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Sustainability Simplified

sustainability. The Global Challenge The Global Capitals A Sustainable Future The Global Capitals Three Arenas of Performance Economic Environmental Social Questions to Explore Next Steps. Sustainability Simplified. April 25, 2002. Committing. Pathways. Sustainability. Metrics.

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Sustainability Simplified

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  1. sustainability The Global Challenge The Global Capitals A Sustainable Future The Global Capitals Three Arenas of Performance Economic Environmental Social Questions to Explore Next Steps Sustainability Simplified April 25, 2002

  2. Committing Pathways Sustainability Metrics Innovation A powerful paradigm to address global change is the concept of Sustainability Learning Complex forces are reshaping the global marketplace and present unprecedented challenges and opportunities for business. Why Change?

  3. Sustainability Simplified What is in this presentation? • This presentation is about the general concept of sustainability and the term ‘sustainable development’ • “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”— Our Common Future • Other presentations describe the roles and opportunities for industry and how sustainability has been applied to a concept of sustainable business. What is not is this presentation?

  4. The Global Challenge Why must society make different choices? DECLINING RESOURCES Overfishing Food System Stress Fresh Water Scarcity Loss of Forests and Species ALTERED BIO GEOCHEMISTRY Ozone Depletion Carbon Dioxide and Global Warming Eutrophication NATURAL UNSUSTAINABLE = INSTABLE SOCIAL DISINTEGRATION Unemployment Health Crisis Family Breakdown Regional armed conflicts SWELLING POPULATION 3 Billion more by 2025 Refugees Urbanization Income inequity Developing country growth SOCIAL Courtesy of Novo Nordisk A/S

  5. A Sustainable Future What is a more desirable future? • Current human activity does not compromise future generations. • Global ecosystems are protected and productive and the earth’s climate is stable and healthy. • Human population is within the bounds of the earth’s carrying capacity. • All regions of the world have food security. • Everyone on earth has health security.

  6. Sustainable Development A framework for addressing the global challenge • Growth that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. • A well understood concept. • Improving of the quality of human life without doing harm. • Shared responsibility of all society. • The “Triple Bottom Line” encompasses Economic, Environmental and Social performance.

  7. Sustainable Sustainability is a simple concept. If human society continues to operate as we have thus far on the planet, the natural resources and services that the earth provides will cease to sustain us and our children. Sus·tain·ablePronunciation: s&s-'stA-n&-b&lFunction: adjectiveDate: circa 17271 : capable of being sustained2a : of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged <sustainable techniques> <sustainable agriculture> b: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods <sustainable society>- sus·tain·abil·i·ty /-"stA-n&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun Source: Merriam-Webster

  8. The Global Capitals Key Concept: Learn to think of three capitals Manmade/ economic capital Ecological capital Human capital Courtesy of Novo Nordisk A/S

  9. Three Arenas for Assessing Performance Key Concept: The Triple Bottom Line objectives economic Growth Shareholder value Efficiency Innovation Sustainable Growth social objectives environmental objectives Empowerment & Equity Social mobility Social cohesion Cultural identity Institutional development Ecosystem integrity Climate integrity Carrying capacity Biodiversity Courtesy of Novo Nordisk A/S

  10. What are the features of the global system? • Economic Dimensions of Sustainability • Environmental Dimensions of Sustainability • Social Dimensions of Sustainability

  11. Economic Sustainability What are the features of the global system? • Continuous improvement in economic well being. • Investment in the infrastructure, goods, and services that improve our lives. • Greater economic equality; narrow the gap between the world’s haves and have-nots. • Meet material and energy needs by efficient use of renewable resources.

  12. Environmental Sustainability What are the features of the global system? • Renewal and stewardship of natural resources and natural systems. • Renewable energy and materials and food. • Reduction of environmental footprint. • Doing more with less. • Mimic natural systems — produce no waste & use solar income.

  13. Social dimensions of sustainability What are the features of the global system? • Fair and equal access to information and knowledge. • Participation in decision-making processes that are transparent and accountable. • Shared responsibility among societal actors for creating sustainability. • Profound respect and protection for human rights.

  14. Questions to Explore Key Concept A sustainable future is the responsibility of everyone. • What in your life would you like preserved for future generations? • What aspect of ‘natural capital’ from your childhood does not exist today? • What would you like to leave as your legacy? • What are the particular roles and opportunities in a sustainable future are there for business? • What are the responsibilities of industry? Government? Civil society?

  15. Pathways World Resources Institutewww.wri.org/sep We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of: The Surdna, Joyce and Olin Foundations & WRI’s Corporate Council and Partners

  16. Terms of Use Pathways is provided to help foster environmentally sound and socially equitable economic development. We request your compliance with the following terms of use: • All materials contained in Pathways modules are believed to be property of World Resources Institute or to be in the public domain. • The opinions and analysis contained herein is that of the authors and editors. • Original sources are credited on the slides or in the notes to the best of our knowledge; please bring errors or omission of citation to our immediate attention. • Please credit original materials to World Resources Institute. • Materials may be copied and edited and revised for internal company use and for non-commercial, educational purposes. • For commercial or other use of materials, please contact Don S. Doering at dsd@wri.org or (202) 729-7655.

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