Chapter 28 Questions 1, 2, 6, 11

Introduction Development as globalization focusses on increasing GNP, GDP, and other monetary measures. Catton - increased population levels and globalization result in exceeding the earth’s carrying capacity and environmental damage. How to globalize without exceeding carrying capacity? Sustainability focusses on development that meets the needs of the people today without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their needs

Page 443 #1) Explain the relationship between economic cycles and environmental degradation. During a recession (2 consecutive quarters - 6 months - of negative growth), economies shrink. Companies lose sales, governments lose tax revenue, workers lose jobs. However, Fossil fuel use declines as factories cut output and people travel less. Resource use decreases since less demand for metals, forest products, and agricultural goods. Air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental degradation lessen. Thus, Recessions are bad for the economy but good for the environment.

Page 443 #2a) Explain why GDP is a flawed measure of economic, and social progress. Significant problems in the use of GDP as a measure of economic and social progress. For example, disasters such as the Exxon Valdez and the Gulf of Mexico oil spills required massive clean-up efforts in which hundreds of millions of dollars were paid out to clean-up workers. The 911 attacks on the WTC also resulted in billions of dollars spent on clean-up, increased security, and war. Clean-up, and other expenditures, from these events contributed to GDP but can not be seen as having added to social progress.

Page 443 #2b) Identify at least three ways in which the Bellagio Principles demonstrate the limitations of the GDP. The Bellagio Principles are guidelines for assessing progress towards sustainable development, and for choosing, designing, and interpreting sustainable development indicators. (see page 434) According to these principles GDP does not measure; -Equity and disparity -Use a time horizon long enough to look at human and ecosystem time scales -The positive and negative aspects of human activities

Page 443 #6) Refer to the principles of sustainable development cited by the Brundtland Report. Describe how your behaviour, now and in the future, might have to change if sustainability is to be achieved. Consult your handout “101 Ways to Green Your Life” How many of these actions do you currently practice? How many could you adopt today, 5 years from now, 10 years from now???

Page 443 #1) Describe how each of the following initiatives contributes to the achievement of a more sustainable future: a) ISO 14000: more that standards in dozens of industries aimed at reducing waste (standardized components and environmental practices). b) extended producer responsibility: the manufacturer of a product is responsible for the product and its packaging for the product’s entire lifespan (biodegradable or fully recyclable). c) green taxation: the use of taxes to discourage certain behaviours (5 cent charge on plastic bags surcharge on engine size for new car purchases). d) Città Lente: cooperative effort characterized by many small actions and rejecting globalization. 50 Italian towns grouped and refuse fast food restaurants, cell phone towers, promote local foods, rely on tourism for income.