Ch 16: Environmental Sustainability
About This Chapter
Environmental Sustainability - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
Environmental sustainability refers to the ability of the natural world to continue functioning in a healthy manner. In the video lessons in this chapter, instructors guide you through lessons that define the topic and explain some issues involving sustainability. You will gain an understanding of how human behavior affects sustainability and how altering consumption patterns can affect the environment. This chapter can help you understand the following:
- What is environmental sustainability?
- How environmental sustainability applies at various levels, from the individual to the global
- The limits of sustainable development
- The complexities of sustainable consumption
- Voluntary simplicity and its role in sustainable consumption
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| Environmental Sustainability: Definition and Application | Define environmental sustainability and discuss how it applied to many levels including: the individual, communal, regional and global levels. |
| Human Behaviors that Threaten Environmental Sustainability | Identify human behaviors that threaten environmental sustainability. |
| Sustainable Development within Environmental Limits | Define and discuss sustainable development and how it can only occur within the limits of the environment. |
| Sustainable Consumption: Definition and Complexities | Outline some of the complexities associated with the concept of sustainable consumption. |
| Understanding Voluntary Simplicity as a Form of Sustainable Consumption | Define voluntary simplicity and describe how it is an example of sustainable consumption. |
1. Environmental Sustainability: Definition and Application
Environmental sustainability allows for the needs of man to be met without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Learn applications of environmental sustainability, including sustainable agriculture, forestry and energy.
2. Human Behaviors that Threaten Environmental Sustainability
The environment has a remarkable ability to sustain itself. However, human behaviors disrupt the natural environment and threaten environmental sustainability. Learn how population growth, depletion of resources, and pollution threaten nature.
3. Sustainable Development within Environmental Limits
Sustainable development is a way of meeting the needs of both present and future generations. Learn how sustainable development must work within the environmental limits so future generations can benefit from the rich resources of the environment.
4. Sustainable Consumption: Definition and Complexities
Sustainable consumption is the use of products and services that have a minimal impact on the environment so future generations can meet their needs. Learn about the benefits and the complexities that are associated with sustainable consumption.
5. Understanding Voluntary Simplicity as a Form of Sustainable Consumption
Voluntary simplicity is a form of sustainable consumption that involves a conscious decision to use fewer natural resources. Learn how following a voluntary simplicity lifestyle can meet your needs and desires and reduce damage to the environment.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Environmental Science 101: Environment and Humanity course
- Introduction to Environmental Science
- Ecosystems and the Effects of Pollution
- Habitats & Ecosystems
- The Evolution of Ecosystems
- Meteorology and the Environment
- Geology and the Environment
- Biological Science
- Causes and Effects of Freshwater Pollution
- The Relationship Between Land and the Environment
- Effects of Population Growth on the Environment
- Environmental Impact of Agriculture
- Solid and Hazardous Waste
- Human Impact on the Environment
- Renewable Resources and the Environment
- Nonrenewable Resources
- Analyzing Environmental Risks
- Impact of Environmental Policy
- Studying for Environmental Science 101