Thr World seems to be in a bit of a mess!

Section C – Global Issues Topic 7 – Fragile Environments Key idea of this unit: “Environmental abuse has serious consequences. Its causes need to be tackled to ensure a more sustainable future.” Objective To prove that some environments are fragile and explain the concept of sustainability Objective To prove that some environments are fragile and explain the concept of sustainability

Fragile - something of a delicate nature, easily damaged, or vulnerable. Natural environment: all living and non- living things that occur naturally on Earth. So.. A fragile Environment is….? The fragile nature of environments

Can you think of environments that you would consider ‘fragile’ around the world? Now watch “Power of the Earth: Oceans” (50m 30s to 58m)  explain (with examples) why oceans are fragile environments.

Each one has its own climate, soil, plants and animals. Very few ecosystems are natural today because of human activities. More ecosystems than ever before are under threat and therefore need protecting. The World has many different ecosystems

How would you define ‘sustainability’?

Sustainability Sustainability is the capacity to “maintain", "support", or "endure”. Sustainable development  “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Sustainability is perhaps best measured and monitored by ‘Ecological Footprints’. World 2.7 hectares but only have 1.8 Africa Europe 4.7 – 2.9 Asia 1.8 – 0.8 Sometimes measured in how many ‘worlds’ would be needed for everyone to have your lifestyle…

A representation of sustainability showing how both economy and society are constrained by environmental limits (2003) Scheme of sustainable development: at the confluence of three constituent parts.(2006)

Section C – Global Issues Topic 7 – Fragile Environments Key idea of this unit: “Environmental abuse has serious consequences. Its causes need to be tackled to ensure a more sustainable future.” Objective To prove that some environments are fragile and explain the concept of sustainability Objective To prove that some environments are fragile and explain the concept of sustainability