down 25% of the forest area.

Nevertheless, the reason why people are reluctant to preserve the forest is simple since businessmen want to use more land for the farmers. Citizens of Brazil are especially unwilling to implement any measures since they consider the deforestation an unimportant problem. For this reason, Bolsonaro was elected as the President as he promised to change environmental laws in favor of business development.

The Argument for Further Deforestation

Deforestation during the reign of Bolsonaro is not surprising; after all, it is the fulfillment of the campaign promises. He was the first president in the history of Brazil with obvious anti-environmental speeches. Then Bolsonaro promised that his government would focus on rebuilding the Brazilian economy. In particular, he wanted to consider ways to study the economic potential of the Amazon. Therefore, people strongly support President Bolsonaros policies regarding Amazon. His policies prioritize economic development rather than environmental protection. Moreover, Brazilians claim that fires and deforestation are necessary for small farmers and large ranches exporting beef and soybeans to do business. Furthermore, they consider the damage they do to the worlds largest rainforests is quite modest. In addition, local residents are outraged by outsiders that are trying to resolve this problem. The environmental activists are considered to be colonialists who, by such actions, are trying to decide how Brazilians should manage their own land.

Even though from the global perspective, the international cooperation for preserving the Amazon may seem well-meaning and genuine, it makes Brazil citizens worry about their national security. This opinion is also powered by the government propaganda that enforces the idea that wealthier foreigners want to strip Brazil of their power over the Amazon. For example, Bolsonaro and his allies claimed that efforts to inhibit Amazonian deforestation masked more sinister geopolitical strategies, including a European plot to limit imports of cheap Brazilian agricultural goods (Hecht 2020, p. 62). Such ideas only increase the resistance of the population and make them resist all the attempts to stop deforestation.

A researcher under the name of Frances Seymour also notes that it is highly possible that conserving the rainforest may have a negative impact. He explains it by pointing out that for the Brazilian economy, it generates more economic value while also taking many resources for saving it (Irfan 2019, para. 35). After all, since citizens are concerned with economic problems, which also create issues with the rise of criminal activities, preserving forests may seem like an unnecessary measure. Methods to save the environment often run contrary to economic development; however, this notion can be disputed. For example, the loss of natural resources can have a negative impact not only on the environment bit for the f=government as well, since it reduces a source of tax revenue.

Solution

Nevertheless, there is some hope that most Brazilians are in favor of preserving the Amazon rainforests. However, despite the fact that dozens of eco-activists and forest advocates are put at risk for stopping deforestation, Brazilians are more worried about economic stagnation and crime. They refuse to understand that protecting rainforests is a global principle. International pressure to preserve the forests can have unpleasant consequences and make the country even more resistant. It raises concerns among the populations that rich countries want the rainforests to remain intact in order to impede Brazils economic growth and appropriate its wealth.

Since Bolsonaro has already made it clear that no one but Brazil is concerned about the forests, international activists should be careful. Condemning the new governments policies for businesses to preserve biodiversity may not be productive. Instead, environmentalists, including politicians who care about the environment, should work through European political institutions. For instance, Europeans can put severe pressure on Brazil in the form of a refusal to conduct trade with them until a compromise is reached. For example, beef or soybeans grown on illegally harvested lands should not be imported into Europe and other countries that have business with Brazil.

Furthermore, agriculture has long been the backbone of the Brazilian economy. For this reason, losing a huge part of the land seems like a loss for the business. The Brazilian economy mostly relies on selling different types of resources. However, this method of conducting business does not seem like a sustainable strategy since it relies on unrecoverable resources. Nevertheless, researchers believe that consumers of agricultural products in global markets may be more likely to demand a product that is produced sustainably, putting pressure on producers to do their part (Vanham 2018, para. 3). In other words, the global economy can make the satiation better by implementing rules that the Brazilian business would have to follow.

In order to help address the causes of deforestation and improve the livelihoods of the population, there are some measures that can be implemented. For example, the government should pay attention to the economic and social problems of regions affected by poverty. Another strategy is planting more trees in previously cut areas. However, the most important and effective method would be combating the most apparent injustice of Brazilian society, which is the real cause of human poverty and deforestation. Researchers believe that economic and political pressure from other countries can certainly help build the case for preserving the rainforest, but the most meaningful measures to protect the Brazilian Amazon will have to come from Brazils leaders (Irfan 2019, para. 16). The fact that in past Brazil managed to implement measures for saving the environment indicates that there is a high possibility that the new President may reverse the process.

In conclusion, it would appear that in order to prevent deforestation and stop it from becoming a big catastrophe for the entire world, it is necessary to create a whole range of strategies. They should obviously be aimed at restoring ecological balance and reviving extinct species of plants and animals. The most promising include increased productivity and rational use of the existing land. That would diminish the need to get rid of the trees for using new land. Moreover, sites, where the forest is still partially preserved, should be restored to their original condition. In addition, the number of areas under the protection of the state should also be expanded. Even though for the short-term, it may be harmful to small businesses that rely on agriculture; however, in the long run preserving the environment is the key to sustainable development.

Reference List

Hecht, S., 2020. Why the Brazilian Amazon Burns, Current History, 119 (814), pp. 60-65.

Irfan, U., 2019, Why its been so lucrative to destroy the Amazon rainforest, Web.

Moloney, A., 2020. Planned Amazon roads could harm economies not just forests, researchers warn. Web.

Vanham, P., 2018. What the Amazon rainforest tells us about globalization. Web.

Unterstell, N., Brazil Doesnt Have to Choose Between the Environment and the Economy, Web.

Introduction

The general public and international societies have always argued that to achieve sustainable development, the economic activities that human beings engage in should be able to protect natural resources (Wright, 2007).

Customer-oriented Environmental Sustainability

In as much it is believed that controlling the global population size would certainly help in achieving environmental sustainability; however statistical analysis and projection show that the global population would have to increase and therefore this might not be sustainable. Thus changing the customer-oriented lifestyle in developed nations would be more sustainable. Environmental sustainability should aim at capturing environmental systems dynamics by building adaptive and resilient systems. It should aim at achieving pollution control by reducing environmental pollutants such as greenhouse gases and other gases which directly and indirectly affect human lives and the environment such as sulfides. Thus ensuring sustainable transportation and energy-related activities as well as ecological activities would better help achieve environmental sustainability. Customer-oriented environmental sustainability aims at achieving efficiency in environmental resource usage and thereby reducing waste and negative impacts of human activities on the environment through continuous innovation (Leighton Asia, 2010).

Adopting new and modern environmentally sustainable structures to achieve energy efficiency would better help achieve energy efficiency and hence environmental sustainability. The use of fossil fuels contributes more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and is, therefore, the major source of global climatic change. These greenhouse gases are absorbed into the ozone layer and therefore allow shortwave rays to enter the lower atmosphere and also maintain most of the reflected waves in the lower atmosphere and therefore increasing the global heat. This, therefore, implies that developing and adopting alternative more efficient technologies for energy sources such as wind energy and natural gas would therefore be more effective in achieving customer-oriented environmental sustainability. Building and adopting new transportation technologies would also help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and also improve the fuel economy. This would include building vehicles and aircraft which are environmentally friendly and also consume less fuel (Leighton Asia, 2010). Developing biofuels from feedstock production would also help reduce the overreliance on petroleum by consumers and hence help reduce the environmental impacts of the use of petroleum (Wright, 2007).

Customer-oriented environmental sustainability would also help evaluate the environmental impacts of activities, products as well as processes on the environment and human health. Evaluating the impacts of chemicals before they are made open to the consumers would help minimize the impacts of chemicals and industrial effluents on the environment and human health (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2010).

Customer-oriented environmental sustainability would also help develop land usage systems that are aimed at protecting the environment. Measures would be taken to reduce toxicity trash on the environment and hence protect the wildlife, agricultural land, and the water systems. Customer-oriented environmental sustainability would ensure that those in charge of providing services and products to consumers such as water services in societies aim at harvesting water from the watersheds while at the same putting in place measures that conserve the environment. It would also help develop and implement measures that conserve natural resources which are aimed at satisfying consumers such as wildlife and other scenic features (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2010).

Conclusion

There is a need for society to contemplate embracing public policy perceptions that advocate for sustainability by way of making sure that our present security, social needs, and economic issues do not weaken the base of our natural resources to preserve future generations. Thus we should decrease the industrys use of natural resources and also reduce their negative impacts on our environment.

Reference List

Leighton Asia. (2010). Leighton Asia: Customer-oriented construction services. Web.

US Environmental Protection Agency. (2010). Susatainability. Web.

Wright, R. T. (2007). Environmental Science: Towards a sustainable future. Boston: Pearson Publishers.

In recent years, it is becoming increasingly clear that the social and economic aspects of life are inherently related to how our natural environments operate and how we effectively manage our daily actions and ecosystems to live a sustainable life.

Indeed, environmental sustainability issues are at the core of our very lives, particularly upon the realization that we need to preserve the environment for our own use and for future generations. In this light, this paper attempts to evaluate some of the most important characteristics and facets of environmental education.

It is important to note that environmental education basically entails structured endeavors undertaken by schools and other interested stakeholders to impart knowledge about our natural environments and how best we can manage our behavior and the various ecosystems with the view to living a sustainable and mutually fulfilling life. Drawing from this description, it is evident that an important facet of the unit relates to educating the public on how to take good care of the environment in order to live sustainably.

There are several characteristics that can be associated with environmental education as a learning process, with the most significant being the units predisposition to enhance the knowledge and responsiveness of individuals about the environment and related challenges. Another characteristic of the unit is that it provides individuals with the skills and expertise needed to flourish in a sustainable society.

Through environmental education, students and other interested individuals are provided with the skills and knowledge needed to preserve the environment for present and future generations. Additionally, environmental education has the capacity to foster the mindsets, inspirations, and commitments of individuals with the view to influencing their capacity to engage in informed decision making and take responsible action in all issues related to the environment.

A commonly held perception of environmental education is that it entails the integration of three main components, namely education in the environment, education about the environment, and education for the environment.

The first component (education in the environment) exposes students to experiences beyond the classroom to assist them develop deeper insights into the various environmental dynamics using practical inquiry and investigation, while the second component (education about the environment) assists them to develop a greater appreciation of the critical issues that come into play to influence the environment in the community, national, or international level.

The third component (education for the environment) ensures that people understand what they are supposed to do not only to minimize their impact on the environment but also to make proactive lifestyle choices that assist in maintaining and enhancing the quality of the environment. The three components are interdependent and operate to ensure that we are able to sustainably manage our environment.

Overall, it is my considered opinion that this paper has summarised some of the most important characteristics and components associated with environmental education. Although there are many other considerations associated with the unit, the most basic ones relate to the provision of knowledge and skills needed to manage our natural environments and ecosystems for present and future generations, as has been demonstrated in this paper.

Abstract

This paper explores the way innovation affects and streamlines environmental sustainability. The focus is placed on countries that have a high level of emissions, China in particular, and issues associated with this kind of pollution are discussed and explained. Their connection with business revenue and expenditures is mentioned. A range of positive effects observed due to greater environmental sustainability is outlined. In addition, the association between environmental and economic sustainability is considered, emphasizing the significance of the issue at hand.

Introduction

Since the 20^th century, a great deal of attention has been paid to China, a country that has managed to improve its economic conditions greatly and has become a leader of the global market. Today, China is engaged in many different spheres but is widely known for its manufacturing. China offers a wide range of consumer goods that appeal to the general public due to their low prices, and organizations often choose to produce their goods in this country because of the cheap labor. As a result, the country has managed to maintain sustainable economic growth. However, it cannot be denied that such activities affect the environment adversely, as manufacturing plants tend to increase levels of pollution. In addition, vehicles contribute to this pollution problem greatly (Tyfield et al., 2014). Around the world, greater attention is being paid to the preservation of natural resources and the prevention of adverse climate changes, and many countries have implemented various initiatives in order to address these issues. As the largest consumer of natural resources and emitter of greenhouse gasses (GHGs), China is expected to implement innovations in the environmental field to ensure its own sustainable development (Shier, 2016). In fact, emphasizing this area can enable greater economic growth because its implementation requires further manufacturing.

The topic selected for this paper attracts significant attention because of the existing controversy around global pollution. According to Shier (2016), “China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gasses but has lower GDP and household carbon emissions per capita than other developed nations” (para. 3). In this way, it becomes clear that China’s high levels of emission are mainly caused by manufacturing, which is critical for the country because it determines its economic growth. By discussing the importance of innovation in environmental sustainability, this paper will demonstrate whether China’s approach allows it to improve its environmental conditions. As a result, it will be possible to identify initiatives that can be used by other countries with high levels of emissions in order to reach sustainable environmental and economic development. Thus, this paper will be based on achieving the following objectives:

• Exploring an overview of the issues connected with high levels of emissions;
• Defining the positive effects of environmental sustainability;
• Considering the role of innovation in the framework of environmental sustainability; and
• Discussing the connection between environmental and economic sustainability.

Literature Review

Sustainability is a relatively new area of study that has been discussed by professionals for only a short period of time. Indeed, it is one of the newest subjects to bridge science and technology in order to discuss the future. Sustainability can be ensured only when economic and social development are aligned with environmental protection. Mason (2017) explains that sustainability is “the study of how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology to remain in balance” (para. 3). To become more sustainable, countries are encouraged to implement recycling programs, use energy and natural resources efficiently, and so on. Governments have developed initiatives to regulate businesses and force them to lower emissions and protect the environment. They also encourage companies to develop innovative technologies to address this issue. It is expected that sustainability will fulfill the following goals:

• Reduction of poverty rates and malnutrition;
• Improvement of educational and healthcare standards;
• Adoption of gender equality;
• Minimization of climate change; and
• Improvements in the land, air, and water health.

Tyfield et al. (2014) discuss environmental innovation in China as an opportunity to streamline development and reach overall sustainability. The authors argue that low-carbon (CO2) innovations could be effective because they help minimize emissions. They believe that with an emphasis on solar energy and electric urban mobility, power relations can change. In addition to that, changes can be implemented within the agricultural sector to provide more opportunities for the country to become environmentally friendly.

According to Geall (2016), China is highly concerned that its recent growth rate of 6.5% is not enough to ensure sustainable development. That is why its president has spoken about the implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2015-2020), which gives the country an opportunity to develop ecologically. According to this plan, the country is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 18%, PM2.5 particulates by 25%, and energy consumption by 15%. All in all, it is expected that China will not only improve the natural environment but will also become the main global supplier of innovations for reducing CO2 emissions.

Shier (2016) adds that this plan also presupposes the improvement of regional government policies. In particular, these governments will consider the reduction of GHGs, adaptation strategies for climate change, and international cooperation. In this way, China will develop a carbon trading system, ensure effective verification of emissions reductions, improve low-carbon innovations, and implement them regularly. It is expected that CO2 emissions will be reduced by at least 60% or even totally eliminated by 2030.

Lee and Anadon (2016) claim that China is facing a sustainable development problem. It suffers from severe air pollution and needs to enhance energy production, improve the use of renewables, and minimalize GHGs. The country needs to supply energy, water, and land to ensure sustainable economic growth, but it won’t be able to do this in the future without the implementation of advantageous environmental initiatives. Thus, new technologies and policies must be discussed. It is also vital to engage the Chinese population in these initiatives to cope with the most critical problems.

Method of Analysis

This paper is based on a qualitative approach, and the data presented in it is primarily gained from literature sources that have been thoroughly analyzed. In total, nine sources are used to obtain authoritative information related to the topic, some of which are primary sources. These are mainly official reports presented by Chinese organizations. With their help, information about the Chinese environmental situation is obtained, as well as insights into how it is expected to be improved. As a result, this research paper can be treated as an evidence-based inquiry, making it more valid and useful in practice. The paper is also strengthened by a range of secondary sources that share the ideas of other professionals regarding environmental and sustainability-related issues and initiatives. In this way, it is possible to discuss the same issue from many different sides. Moreover, some secondary sources include information that relates to other countries with high levels of emission, such as the United States. Thus, some comparison and generalization can be made, making the paper more valuable for a larger audience. As professionals still treat the discussed initiatives differently, it is advantageous to assess the primary information personally and then compare it with the ideas of other researchers.

This paper could also have been based on a quantitative approach. For example, emphasis could have been made on the economic changes associated with environmental issues or on the amounts of money spent by businesses and the government to overcome them. However, such research would not fulfill the objectives discussed earlier. In addition, it would be difficult to discuss initiatives that have been implemented just recently or are soon going to be implemented because there is not yet enough information about their effectiveness. Still, some numerical data is present in the paper for it to be supported and well-grounded. All in all, a thorough exploration of the role of innovation in sustainable development can be obtained only by using a qualitative approach.

Analysis

The fact that high levels of emissions affect people’s health, as well as the environment, is known even to the general public. However, not all people realize that the environment can become a threat to economic sustainability. As emissions are mainly caused by industrial plants and vehicles, a connection between increased corporate revenue and environmental issues can be found (see Fig. 1). However, as this problem attracts a lot of public and governmental attention, organizations must spend a significant amount of money in order to implement measures to deal with the existing issues. For example, Helpler and Grady (2015) state that “greenhouse gasses, unsustainable water consumption, air pollution, and negative land impacts account for the bulk of the $3 trillion in environmental impacts generated by the world’s 1,500 biggest companies” (para. 8).

Environmental issues can cause problems for businesses because they can have a negative influence on transportation, for instance. Floods can prevent manufacturing organizations from contacting their partners and purchasing raw materials. Additional expenses can be incurred in supply chains as well. For example, as China is now highly concerned with fog-thick air pollution, its government has considered taxing carbon emissions. Such pollution also influences the growth of manufacturing. In this way, companies that use manufacturing plants are greatly affected because they need to implement changes to be able to operate as usual.

Realizing that such problems are critical and can have an influence on many different spheres, governments have developed various initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability. In this framework, innovation plays an enormous role. In China, for instance, governmental bodies tend to pay attention to low-carbon innovations that are mainly discussed along four dimensions. At the present moment, none of these dimensions are efficiently addressed, giving professionals an opportunity to reconsider particular challenges and opportunities and to strive for improvements in the near future, as reflected in the table below.

The information outlined above proves that innovation could be the main driver of sustainability for China. Under the current 12th Five-Year Plan, governmental bodies have emphasized the fact that specific technology could offer effective renewable energies and that electric vehicle that would allow the country to cope with the high levels of emissions and streamline economic development. Over time, this emphasis has shifted, but many professionals still believe that investment itself is not what will allow China to progress; instead, they discuss clean coal, hydro, solar, and wind power. However, China does not limit innovation to science and technology but rather emphasizes the importance of “theoretical, institutional, scientific and technological, and cultural innovation” (Geal, 2016, para. 8). Thus, it is expected that innovation will have a positive influence on many different spheres so that sustainability will be approached.

In this way, the focus on innovation should make policymakers treat citizens as users of technology. As the main party of demand-driven success, they trigger the development and implementation of innovations through their demands. For example, as emissions affect the operations of organic cooperatives and ecological entrepreneurs, innovation can be used to benefit this sphere. In order to increase public trust, digital networks can be used to allow farmers to get in touch with their urban clients (OECD, 2012). Such supply-chain innovation would be advantageous as it allows people to obtain safer food. Improvements can be observed in the sphere of energy as well. Solar water heaters can be used by both individuals and organizations. In this way, positive influences will be made on the local economy as well because consumers will purchase products made within the country. Such views on innovation are rather new and unique, which is why it is crucial to ensure that both the government and businesses support their development. China’s environmental targets should be used as the basis, of course. By using such interventions, the country will become representative of a more innovative economy and society (Geal, 2016).

The 13th Five-Year Plan supports the previously discussed ideas and develops them further (see Fig. 2). The emission target is highlighted in the framework of climate policy. Xinhua (2016) states that “the pledges submitted with Chinese INDC for the Paris Agreement mentioned a 60-65 percent reduction per unit of GDP and a 20 percent increase in the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption by 2030” (para. 6).

Still, the majority of measures that will be undertaken are those that deal with environmental issues related to human health. The plan targets the reduction of the number of pollutants, with particular attention paid to sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. China’s government believes that with the help of innovation, better levels of air quality can be ensured by 2020. PM2.5 emissions, which are mainly produced by manufacturing plants, will also be reduced due to these innovations, which are considered to be the major priority of the country. Low-carbon innovation is expected to go through the main stages of the innovation chain. Currently, China is in the third stage, which means that it is adapting and improving technologies to reach the previously mentioned goals and to reduce costs. At this stage, the country is poised to emphasize innovation further (Green & Stern, 2014).

Conclusion

It is clear that innovation plays a critical role in China because it allows the country to improve its environmental conditions and deal with its high level of emissions, which in turn has a positive influence on the country’s economic sustainability. The qualitative analysis in this paper pointed out why sustainability is critical for the country by explaining the drawbacks of high levels of emissions and the ways in which they can be overcome through innovations related to the environment. In addition, an analysis of the sources selected for the study demonstrated the connection between environmental and economic sustainability. Moreover, the quantitative data mentioned in the paper revealed the significance of the currently observed issues and provided an opportunity to assess the country’s expected alterations. All in all, this research allowed for an evaluation of the role of innovation and the conclusion that it is the driver of sustainable development for China, as well as for other countries that have problems with high levels of emissions.

References

Geall, S. (2016). China’s plan for innovation could help it meet climate goals. Web.

Green, F., & Stern, N. (2014).An innovative and sustainable growth path for China: A critical decade.Web.

Helpler, L., & Grady, B. (2015). Environment as economic threat: How sustainability redefines risk. Web.

Lee, H., & Anadon, L. (2016). Sustainable development of the energy sector in China: Challenges and options. Web.

Mason, M. (2017).Sustainability. Web.

OECD. (2012).Green growth and developing countries. Web.

Shier, B. (2016).What environmental action is China taking after Paris?Web.

Tyfield, D., Ely, A., Urban, F., Geall, S., Zuev, D., & Urry, J. (2014).Low-carbon innovation in China: Prospects, politics and practices. Web.

Xinhua, M. (2016). China focuses on environment and innovation in its 13th Five-Year Plan. Web.

The first article is named as follows, “A willfully understood earmark can help reduce climate-change heat deaths.” The author is James Gardner, and this item was published on November 21, 2021, in the New Yorker. The crucial ideas are that the term “tree justice” is far from “yes, we can” in terms of effective political rhetoric, but it is a reference to research showing that more canopies can save lives. People in sparsely populated areas suffered the most when a 1000-year-old heat wave struck the Pacific Northwest this summer, breaking hot records and killing hundreds of people. For example, at least 62 people who died from hyperthermia in the Portland Metro area lived in low-income areas of Lenz. In Lenz, trees provide shade to only 10% of the area. In places where there is more than 60% shade on the surface, no one died (Gardner, 2021). Hence, it is essential to change such a state of affairs to reduce deaths.

The second article is “‘We’re ready’: UK anti-fracking activists prepare to fight resurgence plans.” The author is Helen Pidd, and this article was published on March 11, 2022, in the Guardian. The crucial ideas are that if the state removes the fracking prohibition, anti-fracking activists have promised “zero rest” to energy companies, threatening “uncomfortable and loud” protests at every site. Frack Free United’s campaign manager, Steve Mason, said that a legion of retired “geri-activists” was willing to lie down and risk punishment for the causes once more. Tina Rothery, who was detained seven times at Cuadrilla’s fracking facility near Blackpool’s Preston New Road, said demonstrators were prepared to unroll posters (Pidd, 2022). They also were ready to pull out drums, as well as make life as difficult as possible for every energy company attempting to use the Ukraine situation to recommence fracking activities.

It seems reasonable to state that both articles are connected to the issue of sustainability. They shed light on controversial governmental and corporate policies that are likely to harm the environment and human lives. However, they cover different issues – if the first is related to the safety and variety of plants, and the second reveals demonstrations against fracking. Again, both these problems are directly connected to sustainability in terms of ensuring environmentally-friendly practices statewide.

References

Gardner, J. R. (2021). A willfully understood earmark can help reduce climate-change heat deaths. The New Yorker. Web.

Pidd, H. (2022). ‘We’re ready’: UK anti-fracking activists prepare to fight resurgence plans. The Guardian. Web.

The international community has embarked on a course to compel different industries in the nations across the world to reduce their carbon footprint. Over the past two decades, the global society has been actively engaged in campaigning against the emission of greenhouse gases by various companies. The advocacy efforts are geared toward reversing the effects of global warming on the climate and promoting a cleaner environment. It is apparent that the world has focused on targeting big companies and industries in the quest to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and the pollution of the environment. It is, however, clear that every individual in the world has a role to play in the reduction of environmental pollution. People have failed to take their responsibility in reducing the rate of environmental pollution, and they always blame pollution on the companies that produce the commodities they consume on a daily basis. I have recently been acquainted with information about the need for every individual in the world to take responsibility for their lifestyle with relation to environmental sustainability. I have made a resolution to change my current lifestyle to embrace environmental sustainability, but I have to evaluate the current status of my lifestyle. I need to evaluate my lifestyle from a critical view and establish the values and beliefs that influence my purchasing behaviour. Every individual in the society should be charged with the responsibility of living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle.

Context

According to Chris Goodall (2007), every individual on the planet must take the responsibility for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with their lifestyle. The earth’s atmosphere can only support a maximum of 3 tonnes of carbon dioxide per individual. Studies have revealed that consumers leading a western life are responsible for an emission rate of 12 tonnes annually per individual (Goodall 2007). Hansen and Schrader (1997) conducted a study that indicated that the concept of consumer sovereignty should be put into good use by influencing the development of sustainable consumption. The consumption behaviour of the modern society needs to be aligned with the goals of sustainable development (Hansen & Schrader 1997). According to Professor Jackson (2005), the lifestyles that individuals choose to lead have a direct effect on the environment, especially when their consumption behaviours are concerned. Consumer behaviour should attain parallelism with the objectives of sustaining the environment (Pickett-Baker & Ozaki 2008). People should focus on propagating limited negative effects on the environment with their behaviour in consumption (Jackson 2005).

Nordlund and Garvill (2002) conducted a test to evaluate how people perceive and execute different values. The findings of the tests revealed that personal values are a function of eco-centric values and the awareness of the existence of a problem (Tabernero & Hernandez 2011). These findings indicate that the society should be acquainted with the information about the effects of consumption behaviours on the environment. This approach would potentially influence pro-environmental behaviour among people in the society (Nordlund & Garvill 2002). Jagers and Matti (2010) highlight Jackson’s sentiments in their study that revealed that the most feasible way to attain environmental sustainability is for the authorities to influence lifestyle changes among the people. Cultivating ecological citizens is a quest that the authorities should consider in the post-modern world, where environmental sustainability is vital to the survival of mankind (Jager & Matti 2010). Just like the U.K. report by Defra in 2008 indicated, people need to be sensitised to the need to embrace lifestyles that put environmental consideration as a priority, especially in influencing consumption behaviours (A Framework for Pro-Environmental Behaviours 2008).

Current Lifestyle

My understanding of environmental sustainability is living a lifestyle that has minimal negative effects on the environment. This should involve refraining from taking part in pollution of the environment directly or indirectly. While I have always strived to refrain from polluting the environment through littering, I am aware that I am a big indirect contributor to environmental pollution. I propagate a large carbon footprint on a long-term basis because of the lifestyle I lead (McKenzie-Mohr 2000). For instance, I drive my car every day, and it runs on fossil fuel, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. I also purchase products from companies that are yet to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, which means that I provide the demand for their products. I am a loyal customer for some of the companies that are yet to embrace sustainable development means that I am part of the reason that they are still operational. There are several non-environmental purchasing behaviours that can serve as alternatives, but I find them quite expensive. For instance, I can choose to drive a hybrid car, but I cannot afford to purchase one yet, so I have to keep driving my normal car.

My current lifestyle is characterised by regular purchasing of foodstuff and other domestic products. I visit the mall at least four times every month to do shopping for my fridge and other home appliances. It is apparent that the amount of household waste in the U.K. is currently at around one tonne per year. I can relate to this number because I clean out the trash bin at least thrice per week. It is also apparent that 80% of the waste is comprised of packaging material (McKenzie-Mohr 2000). This includes plastic bags and containers. I only have one trash bin that serves for all sorts of waste in the house. This includes food remnants and the dust swept off the floor and carpets and wrapping material. I am aware that I should separate the recyclable waste from the rest of the waste, but I have never quite thought that the little trash from my house would make much of a difference. I am also aware that the trash collectors sometimes sort the rubbish to collect the recyclable waste; hence, I have not been compelled to take an active role in environmental sustainability (Pichert & Katsikopoulos 2008). The table below is an analysis of my monthly and annual carbon footprint.

Values and Beliefs Influencing My Purchasing Behaviour

My purchasing values are strongly dictated by the quantity and quality of the commodities, as well as the prices of the products. I am an economist while purchasing products, which means that I evaluate the utilization factors of everything I purchase (Ferguson & Branscombe 2010). I am never inclined to evaluate the companies that produce the commodities I purchase from the stores. This is a common mistake that the majority of the people in the current world are making because of the economic pressures associated with the cost of living. There are some people who look at the values of the companies that produce the commodities they purchase, but I have always been driven to purchase products based on their quality and price. I have always based my purchasing values in the rational theory. The model dictates that consumers must look into the cost-benefit of the products they purchase (De Groot & Steg 2007). However, I have never looked at my purchasing behaviour from an environmental sustainability point of view. I am more concerned about the value of the products I purchase. My primary goal is to maximise the utility of the products I purchase. I should start looking into other important details like the ethics upheld by the producers in terms of environmental sustainability (Steg & Vlek 2009).

I believe that the packaging of a product is a good way to sell it to consumers; hence, I always go for products with the most impressive packaging. However, I have to compare the prices of the alternative products before I decide which product to pick off the shelves in the stores. I also believe in purchasing products that I need, rather than engaging in impulsive buying. Looking at my trash bin, one would realize that my weekly trash is almost identical because I have a planned purchasing behaviour that I follow religiously. This indicates that I am a loyal customer to specific companies, which I believe are still major contributors to environmental pollution (Gifford, Steg & Reser 2011). Pollution of the environment on the part of the companies arises in the production process and the preparation of the packaging material. Their modes of transporting the products to the stores are also major sources of greenhouse gases (Gatersleben, Steg & Vlek 2002). My irresponsible behaviour of failing to recycle the packaging material is a possible hazard to the environment. I have recently resolved to start recycling all recyclable waste from the house (Welsch & Kuhling 2009).

My purchasing behaviour is also influenced by my attitude toward different companies. I have been greatly influenced by the public opinion on some of the companies that produce domestic products (Berenguer 2007). I have refrained from purchasing commodities produced by companies that have been previously accused of being unethical in their production systems (Nye & Hargreaves 2010). Just like most people in the modern world, I have access to the trending topics across the world, and I have accessed information about some companies that operate sweatshops to produce cheaper products. I refrain from purchasing these products. I am looking to start purchasing products from different companies based on their level of concern about environmental sustainability (Pieters, Bijmolt, Van Raaij & Kruijk 1998). I should be an active player in driving the sustainability agenda. If more people in the society make the same resolutions, it will be easier to compel more companies to focus on the environmental impacts of their business processes (Kaplan 2000).

Some of the behaviours that I have to repeal are using the car for short trips, wastage of water while doing household chores, and failing to implement energy management approaches at home. I have to stop washing things under a running tap, and I also need to install energy saving bulbs and electrical appliances in the house. I also need to reduce my weekly household waste by increasing my recycling habits (van Birgelen, Semeijin & Keicher 2009). I will also look into purchasing products that are packaged in recyclable material (Corral-Verdugo & Frias Armenta 2006). I will also focus on eating foods that are locally in the season to avoid purchasing products with packaging material that cannot be recycled. I will also reduce the consumption of food products whose processing procedures are likely to have a negative environmental impact. My current lifestyle is that of a typical Western consumer who does not uphold pro-environmental behaviour (Fujii 2006). The development of ecological citizens has been validated as a feasible strategy to influence environmental sustainability (Turaga, Howarth & Borsuk 2010). If more people change their lifestyles to adopt a pro-environmental behaviour, the world will become a better place within a very short time (Schultz & Zelezny 1998). I will become an active advocate for pro-environmental behaviour in my social circle.

Primary Obstacles to Reducing Negative Environmental and Social Impacts

One of the obstacles to reducing negative environmental and social impacts from my consumption behaviour is the high cost of alternative behaviours. For instance, I have the desire to reduce my carbon footprint by using hybrid cars, but their cost is too high. The production of most of the processed foods that I consume is also a major contributor to negative impacts on the environment, but I cannot eliminate them from my monthly purchases. There is a lack of alternative products that can lower my carbon footprint. The economic cost of behavioural change for environmental sustainability is the primary obstacle facing my desire to lower the negative impacts on the environment that I propagate on a monthly basis (Parag & Strickland 2011).

Conclusion

When people evaluate their current lifestyles, it will become apparent that many people have consumption behaviours that are not inclined toward fostering environmental sustainability. My current lifestyle is based on values that look to enhance the utility of the products I consume, rather than focusing on the sustainability of the environment. I will have to change my lifestyle and consider the environmental impact of every product I purchase. I am looking to adopt a pro-environmental behaviour in consumption, and I will influence the people around me to work toward attaining a similar lifestyle. The society has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of carbon released to the atmosphere by having every individual to embrace pro-environment behaviour.

List of References

A Framework for Pro-Environmental Behaviours. 2008. Web.

Berenguer, J 2007, ‘The effect of empathy in proenvironmental attitudes and behaviors’, Environment and Behavior, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 269-283.

Corral-Verdugo, V & Frias-Armenta, M 2006, ‘Personal normative beliefs, antisocial behavior, and residential water conservation’, Environment and Behavior, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 406-421.

De Groot, J & Steg, L 2007, ‘General beliefs and the theory of planned behavior: The role of environmental concerns in the TPB’, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, vol. 37, no. 8, pp. 1817-1836.

Ferguson, MA & Branscombe, NR 2010, ‘Collective guilt mediates the effect of beliefs about global warming on willingness to engage in mitigation behavior’, Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 135-142.

Fujii, S 2006, ‘Environmental concern, attitude toward frugality, and ease of behavior as determinants of pro-environmental behavior intentions’, Journal of environmental psychology, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 262-268.

Gatersleben, B, Steg, L & Vlek, C 2002, ‘Measurement and determinants of environmentally significant consumer behavior’, Environment and Behavior, vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 335-362.

Gifford, R, Steg, L & Reser, JP 2011, ‘Environmental psychology’, IAAP Handbook of Applied Psychology, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 440-470.

Goodall, C 2007, How to Live a Low-Carbon Life: The Individual’s Guide to Stopping Climate Change, Routledge, London.

Hansen, U & Schrader, U 1997, ‘A modern model of consumption for a sustainable society’, Journal of Consumer Policy, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 443-468.

Jackson, T 2005, Motivating Sustainable Consumption. Web.

Jagers, SC & Matti, S 2010, ‘Ecological citizens: Identifying values and beliefs that support individual environmental responsibility among Swedes’, Sustainability, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 1055-1079.

Kaplan, S 2000, ‘New ways to promote proenvironmental behavior: Human nature and environmentally responsible behavior’, Journal of social issues, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 491-508.

McKenzie‐Mohr, D 2000, ‘New ways to promote proenvironmental behavior: Promoting sustainable behavior: An introduction to community‐based social marketing’, Journal of social issues, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 543-554.

Nordlund, AM & Garvill, J 2002, ‘Value structures behind proenvironmental behavior’, Environment and Behavior, vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 740-756.

Nye, M & Hargreaves, T 2010, ‘Exploring the social dynamics of proenvironmental behavior change’, Journal of Industrial Ecology, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 137-149.

Paraj, Y & Strickland, D 2011, Personal Carbon Trading: A Radical Policy Option for Reducing Emissions from the Domestic Sector, Web.

Pichert, D & Katsikopoulos, KV 2008, ‘Green defaults: Information presentation and pro-environmental behaviour’, Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 63-73.

Pickett-Baker, J & Ozaki, R 2008, ‘Pro-environmental products: marketing influence on consumer purchase decision’, Journal of consumer marketing, vol. 25, no. 5, pp. 281-293.

Pieters, R, Bijmolt, T, Van Raaij, F & de Kruijk, M 1998, ‘Consumers’ attributions of proenvironmental behavior, motivation, and ability to self and others’, Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 215-225.

Schultz, PW & Zelezny, LC 1998, ‘Values and Proenvironmental Behavior A Five-Country Survey’, Journal of cross-cultural psychology, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 540-558.

Steg, L & Vlek, C 2009, ‘Encouraging pro-environmental behaviour: An integrative review and research agenda’, Journal of environmental psychology, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 309-317.

Tabernero, C & Hernandez, B 2011, ‘Self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation guiding environmental behavior’, Environment and Behavior, vol. 43, no. 5, pp. 658-675.

Turaga, RMR, Howarth, RB & Borsuk, ME 2010, ‘Pro‐environmental behavior’, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1185, no. 1, pp. 211-224.

van Birgelen, M, Semeijn, J, & Keicher, M 2009, ‘Packaging and proenvironmental consumption behavior investigating purchase and disposal decisions for beverages’, Environment and Behavior, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 125-146.

Welsch, H & Kuhling, J 2009, ‘Determinants of pro-environmental consumption: The role of reference groups and routine behavior’, Ecological Economics, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 166-176.

Introduction

The topic of sustainability pulls together all the complex threads that have already been discussed in the previous modules and go-ahead to put some emphasis on the interconnectedness of the world systems. Professor John Robinson in this week’s paper argues that “The technical fixes are necessary and important but not sufficient”. By this, he implies that there is something more that sustainability ought to achieve in terms of creating an improved lifestyle for all people. Sustainability, therefore, ought to surpass the address of technical fixes alone and also address those issues that are profound, for instance, distribution, consumption, material needs, opportunity, and empowerment.

Environmental degradation

Professor John Robinson points out that improvements should be pursued actively especially in social and environmental consequences of the delivery of goods and services, and efficiency due to the already present deterioration of the environment and the misery of human beings in the entire world. He, therefore, suggests that issues like natural area management, pollution and resources, and the preferred language as shown by table 1 below, ought to be focused on as far as sustainability is concerned.

If this is done, then the negative effects likely to arise due to the achievement of a certain level of the well being of material will be greatly reduced. It will consequently create the potential of having the well-being of material on the increase without necessarily making the negative effects on the environment to increase.

Robinson further insists that making the designs of human systems to agree with the principles governing ecology is in line with developing an ethic for the environment that is recommended by most environmentalists. The larger the extent of the effects of not having sustainability, the more the negative effects on the environment need to be completely reduced per unit of activities contributing to the economy practiced.

This is because the sustainability challenge will not be sufficiently responded to by just having optimistic approaches like eco-efficiency, industrial ecology, bio-mimicry, and dematerialization among many others. The success in reducing the effects on the environment by the economic activities practiced does not automatically guarantee improvements in terms of the quality of life to the people.

I believe Robinson was quick enough to say that the technical fixes are not sufficient since those who are well-off usually disproportionately appropriate the above-mentioned approaches while the people at the bottom of the pyramid of socio-economy are left in a very pathetic state than they initially were. He supports this fact by pointing out that the supporting evidence is the enclave economies and the communities that are affluent in modern society.

The insufficiency of the necessity of the technical fixes when it stands all alone, is one of the lessons that Robinsons says can be learned from the commentary that he had written on the title “Squaring the circle? Some thoughts on the idea of sustainable development”. Sustainability as a value change therefore ought to address also other technical issues and not only the technical fixes that include conservation, technology, and sustainable development.

Conclusion

In my opinion, I strongly believe that Dr. Margo Fryer of UBC will agree with Robinson in her argument about our hopes for technological solutions. This is because the technological solutions are also covered by sustainability and form part of the other things that ought to be handled by sustainability above the technical fixes. I do also agree with Robinson since the technical fixes are not solely sufficient if the other issues like natural area management, pollution, and resources, and the preferred language are not focused upon.

Sustainability

According to the textbook definition, sustainability is a series of measures that allow us to conserve the existing resources for future generations. Therefore, it can be interpreted as the reasonable use of resources that helps not only to save existing non-renewable resources from extinction but also to develop the strategy that will offer an opportunity to replenish renewable resources. Therefore, sustainability can be seen as a foot forward in people’s relationships with nature, i.e., instead of taking from it without considering the consequences, working on a flexible strategy of resource use.

Like any other theory, sustainability has several basic postulates that make the bulk of it. Usually referred to as three general assumptions, these ideas prevent from viewing nature from a consumerist point of view and suggest a manner of careful treatment of both renewable and especially non-renewable resources, such as soil. One such assumption is that renewable resources management can be changed towards their replenishment. Another assumption is that non-renewable resources can be used reasonably for them to last longer and that people did not have the resources to disappear unexpectedly. Finally, the third assumption is that the negative outcomes of the processes launched by humankind, such as global warming and the following climate change, can be prevented.

Another important notion that requires a definition, the soil is a mixture of eroded rock and organic matter, e.g., plants and humus. Soil does not simply come from mixing earth and some organic matter; a range of factors contribute to soil creation. Among these factors, such processes as rock erosion, climate change from colder to warmer one, organisms, such as leaf litter, the activity of various species that multiply certain chemical elements in the oil or, on the contrary, consume these elements, draining the soil of the latter.

Taking the Indiana soil as an example, one will be able to trace the processes of soil formation more accurately. Due to the specific location of the state (the Midwest of the USA), the soil types range from silty clay to sand or even gravelly sand. Such differences in the soil types across the state can be explained by the effects of natural forces as well as human activities. The latter comes in form of drainage, which contributes to the creation of clay soil types.

Because of the windy weather and dry air, however, sands form in Indiana. Hence, the variety of soil types allows growing both soya beans and corn. The urbanization process, however, can be considered a threat to soil sustainability. Building more houses will lead to the shrinkage of the sand types of soil, which will, in turn, reduce the diversity of the Indiana soil structure.

Environmental Unity

According to what Keller says, Environmental Unity can be defined as a theory presupposing that there is a link between every single element of the environment and that changing one of these elements will inevitably trigger a change in the rest of the elements. Taking soil as an example, one will have to admit that the changes in the soil (e.g., nutrients exhaustion, lack of water, etc.) will necessarily pose a threat of extinction to several plants.

The decrease in the number of the latter will, in turn, lead to the death of animals feeding on these plants. Thus, the mechanism is launched, and the changes in soil trigger the changes in the population of large mammals, possibly including even people. As Keller put it, the principle of environmental unity is that one action triggers the consequences for the entire planet.

The carbon cycle can be referred to as an example of Environmental Unity in action. Though carbon exists in four forms in the natural environment, i.e., as an element of CO2, like coal, diamond, and lead, its cycle can be traced only as of the motion of CO2, CO, and CH in different systems of the Earth, i.e., in the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and even lithosphere. Since several industries emit carbon and its numerous compounds in the atmosphere, the natural carbon cycle changes, which contribute to climate change and the approach of global warming. Also, carbon emissions affect population density.

According to what the map says, the CO2 emissions shape the population density greatly. With the increase in the percentage of CO2 in the atmosphere, the number of people in the area starts to shrink. Once CO2 is produced, it clutters the atmosphere, preventing the reflection of the Sun radiation and, therefore, leading to an increase in temperature of the atmosphere. Thus, the planet becomes warm and suitable for life. With the increase of the greenhouse gas concentration, however, global warming becomes a threat.

Although major industries are typically blamed for boosting the global warming process, it is also necessary to keep in mind that each member of society bears an individual responsibility concerning the sustainable use of natural resources, reasonable consumption of the latter, appropriate disposal of waste, and the total energy consumption rate. For example, my energy consumption rates show that I could use the existing resources more reasonably by reducing the number of miles that I drive my vehicle by 10 miles/week. Even though the scale of these changes might seem discouragingly small compared to the one of global warming, when joined together, these efforts are bound to affect. Therefore, I believe that I must reconsider my energy consumption choices.

Not “just a theory”

Another issue that needs to be addressed concerning the problem of people’s influence on the environment is the Scientific Theory (or Law). According to its basic premises, the given theory is a set of ideas concerning the origin of the universe and its further evolution. Though the given ideas remain a theory, mostly because it is impossible to track the history down to the day when the world was created, they have a solid scientific basis to the ground on.

According to the Scientific Theory, the existing species including humans evolved from organisms that were more primitive. In its turn, the Earth had been forming for ions from smaller space objects and dust, which were the result of the Big Bang. Though the given theory is traditionally accepted as the most common explanation of the origin of the world and the existing species, it is essential to keep in mind that the Big Bang Theory is only a concept and that the creationist teachings can be considered just as valid a supposition.

The Scientific Theory introduces several important concepts for understanding what it is trying to get across and, which is even more important, how it does. A scientific fact is an observation that has been confirmed experimentally as true. In its turn, a scientific idea can be defined as a conclusion that has been based on an observation of an experiment or a series of experiments. A scientific hypothesis can be interpreted as an explanation of a specific phenomenon, which has not been tested yet and, therefore, remains to be either confirmed or proven wrong.

The scientific hypothesis must be always falsifiable, which means that the provided explanation of the phenomenon in question is not taken for granted and needs further tests to be proven correct. Finally, a scientific theory can be described as a scientific idea that changes rarely and, therefore, creates a pattern in the course of scientific observations.

About the above-mentioned concepts, one must mention the Fourth and the Fifth Assumptions of Science. Related to the Scientific Theory, they offer a clear understanding of what science is. According to the fourth assumption of the Theory of Science, there is always a connection between two concepts. Echoing with the concept of environmental unity, the fourth assumption establishes the idea of unity as a scientific rule by declaring that two concepts, no matter how detached and irrelevant to each other they are, there will always be at least one link between them. In its turn, the fifth assumption of science says that matter can be neither destroyed nor created; it can only take different forms, shifting from one to another.

Why develop a Method?

As it has been stated above, with the help of the Environmental Unity concept, the causes of several events can be explained easily. One of the most recent and nonetheless tragic examples is the notorious Japanese Nuclear Crisis of 2011, which was caused by the M9.0 earthquake, and the following incident with the change of the taste of milk produced by cows bred on the West Coast of the U.S. Though the distance between Japan and the U.S. West Coast is huge and the connection between the nuclear fallout and the milk taste might seem somewhat far-fetched, there is, in fact, a clear link between the two events.

Once the nuclear fallout took place, the radioactive elements were absorbed into the earth and, hence, were dissolved in the groundwater. The groundwater, being a part of the world water system, carried the pollutants to the ocean, where the radioactive elements were distributed all over the world, including the West Coast and the local water system, influencing the plants. Since the nutrients from the food consumed by cows get absorbed into the bloodstream as soon as the consumed food enters the small intestine and then are carried straight to the utter, the quality of the food that cows eat influences the quality of the milk that they produce. Thus, the two events became closely related.

As it has been mentioned, Environmental Unity is a concept that allows linking two completely different elements of the environment together, learning the implicit relation between them. However, Environmental Unity also helps shape one’s perception of how the link between these elements leads to changing one of the items after another one has been changed. Possibly defined as the principle according to which the chemical, biological and physical processes, both human-crafted and natural, on the Earth can be linked, the Environmental Unity principle presupposes that the changes in a certain part of the environment will inevitably lead to the changes in the rest of its elements.

For instance, considering the case described above, one can easily figure out that the cows were not the only victims of the incident in Japan, and the United States was not the only country that suffered in the process. Fish and other oceanic organisms must have been affected, as well as the plants on the mainland since the water system in the latter is linked to the ocean. Finally, the radioactive elements have shaped people’s organisms, even though the effects might not be tangible enough at the first sight. It can be assumed that people, animals, and plants can be guarded against the impact of pollutants by isolating the possible pollutant sources from the global water system.

What happens if ideas do not pass the peer review process?

There is no doubt that people prefer giving than taking; and there is hardly any other sphere where it can be just as obvious as it is in the relationships between people and nature. Because of the increasing rates of consumerism, people take much more global hectares than they need, therefore, exhausting natural resources several times faster. Following the principles of sustainability, however, people can change the current state of affairs and replenish renewable natural resources, at the same time making sure that the non-renewable ones are used reasonably. Sustainability is a notion that can be defined as a set of strategies aimed at making the current natural resources available for future generations as well. There are several basic sustainability assumptions, which are:

1. sustainability approach presupposes creating a plan on a global scale;
2. sustainability process must be achieved through performing a range of different activities;
3. sustainability plan must be split into uniquely addressing individual problems;
4. sustainability process does not require grant funding;
5. sustainability can be achieved in numerous ways, not only concerning the environment but also embracing family issues, politics, economics, problems of the workforce, etc.

The latter is especially important seeing how the new concept of “middle-class life” has been coined recently. Focused on the consumption of goods rather than on contributing to environmental stability, the “new middle class” should change its way of thinking and perception of nature.

Taking my consumerism as an example, one will be able to see that my choices are not always qualified as environmentally friendly or contributing to the progress of the sustainability process. While I am proud to mention that most of my household appliances and gadgets consume as little energy as possible and that I use my car very rarely, usually to cover very big distances, some of the choices that I make are admittedly unreasonable.

For example, it is necessary to mention that my total annual estimated CO2 emissions are about 38,547 pounds per year, which could be reduced considerably. Nevertheless, I think I could improve my choices as a consumer. For example, I can use much less energy by turning the conditioning off when I do not need it. Also, I can enjoy walks instead of using the car for city transport. By showing an example, I can convince more people to reconsider their consumerist attitude.

Do you think that because essentially all pesticides eventually fail, their use should be phased out or sharply reduced and that farmers should be given economic incentives for switching to integrated pest management? Explain.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemicals that persist in the environment accumulate in high concentrations in fatty tissues and are bio-magnified through the food-chain. Hence they constitute a serious environmental hazard that comes to expression as important long-term risks to individual species, to ecosystems and to human health. POPs chemicals may cause cancer and disorders in the reproductive and immune systems as well as in the developmental process. They constitute a particular risk to infants and children who may be exposed to high levels through breast-milk and food.

During the last two decades much attention has been given to this group of substances at the international level after it became apparent that they are transported through the environment across borders. Individual countries alone are unable to control the environmental pollution from such border-crossing substances and critical concentrations have been reached in some regions, even in places where they have never been produced or used. Negotiations on a global, legally binding instrument to reduce and/or eliminate releases of POPs started in Montreal, Canada in 1998 under the auspices of UNEP. In May 2001 126 countries and the EU agreed and adopted the text of this global treaty, referred to as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

How can you prevent water pollution? How could you influence the next generation (your children) on how to prevent water pollution?

If you want to help keep our waters clean, there are many things you can do to help. You can prevent water pollution of nearby rivers and lakes as well as groundwater and drinking water by following some simple guidelines in your everyday life.

• Conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water shortages and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment.
• Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don’t throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain.
• Use environmentally household products, such as washing powder, household cleaning agents and toiletries.
• Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilizers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources.
• By having more plants in your garden you are preventing fertilizers, pesticides and contaminated water from running off into nearby water sources.
• Don’t throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.

What is ‘environmental sustainability”? Based on what you have learned in this course, what recommendations can be made to increase environmental sustainability?

Environmental sustainability is development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. our societies urgently require new kinds of education that can help prevent further degradation of our planet, and that foster caring and responsible citizens genuinely concerned with and capable of contributing to a just and peaceful world.

Second, these new kinds of education must be available to all – not only a handful of people – and take place in various settings, including families and communities. Third, they must begin in early childhood, as the values, attitudes, behaviors and skills acquired in this period may have a long-lasting impact later life. Thus, early childhood education clearly has an important place in the efforts to bring about Sustainable development.

Introduction

CERES is recognized as an international leader in taking initiative to conserve the environment and promoting sustainability. According to the Australian Government Department of the Environment (2014), “CERES is a robust community organization working to change the world for the better by instilling values of economic, social, and environmental sustainability” (2014, p. 1). Environmental sustainability ensures that resources are managed in a manner to ensure there is enough for future generations.

Principles of environmental sustainability

Integration of Environmental and economic decisions

The economic decisions formulated should reflect the likely effects on the environment, social, and human health.

Stewardship

The environment should be managed for the equal benefits of the current and future generations.

Shared responsibility and Understanding

The stakeholders in environmental sustainability should be accountable for their actions.

Prevention

All activities that are likely to have adverse effects on the environment should be avoided.

Conservation and enhancement

Life support systems of the environment should be installed and properly maintained. Renewable and non-renewable resources should be used in a wise and efficient manner.

Rehabilitation and Reclamation

There should be initiatives to rehabilitate the destroyed environment.

Global Responsibility

Environmental sustainability stakeholders should think globally and act locally. They should work together to ensure there is the equitable and responsible use of resources.

Adopting principles of sustainable Development

Engage environment-friendly activities

Local communities should engage in activities that do not harm the environment. The farming methods used should not degrade the environment. The major causes of environmental degradation are irresponsible human activities. The local communities should reduce the irresponsible disposal of wastes. The industries in the local communities should stop releasing wastes to the water bodies. This will reduce the destruction of the ecosystem.

Rehabilitation of destroyed parts of the environment by local communities

The local communities should take the initiative to rehabilitate the environment. The poorly disposed of wastes should be removed and taken to the right places. The local people can also embark on reforestation to rehabilitate destroyed forests. This will attract rains to the land and improve wildlife.

Principles of sustainable living promoted by CERES

CERES has numerous community projects that are meant to promote sustainable living. These include:

• CERES Ecohouse.
• Café for fine organic food and drinks.
• Organic farm and market.
• Festival and education programs.
• Permaculture and native plant varieties.
• Independently managed site groups and volunteers with the responsibility of environmental rehabilitation.

Principles to adopt

Principle of Festivals and education programs

Education is important because it helps people understand the importance of environmental sustainability and the activities that harm the environment. It would help people recognize that the activities they engage in can have adverse effects on the environment and will affect future generations.

Nursery with permaculture and native plant varieties

Permaculture is crucial because it ensures there are sound systems to maintain the environment (Mollison, 1988). Permaculture operates under three major tenets which include care for the earth, care for people, and return of surplus.

Care for the earth: This entails the provision for all life systems to ensure there are continuity and multiplication (Greenblott, and Kristof 2012).

Care for people: This principle ensures that the resources needed for people to survive are affordable and available in sufficient quantities.

Return of surplus: This tenet states that any surplus of resources should be invested back into the system so that more productivity is achieved.

The two principles of sustainable living are sufficient for ensuring that there are suitable systems to support environmental sustainability. Adopting them will ensure that every person acts responsibly in utilizing both renewable and non-renewable resources.

Principles not to adopt

Having a cafe with fine organic food and drinks is a good idea but does not address significant challenges affecting environmental sustainability. Organic food and drinks ensure people eat healthy food and the environment is maintained, but may not necessarily be a solution to environmental challenges. Educating people on organic farming has better results than having cafes with fine organic food and drinks. This principle is already captured under an organic farm and market. What it can achieve is also achievable through organic farms and markets.

The idea of having a range of independently managed site groups and volunteers is a great idea but still can be handled under CERES festivals and education programs. In both principles, the central idea is to teach and inspire people to serve the community in the area of environmental sustainability. It would be a duplication of goals and objectives because the two programs can achieve the same results.

CERES has been on the vanguard to ensure environmental sustainability is achieved in Australia. It has put in place a number of principles to guide communities on sustainability. It also has developed principles of sustainable living that help individuals and communities live in a manner that does not harm the environment. If these principles are fully implemented, the challenge of environmental sustainability will be tackled conclusively. People should only engage in activities that only promote sustainability and shun those that cause degradation.

Reference List

Australian Government Department of the Environment 2014, Ecologically Sustainable Development Steering Committee, Ecologically Sustainable Development Steering Committee, Sydney.

Greenblott, K, & Kristof N 2012, Permaculture Design for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Programming: Low-Cost, Sustainable Solutions for Food and Nutrition Insecure Communities, AIDSTAR, Arlington.

Mollison, B 1988, Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual, Tagari Publications, New York.