Understanding Environmental Sustainability: Key Concepts and Issues
What is the ‘Tragedy of the Commons’?
The Tragedy of the Commons is a dilemma arising from the situation in which multiple individuals, acting independently and rationally in their own self-interest, will ultimately deplete a shared limited resource, even when it is clear that it is not in anyone’s long-term interest for this to happen.
Arguments:
- Overexploitation of a resource occurs when there is no individual interest and responsibility in its conservation because the resource is not private property and has no private owner.
- If an outsider (e.g., state power) enters the community to act as both regulator and guarantor of regulations, the community itself is unable to reach agreement on the rational use of common resources, or even if they do, they are unable to enforce them.
What is the IPAT Formula?
The IPAT formula (I = PAT) describes the impact of human activity on the environment.
I = P × A × T
- I = Human Impact on the environment
- P = Population
- A = Affluence
- T = Technology
This formula illustrates how our growing population, affluence, and technology contribute to our environmental impact.
What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education, and standards of living for countries worldwide. It is a standard means of measuring well-being, especially child welfare.
The HDI is used to distinguish whether a country is developed, developing, or underdeveloped and to measure the impact of economic policies on quality of life.
Factors used in the HDI:
- Life expectancy
- Education Index
- GDP
The HDI is used by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and can also be applied to states, cities, and villages by local organizations or companies.
What are the 5 Factors Contributing to Societal Collapse (According to Jared Diamond)?
- Environmental Damage (never the only factor)
- Climate Change
- Hostile Neighbors
- Friendly Trade Partners
- Societal Response to Environmental Change (always included)
What is Peak Oil?
Peak oil is the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production enters terminal decline.
Have We Passed Peak Oil?
Potentially, yes. The current global economic situation and investments in new technologies and alternative energy sources may outpace the demand for additional oil.
What is the Phenomenon of Plastic Soup?
Plastic soup refers to the increasing amount of plastic waste accumulating in our oceans and seas. Weathering, sunlight, and wave action break down this plastic into smaller particles, resulting in widespread pollution.
Marine organisms mistakenly ingest these plastic particles, introducing them into the food chain and ultimately impacting human health.
What is Ocean Acidification?
Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth’s oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This excess CO2 changes the chemistry of the sea, harming marine life and ecosystems.
Why is Ocean Acidification a Problem?
A more acidic ocean can:
- Wipe out species
- Disrupt the food web
- Impact fishing and tourism
- Harm any human endeavor that relies on the sea
What Can We Learn from Jared Diamond’s Book “Collapse”?
Jared Diamond’s book “Collapse” examines the factors that led to the downfall of past civilizations, offering valuable lessons for our modern world. By understanding the patterns of environmental catastrophes and societal responses, we can learn to avoid similar pitfalls and create a more sustainable future.
What is the Traditional Model of Stakeholders?
The stakeholder theory is a theory of organizational management and business ethics that addresses moral and values in managing an organization. Stakeholder analysis identifies individuals or groups likely affected by a proposed action and assesses how their interests should be addressed.
What is the Stakeholder Salience Model of Mitchell, et al.?
The Stakeholder Salience Model, developed by Mitchell, Agle, and Wood, categorizes stakeholders based on their power, legitimacy, and urgency. This model helps organizations prioritize and manage their relationships with different stakeholder groups.
What Kind of Approaches Can a Company Have Towards Stakeholders?
Four generic approaches:
- Involvement: Including stakeholders in decision-making processes.
- Monitoring: Considering the interests of specific stakeholder groups when making important decisions.