TREN 1F90 Introduction to Sustainability
TREN 1F90Introduction to SustainabilityDefinitionsenvironmentpolicyscalejurisdictionDefining Sustainable DevelopmentAbout Interdisciplinarity
Definitions, tools and frameworks
environment in-'vI-r&(n)-m&nt, -'vI(-&)r(n)-[n] 1 : the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded2 a : the complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors (as climate, soil, and living things) that act upon an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival b : the aggregate of social and cultural conditions that influence the life of an individual or community.- Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 2004
environment[n] the totality of surrounding conditions.
environmentaleffectsare felt, and modified, in 3 main ways - through the flows of:MATERIALSENERGYINFORMATION-> fundamental spheres of influence for sustainability
policya course or general plan of action to be adopted by a government, party, person, etc. - Concise Oxford Dictionary
policya selected, planned line of conduct in the light of which individual decisions are made and coordination achieved - Websters Encyclopedic Dictionary
ENVI conceptual tools
scale
- an ordered series of graduated quantities, values, degrees, etc.
- relative magnitude - Websters Encyclopedic Dictionary
scalemay be:- physical / geographicalranking based upon size, dimension, geographical subunit, etc.- ecologicalindividual, deme, community, population- jurisdictionallocal, municipal, regional, federal, global
scale earthcontinentcountryprovinceregionmunicipalityneighbourhoodhouseholdindividual
United Nations..governments..ngos / community groups. individualsGLOBAL / MACRO
LOCAL / MICROspatial jurisdictional / decision making
jurisdiction- the legal power to administer and enforce the law- the exercising of this power- the region within which this power is valid or in which a person has authority- authority - Websters Encyclopedic Dictionary
Defining SustainableDevelopment
Sustainable development:meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
World Commission on Environment and Development (1987): Our Common Future
Elements of sustainabilityEnvironment EconomySociety- World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987
the sustainable development triangle
Elements of sustainabilityEnvironment EconomySociety- World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987
Elements of sustainabilityEnvironment - World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987biodiversitymaterialsenergybiophysical interactions
Elements of sustainabilityEconomy- World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987money and capitalemploymenttechnological growthinvestmentmarket forces
Elements of sustainabilitySociety- World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987human diversity (cultural, linguistic, ethnic)equity (dependence / independence)quality of lifeinstitutional structures and organizationpolitical structures
The 3 Es Model EcologyEconomyEquity
The Healthy Community Model
Sustainability: PROBLEMSDepletion of finite resourcesfuels, soil, minerals, speciesOver-use of renewable resourcesforests, fish & wildlife, fertility, public fundsPollutionair, water, soilInequityeconomic, political, social, genderSpecies lossendangered species and spaces- WCED, 1987
Sustainability: SOLUTIONSCyclical material useemulate natural cycles; 3 RsSafe reliable energyconservation, renewable energy, substitution, interim measuresLife-based interestshealth, creativity, communication, coordination, appreciation, learning, intellectual and spiritual development
Two key sustainable development concepts: EQUITY
LIMITS TO GROWTH -WCED 1987
Two key sustainable development concepts:
the concept of needs, particularly the essential needs of the worlds poor EQUITY
-WCED 1987
Two key sustainable development concepts:
EQUITY the quality of being fair or impartial; fairness; impartiality something that is fair and just.
-dictionary.com
Contrast with:
EQUALITY the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability. uniform character, as of motion or surface. -dictionary.com
Two key sustainable development concepts:
the idea of limitations (ecological, technological, and social) which affect the environments ability to meet present and future needs LIMITS TO GROWTH -WCED 1987
Two key sustainable development concepts:
LIMITS TO GROWTH- quantitative and qualitative limits- living within the regenerative and assimilative capacities of the planet -WCED 1987
Sustainable development...implies limitsNot predefined absolute limits, but limitations imposed by:the ability of the biosphere to absorb the effects of human activitiesadaptability of human social and political organizationtechnology
Sustainable development and economic growthEconomic growth must be made:less material intensive (dematerialization of the economy)less energy intensivemore equitable in its impacts Economic growth may be reduced or curtailed to meet limitations imposed by environment, technology, or society
Institutional gaps impeding sustainable development2 major gaps:fragmented decision makingnarrow mandates, jurisdictional rigidity, lack of communication and coordinationlack of accountabiityfailure to make the bodies whose policy actions degrade the environment responsible for their actions
materials and energy
Obsolescent frontier civilization:ENERGYCONVENTIONALURBAN SYSTEMMATERIALSHEATWASTE &TOXINSOne-way flow of materials and energyCONSUMERSOCIETYNON-RENEWABLEand RENEWABLEHIGHTHROUGHPUT
CONSERVERSOCIETYSustainable civilization:Cyclical flows of materials Appropriate energy usageEnergy EfficiencyRENEWABLE Waste MinimizationToxics controlLOWTHROUGHPUTENERGYMATERIALSLow-qualityHeat EnergyLow-volumeNontoxic Waste Materials
informationand decision making
Sustainable development...considers future and present needs when making decisions about:resource and energy usetechnological developmentdirection of investmentssocial, political & institutional change...etc. etc. etc.
TRADITIONALDECISION MAKING
TRADITIONALDECISION MAKING NON-PARTICIPATORY
FRAGMENTED
SOCIETYENVIRONMENTECONOMYTRADITIONALDECISION MAKINGECOSYSTEM-BASEDDECISION MAKINGECO-SYSTEMHEALTH
SOCIETYENVIRONMENTECONOMYECOSYSTEM-BASEDDECISION MAKING PARTICIPATORY
INTEGRATEDECO-SYSTEMHEALTH
Fragmented decision-makingISSUE federal /nationalmunicipalpublicprivateprovincial /stateregionalotherinterestscommunitygroups- after Barrett and Kidd, 1991
Integrated decision-making- after Barrett and Kidd, 1991
decision making
reactive
decision making
reactive (end of pipe)
decision making
anticipatory
reactive
decision making
anticipatory(planning for change) reactive
decision making radical
anticipatory
reactive
decision making radical(fundamental; root causes) anticipatory
reactive
decision making
radical
anticipatory
reactive Industry
change in demand - less consumption - alternative consumption
change in process- clean technology- elimination of toxics
sewage treatment plant- end of pipe solution
environmentandeconomyandsociety
environmentandeconomy
environmentoreconomy
Northern Telecombased in Canada42 plants in various countriesmanufacturer of electronic components (telecommunications)1988: 1000+ tonnes of CFCs per year1992: 0 tonnes of CFCs used per yearHistorical example:
Original Process1) raw components and grease2) manufacturing and assembly process3) clean off grease with CFCs4) finished product
Revised process1) raw components, no grease2) manufacturing and assembly process3) no need to clean off grease with CFCs4) finished product
Environment AND Economy$1 million to develop new process$4 million savings in first year (no CFCs)$50 million savings to year 2000international environmental prize -> great publicitycontract with Mexico for industrial innovation (very lucrative)
radical
anticipatory
reactive
radical
anticipatory
reactive Industry
radical
anticipatory
reactive Industry
change in demand for product
change in industrial process
sewage treatment plant for wastes
radical
anticipatory
reactive Industry
change in demand for product
change in industrial process
sewage treatment plant for wastes
Biodiversity
apply landscape ecology principles to human activity
establish national parks (12%) to protect habitats
zoo / seed bank for endangered species Transportation
radical
anticipatory
reactive Industry
change in demand for product
change in industrial process
sewage treatment plant for wastesBiodiversity
apply landscape ecology principles to human activity
establish national parks (12%) to protect habitats
zoo / seed bank for endangered species Transportation
complete redesign of our cities
alternative fuels for cars
catalytic converters
valuesideologystrategiesvalues, ideologies and strategies
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesindividual, cultural, social, spiritual, moral
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologiesDefinable sets of values constituteindividual, cultural, social, spiritual, moralShort form summary of basic values that eliminates the need to engage in deep philosophical investigations every time action is required
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologiesDefinable sets of values constitute(e.g. Industrial Capitalism, Marxism, Christianity,Liberalism, Socialism, Conservatism, Judaism)
individual, cultural, social, spiritual, moral
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologiesstrategiesDefinable sets of values constitute(e.g. Industrial Capitalism, Marxism, Christianity,Liberalism, Socialism, Conservatism, Judaism)
which give rise topractical applications of ideologically consistent ideas, actions, policies and programsindividual, cultural, social, spiritual, moral
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologystrategies
environmental valuesvaluesideologystrategies holistic perspective
everything is connected to everything else parts can only be understood in the context of the whole
nature as a living organism or system
(after Macdonald, D. 1991. The Politics of Pollution. McClelland and Stewart, Toronto: p.33)
environmental valuesvaluesideologystrategies
humans living within nature -> inherent value of other organisms and inanimate objects
limits to growth(after Macdonald, D. 1991. The Politics of Pollution. McClelland and Stewart, Toronto: p.33)
environmental valuesvaluesideologystrategies
appropriate technology
matching the scope and scale of technology to the task at hand principles of durability and efficiency recognition that new technology brings both benefits and problems
environmental valuesvaluesideologystrategies
appropriate scale
appropriate sizes for institutions, social organizations, communities
accessible and accountable decision-making
in public and private sectors
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologystrategies
environmental ideologiesvaluesideologystrategies technological optimism
sustainable development (Brundtland Commission)
social ecology (Murray Bookchin) deep ecology (Arne Naess)
ecofeminism (Franoise DEaubonne)
various green political parties
many variants: e.g., alliances with socialism, feminism, peace movement, etc. examples of
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologystrategies
reform environmentalism (traditional bureacracies and political action)
direct action and intervention (e.g. Earth First!) single-issue lobbying / intervention groups (e.g., Save the Rouge Valley System)
permanent organizations (e.g., Greenpeace)
alliances and coalitions (e.g., Canadian Coalition on Acid Rain)
round tables, forums (e.g., National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy) environmental strategies and strategists
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologystrategies
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologystrategies feedback loop allows for reflection, re-evaluation, adaptive management
ideologyinteractions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesstrategies if no feedback loop: inflexible, unresponsive
ideologyinteractions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesstrategiesdogma
interactions amongstvalues / ideologies / strategiesvaluesideologystrategies
Sustainability: How do we move from rhetoric to reality?
principles
principlespolicy
principlespolicypractice
To be useful, principles of sustainability must:be easily understoodbe applicable in many contextsbe transferrable across scalestranslate well from fundamental values into applied policy and practical actionidentify possibilities for radical transformative change AND positive incremental change
SomePrinciples of Sustainability in the literature:Our Common Future (WCED 1987)Principles defining sustainable development (OSEM 1989)Defining a sustainable society (Robinson et al . 1990,1996)Agenda 21 (1992)Six principles of sustainable development (ORTEE 1992)Guideposts for a sustainable future (Nickerson 1993)Framework for Sustainable Development (CIDA 1994)The Natural Step (Robert et al . 1994)Sustainability Principles (ORTEE 1994), etc.
Recent compilation of Principles of Sustainability
http://iisd1.iisd.ca/sd/principle.asp
-IISD (Winnipeg)
Guideposts for Sustainability
(after Nickerson, 1993)
Activities are sustainable when they:
1.Use materials in continuous cycles.2.Use continuously reliable sources of energy.3.Encourage desirable human traits(equity; creativity; communication; coordination; appreciation; intellectual and spiritual development).One example:
Guideposts for SustainabilityActivities are not sustainable when they:
4.Require continual inputs of non-renewable resources.5.Use renewable resources faster than their rate of renewal. 6. Cause cumulative degradation of the environment.7. Require resources in quantities that could never be available for people everywhere.8. Lead to the extinction of other life forms.
About Interdisciplinarity
What do you answer if someone asks you, What is your major? What are your career goals? What is your ethnic origin?
career goalsacademic majorethnocultural identityNormative categories
doctorlawyerpolice officermechanicparamedic Normative categories
literaturepsychologymathematicsbiologysociology Normative categories disciplines
disciplinaryMultidisciplinaryInterdisciplinaryTransdisciplinary- what are the differences?Reference: Stefanovic, Ingrid. 1996. Interdisciplinarity and Wholeness: Lessons from Eco-Research. Environments 23(3): 74-94.
Disciplinary:
of or pertaining to a discrete branch of learning
knowledge within generally accepted boundaries
Disciplinary:
often associated with discipline-specific vocabularies, methods, and assumptions
Examples of disciplines: sociology, philosophy, biology, political science, chemistry, economics, geography, mathematics...
Multidisciplinary:
standard disciplinary approaches are applied to a common research question, problem or issue
insights achieved through an approach which is essentially additive rather than integrative
Multidisciplinary:
a spontaneous coalescence of these disparate approaches is anticipated
arguably the approach which produces the most substantive research results
ISSUE
ISSUE
Interdisciplinary:
the issue, problem, or concern defines the disciplinary expertise which is brought to bear
arguably the most effective policy-oriented problem-solving approach
Interdisciplinary:
a level of integration which involves more than an additive analysis of the disciplinary perspectives insights are achieved through an approach which is explicitly integrative -> an a priori attempt is made at synthesis across disciplinary boundaries
ISSUE
ISSUE
ISSUE
ISSUE
Transdisciplinary:
recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of reality and knowledge
Goal: distinctions amongst disciplines are eliminated completely
Transdisciplinary:
an attempt to transcend the dynamics of a dialectical synthesis to grasp the total dynamics of reality as a whole
Examples of transdisciplinary endeavour:general systems theoryphenomenology
******The three interlinked elements in the Bruntland Commissions sustainable development equation are environment, economy, and society. *The three interlinked elements in the Bruntland Commissions sustainable development equation are environment, economy, and society. *The three interlinked elements in the Bruntland Commissions sustainable development equation are environment, economy, and society. *The three interlinked elements in the Bruntland Commissions sustainable development equation are environment, economy, and society. *The three interlinked elements in the Bruntland Commissions sustainable development equation are environment, economy, and society. *The three interlinked elements in the Bruntland Commissions sustainable development equation are environment, economy, and society. *The three interlinked elements in the Bruntland Commissions sustainable development equation are environment, economy, and society. **********************************************