🌱Intro to Environmental Systems Unit 10 – Sustainability and Green Tech
Sustainability and green tech are crucial for addressing environmental challenges while meeting human needs. These concepts encompass strategies for efficient resource use, renewable energy adoption, and minimizing ecological impacts across various sectors of society and the economy.
From energy-efficient buildings to circular economy models, green technologies offer innovative solutions to reduce our environmental footprint. Understanding key principles like intergenerational equity and ecosystem-based management is essential for developing effective policies and practices that promote long-term sustainability.
Sustainability involves meeting current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs
Includes environmental, social, and economic dimensions
Green technology encompasses products, processes, and services that reduce negative environmental impacts
Focuses on energy efficiency, renewable resources, and pollution reduction
Ecological footprint measures the impact of human activities on the environment in terms of resource consumption and waste generation
Life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle (raw material extraction, manufacturing, use, and disposal)
Circular economy aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency by keeping materials in use for as long as possible
Involves recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing
Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing emissions with carbon removal or offsetting
Environmental justice addresses the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities
Environmental Challenges and Impacts
Climate change caused by increasing greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane) leading to rising global temperatures and sea levels
Impacts include more frequent and intense extreme weather events (hurricanes, droughts, floods)
Deforestation driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and urbanization resulting in biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation
Air pollution from burning fossil fuels and industrial activities contributing to respiratory illnesses and acid rain
Water scarcity and pollution due to overexploitation, contamination, and climate change affecting access to clean water
Soil degradation caused by unsustainable agricultural practices (overgrazing, monoculture) and urbanization leading to reduced soil fertility and increased erosion
Plastic pollution accumulating in oceans and landfills harming marine life and entering the food chain
Biodiversity loss resulting from habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change threatening species survival and ecosystem services
Principles of Sustainability
Intergenerational equity ensuring that future generations have access to resources and a healthy environment
Precautionary principle taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty to avoid potential harm
Polluter pays principle holding those responsible for pollution accountable for the costs of prevention and cleanup
Sustainable resource use managing resources efficiently and minimizing waste to ensure long-term availability
Ecosystem-based management considering the interconnectedness of natural systems and managing them holistically
Participatory decision-making involving stakeholders in environmental decision-making processes to ensure inclusivity and transparency
Triple bottom line accounting for environmental, social, and economic factors in decision-making and performance evaluation
Green Technologies Overview
Energy-efficient technologies (LED lighting, high-performance insulation) reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
Renewable energy technologies (solar panels, wind turbines) generate electricity from renewable sources reducing reliance on fossil fuels
Green building design incorporates energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact
Includes features like green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and passive solar design
Sustainable transportation options (electric vehicles, public transit, bike-sharing) reduce emissions and improve air quality
Waste management technologies (recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion) divert waste from landfills and recover valuable resources
Water conservation technologies (low-flow fixtures, drip irrigation) reduce water consumption and improve efficiency