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Sustainability

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• Sustainability is a measure of the extent to which practices allow for the long-term viability of a system. It is generally used to refer to the responsible maintenance of socio-ecological systems such that there is no diminishment of conditions for future generations.
• Unsustainable use of natural resources can lead to ecosystem collapse. </aside>

Defining sustainability

[14 April 2021]

[14 April 2021]

• Transcript

1. What is meant by replacement rate, in relation to a definition of sustainability

1. Outline the importance of the three Es.

[15 September 2022]

[15 September 2022]

• Transcript

Current/Existing Definitions:

The Brundtland Definition (1987):

• "Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to also meet their needs"

The Speaker's Proposed Definitions:

Etymological (origin and historical development of words) Definition:

• "Something that is able to sustain itself"
• "Something that sustains itself into the future"

Expanded Working Definition:

• "Something is sustainable when it is able to sustain itself into the future without putting too much strain on the planet"

Final Definition - Absolute Sustainability:

• "Something is sustainable in absolute terms if it stays within its allowance"
• Simplified as: "Sticking to your share"

[Source]

1. Why does the speaker think that the Brundtland definition needs further development?

2. Outline what the planetary boundary framework is in relation to a definition of sustainability.

Sustainability models