5.4.4: Sustainability and the Future

Unit 5.4.4 - Sustainability and the Future

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Learning Objectives

• Describe how lifestyle choices influence sustainability
• Recognize important Canadian governmental bodies and international organizations responsible for sustainability
• Explain the importance of environmental citizenship and literacy
• Describe the multi-faceted approach required for sustainability 

Introduction

Sustainable development was previously defined as progress made toward an economic system that is ultimately based on the wise use of renewable resources. A sustainable economy would not deplete its capital of natural resources, and so would not compromise the availability of those necessities for use by future generations of humans. We also noted that ecologically sustainable development would allow human activities to continue, but without causing unacceptable damage to other species or natural ecosystems.

This text does not give a falsely optimistic view of the future: sustainability will be a challenge and will take a lot of hard work.  All levels of society have a responsibility to protect the quality of our common environment. These obligations are a central aspect of the social contract by which enlightened communities function.

The role of government is an overarching one because it is empowered to regulate the activities of itself, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. Of course, many activities of government and the private sector carry risks of causing environmental damage, and there is always an obligation to avoid or mitigate the damage as much as possible.

The role of environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) is to lobby government and industry about issues, to raise public awareness, and increasingly (because of shortages of governmental capability), to raise funds that can be used to prevent and repair environmental damage. Finally, all individual citizens have an obligation to live their lives in an environmentally responsible manner.

International Organizations

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the principal international organization that deals with environmental matters. UNEP is responsible for coordinating global environmental efforts with other agencies of the United Nations, national governments, and non-governmental organizations. UNEP also coordinates the development of multinational treaties and other agreements and periodically hosts global conferences on environmental themes.

Other agencies of the United Nations also have mandates that involve environmental issues. These include the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

A wide range of non-governmental environmental organizations are also active on the international stage:

• ENGOs involved in the international conservation of biodiversity include Conservation International, the Cousteau Society, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Nature Conservancy (U.S.), the Smithsonian Institution, and the World Wildlife Fund.
• Those with general mandates concerning resources and other environmental issues include the Earth Island Institute, the Environmental Policy Institute, Resources for the Future, the Sierra Club, the World Resources Institute, and the Worldwatch Institute.

Video

The Convention on Biological Diversity identifies the Nayoga Protocol in this 2-minute video: a call to expand the global biodiversity framework to include the full and effective participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
Question after watching: Why is it important to share natural resources equitably? What are some challenges to achieving this goal?

Canadian Organizations

At the federal level, Environment and Climate Change Canada plays a central role in preserving and enhancing environmental quality. Its mandate includes the protection of water, air, and soil quality, renewable resources, and biodiversity. Its institutional objective is to foster a national capacity for sustainable development, in cooperation with international, provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous governments, as well as other departments of the federal government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. It is also responsible for informing "Canadians about protecting and conserving our natural heritage, and ensuring a clean, safe and sustainable environment for present and future generations."

Other agencies of the federal government also have important environmental mandates:

• Natural Resources Canada deals with mineral and forest resources, including aspects of the environmental impacts of mining, the use of fossil fuels, and forestry
• Health and Welfare Canada deals with environmental issues related to human health and also has primary jurisdiction over pesticide registrations
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada deals with issues involving agricultural practices, including sustainability and pesticide-use registrations
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada is mandated to promote understanding, conservation, and beneficial use of aquatic bio-resources.
• The Canadian Coast Guard helps to protect the marine environment by preventing marine pollution
• Parks Canada manages national parks
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is responsible for environmental and resource issues in extensive northern regions
• The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency conducts environmental assessments of projects involving the federal government
• Statistics Canada compiles environment-related data and makes them available to other agencies and the public

All of the provincial and territorial governments have agencies similar to those listed above for dealing with environmental responsibilities under their jurisdiction. Environmental reporting is one process that is used to communicate information about the environment to the public. Such reporting should involve clear and objective presentations of information about changes in environmental quality, and should also offer unbiased interpretations of the causes and consequences of those changes.

Environmental reporting is delivered to the broader public by various federal agencies, including government departments, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the mass media. Most of the provinces have also released periodic state-of-the-environment reports. Various other federal agencies also make available useful information about the environment available to the public, including Statistics Canada.

Canada also has a wealth of non-governmental organizations that deal with environmental issues. National organizations that focus on the conservation of biodiversity include the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Nature Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the World Wildlife Fund of Canada (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)). Organizations with general mandates concerning resources and other environmental issues include the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, Canadian Ecology Advocates, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Energy Probe Research Foundation, Pollution Probe, the Royal Society of Canada, the Sierra Club (Canada), the Tree Canada Foundation, and Wildlife Habitat Canada. In addition, all of the provinces and territories have non-governmental organizations that deal with environmental issues on a more regional basis.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): The Nature Conservancy of Canada is an ENGO whose activities focus on acquiring land or land-use rights for the protection of natural values. This project involved the purchase of property on an island in Nova Scotia that provides habitat for several rare plants, including the best-known locale in Canada of the eastern mountain avens (Geum Peckii). Source: B. Freedman.

Video

Revisiting Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, the Guardians tend to the Intergenerational gardens, which include the largest intact ancient coastal rainforest on Vancouver Island, as profiled in this 7-minute video.
Question after watching: What aspects of sustainability are practiced in Tia-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks?

Environmental Citizenship

Although each of us individually has a relatively small effect on the environment, our collective influence is enormous. If all Canadians were to pursue a lifestyle that has gentler environmental effects, there would be great benefits for all of us, for future generations, and for other species.

Environmental citizenship involves actions that are taken by people and families to lessen their impact on the environment. Individual acts of environmentalism involve making lifestyle choices that include having a small family, using less energy and material resources, and causing less damage to the natural world. In addition to the many sustainability actions that people can undertake, they can give moral and financial support to ENGOs that deal with environmental issues at international, national, and regional levels.

Libraries, bookstores, and websites offer many so-called sustainability handbooks and tools. These list hundreds of specific actions that people and families can take to lessen their effect on the environment. The diverse possibilities include shutting off the lights when leaving a room, turning the thermostat down to 15°C or less during the winter (while layering clothing), avoiding wasteful travel habits (such as commuting alone in a car), avoiding the use of pesticides in lawn and garden care, planting native trees to store carbon on one’s property and to provide wildlife habitat, becoming a vegetarian, and giving money and volunteer time to environmental charities (Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\)).

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Each of us can choose to adopt a lifestyle that is less intensive in terms of its environmental impact. This can involve many appropriate choices, such as commuting by bicycle instead of by automobile. (Paul Krueger; CC-BY-2.0)

However, few individual Canadians will make all of the sustainable choices that are possible. To do so would be to voluntarily adopt an austere lifestyle, and most people are unwilling or unable to choose this. Instead, most will undertake some positive actions, perhaps including recycling many household wastes, riding a bicycle to school or work, not worrying about a weedy lawn, and favoring several environmental organizations. This would be selective environmentalism rather than a fully green lifestyle. However, if selective environmentalism is substantial enough, and is adopted by many people, there will be huge benefits. Each of us is responsible for demonstrating our environmental citizenship by making as many green choices as possible and by encouraging relatives, friends, and acquaintances to do the same.

If the citizens of Canada and other countries do not make these sensible, environmentally-conscious choices, the results will eventually be tragic.

Things You Can Do to Be More Sustainable

1. "Reduce energy use
   Adopt energy-saving habits. Make it a habit to turn off the lights as you leave a room. Also, replace standard light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Turn off your computer and unplug electronics when they are not in use.
2. Change the way you think about transportation
   Walk or bike whenever possible. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but your overall level of health will improve and you will save money on parking and gasoline. 
   Take public transit or carpool whenever possible.
   When purchasing a vehicle look for one with better mileage.  Increase your fuel economy when driving by sticking to posted speed limits and avoiding rapid acceleration and excessive braking. Plan and combine trips and errands. This will save you both time and money as well as reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. When travelling long distances, try to take a train or bus rather than flying or driving.
3. Insulate your home
   Insulate yourself and your home. By properly insulating your home, you can ensure that heat stays in or out depending on the season. You can do this by purchasing windows and window coverings that will block out or keep in warmth, and by sealing any existing cracks. In winter, reduce your thermostat by 2 °C to enjoy energy savings and a cozy sweater. In summer, use fans to circulate air, and set air conditioners to make your home a comfortable temperature. Lowering the temperature on your water heater to between 55 and 60 °C and insulating your pipes also makes a difference.
4. Make every drop count
   Conserve water by fixing drips and leaks, and by installing low-flow shower heads and toilets. Challenge yourself to a speed shower. Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving. Treating and transporting water requires energy, while water conservation results in reduced energy requirements and carbon emissions.
5. Cool wash and hang to dry
   These are not just washing instructions on a label anymore, but an equation for energy savings. Wash clothing in cold water and hang clothing to dry outside, or indoors on a drying rack. Taking these steps will reduce your electricity bill and also prolong the life of clothing by reducing wear on the fabric caused by dryers. 
6. High efficiency appliances
   When replacing appliances, look for high efficiency units. Appliances with ENERGY STAR ratings, an international standard for energy-efficient consumer products, typically utilize a minimum of 20 % less energy. This means savings for you and the environment. 
7. Switch to "green power"
   Research where your power is coming from - wind, water, coal, or solar - and talk to your power provider to determine if a greater percentage could be coming from renewable resources. Encourage power providers to switch to green power and, if possible and/or economically viable, switch to a company offering power from renewable resources.
8. Recycle
   Make recycling part of your daily routine. Recycle all packaging and consumer goods that you can. Aim to purchase items with minimal and recyclable packaging. For certain items with large amounts of packaging, ask retailers if they can recycle or re-use it. For electronics, facilities now exist that can dispose of electronics in an environmentally responsible manner.
9. Repurpose
   Rather than discarding or recycling clothing and household goods, give them a chance at a second life. Gently used clothing can be donated to charity or exchanged with friends and family. Old T-shirts can be repurposed into rags for cleaning. Household goods can be donated to charity or sold at a garage sale. Through repurposing, the amount of waste being sent to landfill sites is reduced, there is no need to use energy for recycling, and others can benefit from your used items.
10. Plants, our new best friend
    When gardening, select plants that are well suited to your climate and require minimal watering and attention. Better yet, plant a tree, and it will provide shade and soak up carbon from the atmosphere."

Find more tips here: https://oceans.ubc.ca/about/sustainability-well-being/sustainability-tips/

Source: Government of Canada. 2015. "Things You Can Do to Help the Environment." [Internet] Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/things-you-can-do-help-environment.html

Environmental Literacy 

Environmental literacy refers to a well-informed understanding of environmental issues, and it is an important societal goal. Knowledge about the causes and consequences of environmental damage can influence the decisions and choices made by politicians, regulators, corporations, and individual citizens. If appropriate, those decisions and choices can influence environmental quality in a positive way (Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\)). People acquire this knowledge in various ways, the most important of which are through environmental reporting and other forms of education.

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Influences on Environmental Quality. This is a conceptual model of the many influences on environmental quality, including the roles of monitoring, research, regulation, and literacy. Environmental monitoring and research provide an understanding of the causes and consequences of changes in conditions. Ideally, this understanding is based on objective information from monitoring and research programs, interpreted by environmental scientists and other qualified specialists (although their explanations may be conditioned by social and cultural influences). This knowledge is communicated to decision makers in government, who may implement regulations and undertake management activities that affect environmental quality.

Knowledge about environmental and ecological changes is also communicated to the general public, through state-of-the-environment reporting, the educational system, activities of non-governmental organizations, and the mass media. Social attitudes regarding the environment are affected by environmental literacy, and they may result in more appropriate choices of lifestyle and a public influence on the policies and actions of governments and corporations.  Environmental literacy has a pervasive influence on the attitudes that people develop. Individuals who are knowledgeable about environmental issues are more likely to make appropriate lifestyle choices and to influence decision-makers to ensure that sensible policies are implemented.

Most people become informed about environmental issues through the mass media, such as the internet, newspapers, and television. These can be effective means of environmental education, but there are drawbacks. Often, media presentations of issues are biased, and sometimes they are inaccurate. The focus is often on controversy, especially when there are unresolved issues that are characterized by scientific uncertainty. This can result in high-profile disputes dominating the environmental agenda, which can detract from efforts to deal with some other important problems whose causation and resolution are better known.

To some degree, this approach can be counterbalanced by providing the broader public with more objective information and by fostering a better understanding of the issues. One means of accomplishing this is to ensure that environmental issues are dealt with, adequately and objectively, in the education system. Ideally, this exposure would occur throughout the system – from primary and high schools, through colleges and universities, to continuing education for the working public.

In contrast, poorly informed public opinion encourages less-appropriate environmental choices, such as rampant consumerism and the wasteful use of natural resources. Environmental illiteracy also fosters the development of controversial “red herrings”, or illogical beliefs that mislead or distract from important issues. An example of an environmental red herring is the common misunderstanding that many people have of the differences between contamination and pollution. Related unhelpful syndromes are known as NIMBY (not in my backyard), LULU (locally unacceptable land use), BANANA (build absolutely nothing anywhere near anybody), and NIMTO (not in my term of office). NIMBY, LULU, and BANANA are common views that many people have about proposed developments that may affect their local environment, while NIMTO is a frequent political response. These attitudes can result, in part, from a lack of credible information about the risks that may be associated with developments in the neighborhood. Alternatively, NIMBY, LULU, and BANANA may result when planners and developers are insensitive to the legitimate concerns of local people.

In addition to affecting the siting of commercial and industrial facilities, NIMBY, LULU, BANANA, and NIMTO cause huge problems for planners who are attempting to build certain kinds of environmental management facilities that society wants and needs. For example, even though all voters recognize that their community needs facilities for the disposal of solid wastes and the treatment of sewage, not many people wish to have such works located in their own neighborhood often leading to environmental injustice.

Sustainable Living

Sustainable living describes a lifestyle that attempts to reduce/eliminate an individual's (or society's) use of resources so as to be as close as possible to "net zero living". As such, an individual (or society) focuses on reducing their footprint (ecologically, carbon, socially, etc) through their choices/methods of:

• Use of resources (energy/food and food waste/transportation/water/etc)
• Support of people/companies (voting/economic/social/etc)
• Practices of reducing, reusing, and recycling
• Consciousness of priority and focus on local concerns/needs versus global concerns/needs
• Sharing knowledge with their community (all ages)

The thought of getting started with sustainable living can be overwhelming. However, it is important to note that although we can acknowledge all the things that need to be accomplished, that the entire burden does not lie with just one individual's control (Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\)). In fact, most of the changes will need to take place a higher levels of policy and economic decision-making. Overall, it is a multi-layered approach to action at the individual, societal, and political levels that will lead towards true sustainability and it is still possible that these changes can be made for both humans and nature alike.

Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Considerations for sustainable living goals. Image by Sustainability Week Switzerland in Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

Video

In this 14-minute second video from 2018, Green shares his analysis on the steps each country has (or has not) made toward these Sustainable Development Goals -- and offers new ideas on what needs to change so we can achieve them by 2030.
Why does Green use the Social Progress Index to measure the SDGs? What does his data tell us? What is a drawback to his method?