Sustainability Definition: The use and management of resources that allows full natural replacement of the resources exploited and full recovery of the ecosystems affected by their extraction and use.

Resilience The resilience of a system measures how it responds to a disturbance Resilience is the ability of a system to return to its initial state after a disturbance (Just like stability from last class) Factors affecting Ecosystem Resilience More complexity/biodiversity/genetic diversity = more resilient Species with a wide geographical range= more resilient Warmer Climates = more resilient Higher reproduction rate = more resilient

Tipping Points Definition:When an ecosystem experiences a shift to a new state with significant changes to its biodiversity and the services it provides Characteristics Long lasting Positive Feedback Threshold is hard to predict Change is long lasting Hard to reverse Negative Feedback Positive Feedback

Natural Capital and Natural Income The goods and services the environment provides Examples: A Forest A shoal of fish A wetland A coral reef Natural Income The way humans use natural capital Timber for building Food! Flood control Recreation/tourism

Ecological Footprints Definition: The area of land and water required to provide resources sustainably at the rate at which they are being consumed by a given population What if an ecological footprint is greater than the area available? How does your EVS affect your footprint?

EIAs (From NEPA) Environmental Impact Assessment A report prepared before a development or project to change the use of land. Weighs advantages and disadvantages Example: Turning a forest into a golf course What is included in an EIA? (know this) ;) Identify impact Predict the scale of impact Limit the effects of impact (mitigation) Where did they come from? 1969 NEPA (National Environmental Policy act) Why was this so important?