Sustainability What does it mean?

Sustainable Society  a society that meets its needs without impairing the ability of future generations and other species from meeting their needs.  Requires new thinking: LINEAR thinking to SYSTEMS thinking SYSTEMS thinking

Linear and Systems Thinking  Linear -narrow focus -what do I get out of it? -No thought of “big picture” impact  Systems -wide view - how does what I do impact others? -keeping in mind the “big picture” how what I do has an impact on others and the environment.

The Bald Eagle  Go to Teacher Webpage-Click on article Bald Eagle  Answer the following questions: 1. Is there evidence of linear thinking in the history of the Bald Eagle? Explain. 2. Is there evidence of systems thinking in the history of the Bald Eagle? Explain.

Which of the following is an example of linear thinking and which do you think is an example of systems thinking?  If I spray DDT on bugs they die and my crop grows and I make money.  If I spray DDT on bugs they die and my crop grows, but animals including humans that come in contact develop diseases (bald eagle), soI choose to look for another pesticide.

How do we move toward more systems thinking?  Changes in attitude out of sight out of mind NIMBY Syndrome (not in my backyard)  Who needs to be involved? Businesses large and small Governments (all levels) Individuals (a lot of a little adds up to a big problem or a big solution)

Linear Thinking comes from a Frontier Ethic Frontier Ethic- 1.) There’s always more, and it is all for us. The earth is an unlimited smorgasbord We need to know that limits are real 2.) Humans are apart from Nature and Immune to Natural Laws We are separate from Nature. 3.) Human Success Derives from the Control of Nature We can make nature do what we want, we have technology Ecological Backlashes result-discuss Aswan Dam, channeling rivers, etc

What are the concerns of a Frontier Ethic?  Relying on scientists to always find substitutes  Increases the search for new supplies, even if it means going into wilderness or protected areas  Continued purchasing products that have a large ecological footprint

Systems Thinking comes from a Sustainable Ethic Sustainable Ethic- 1. There is a limited supply of resources and they are not all for us 2. Humans are a part of nature 3. Success comes from cooperation with nature 4. Our future depends on maintaining a healthy ecosystem

How do we achieve this? By looking to nature.  Conservation  Recycling  Renewable resources  Restoration  Population Control  Adaptability -Change

How to find solutions  Form societies that are high synergy (work with nature) and change societies that are low synergy (pay no attention to natural systems)  Look for solutions that come from systems thinking, not solutions that come from correcting symptoms  Finding solutions is very difficult because of the complexity of Environmental Science as it is a complex mixture of science, sociology, ethics, law, psychology, economics and politics.