Sustainable Development and Environmental Economics: A Comprehensive Guide
What is the Primary Objective of Economic Activity?
The primary objective of economic activity is the satisfaction of human needs. In the search for satisfaction, humans explore their environment, discovering and unraveling the mysteries of nature.
What Determines Economic Sustainability?
Economic sustainability depends on the system of allocating property rights and the possession of economic and social incentives.
What are Advances in Science and Technology?
Advances in science and technology involve the design and manufacture of increasingly sophisticated instruments and tools that assist humans in their activities.
What is the Dematerialization of the Economy?
The dematerialization of the economy is a strategic sustainability approach that involves reducing the use of inputs in production. This leads to a lower quantity of raw materials used and less environmental impact.
How Does Dematerialization Relate to Productivity?
Dematerialization aims to achieve the same level of productivity while using fewer resources. This is achieved through the rational use of resources.
What are the Disadvantages of Dematerialization?
Disadvantages of dematerialization include potential problems between nations that produce raw materials and energy. Reduced production could also lead to a decrease in employment opportunities.
What Paradigms or Models Have Authors Proposed?
Several authors have proposed various paradigms or models to change current patterns of consumption and production to achieve a more sustainable future.
What is Clean Technology?
Clean technology refers to technology that does not produce adverse side effects or negatively impact environmental balance or natural systems (ecosystems).
What is Cleaner Production?
Cleaner production is a business strategy focused on production processes, products, and services that aim to reduce costs, encourage innovation, and minimize risks to humans and the environment.
What is Ecodesign?
Ecodesign is an expanded and improved technique for product development. It encourages companies to develop products in a more structured and rational way, leading to sustainable production and more rational consumption of resources.
Economic Instruments
These are tools that influence the behavior of economic agents through market signals.
The Polluter Pays Principle
This principle aims to ensure that the costs of managing and preventing environmental impacts are covered by those responsible for them. This encourages a reduction in environmental damage to reach specific levels of environmental quality.
Objectives of Economic Instruments
These objectives analyze the effects of market failures and government policy mistakes on environmental conditions in developing countries. They also discuss economic policy options to achieve environmental goals.
Characteristics of Economic Instruments
Economic instruments aim to improve environmental performance, internalize the benefits of environmental damage, and achieve environmental objectives at the lowest possible cost.
Kyoto Protocol
Signed by 150 countries and enacted on February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol commits developed countries and economies in transition to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
What is Environmental Regulation?
Environmental regulation involves setting limits on elements that pose a danger to people or the environment.
What Does ISO Stand For?
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization.
Three Fundamental Principles of Environmental Regulation
The three fundamental principles of environmental regulation are law, economic instruments, and social awareness.
Main Function of ISO
The main function of ISO is to seek standardization of product and safety standards for businesses and organizations worldwide.
Elements of ISO 14000
ISO 14000 consists of six elements: EMS, environmental auditing, environmental performance evaluation, life cycle analysis, environmental labels, and terms and definitions.
Development Planning
Planning for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is a continuous and dynamic process that reflects changes in the socio-environment and aims to promote sustainable development.
Two Strategic Planning Documents
The two strategic planning documents are the Study of State and the State Biodiversity Strategy.
Study of State
The Study of State provides an overview of the biodiversity of a specific federal entity.
State Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity
This document represents a dynamic strategic planning process that guides the actions of different sectors of society to ensure the permanence of biological diversity.
Social Development
Social development involves continuously increasing awareness of preserving resources so that future generations can also grow and develop in a suitable environment.
Human Development
Social development refers to the development of human capital and social capital in a society. It implies a positive change in the relationships between individuals, groups, and institutions. This primarily involves economic and human development.
Economic Development
Economic development is the ability of countries or regions to create wealth to promote or sustain prosperity and the economic and social welfare of their inhabitants.
Human Development (Revisited)
Human development is the process by which a society improves the lives of its citizens by increasing assets to meet their basic and complementary needs while creating an environment that respects human rights.
Economic Indicators
GDP: The monetary value of goods and services produced by an economy in a given period.
Inflation: The widespread and sustained increase in prices of goods and services in a country.
Devaluation: The reduction or loss of face value of a currency against other foreign currencies.
Social Indicators
Equity: Poverty percentage of the population living below the poverty line, index of income inequality (Gini Index).
Unemployment Rate
Gender: Ratio of average wages of men and women.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is a comprehensive process that requires commitments and responsibilities from different factors in society. It involves the application of economic, environmental, and social principles to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Life Cycle Analysis
Life cycle analysis is a scientific method used to investigate the impact of a material or system on the environment throughout its life cycle.
Stages of Life Cycle Analysis
The stages of life cycle analysis are: definition and scope of objectives, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation of results.
Environmental Education
Environmental education is a continuous and ongoing process that aims to equip citizens with knowledge, habits, skills, attitudes, and values to harmonize the relationship between humans and nature.
Components of Environmental Education
The four components of environmental education are ecological foundations, conceptual awareness, investigation and evaluation of problems, and the capacity for action.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a form of responsible tourism that allows people to enjoy, appreciate, and study both natural and cultural attractions.
Relationship Between Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
Ecotourism protects the environment while helping the community to develop sustainably.
Ecological Approach to Sustainable Development
The ecological approach to sustainable development includes life cycle inventories, life cycle analysis, environmental education, and ecotourism.