chapter 20Review
In this chapter, we identified sustainability as one of the ultimate goals of environmental science. It is often achieved through the use of sound economic and business practices as well as effective environmental regulations and laws. There are international agencies such as the United Nations Environment Programme and a number of U.S. agencies to enforce regulations and laws. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees all governmental efforts related to the environment. Different worldviews affect how people approach the goal of sustainability. Proper stewardship of the natural world and a reduction of poverty are challenges that must be met if people are to achieve sustainability.
Well-being Economics Genuine progress indicator (GPI) Technology transfer Leapfrogging Natural capital Human capital Manufactured capital Market failure Environmental economics Ecological economics Valuation Environmental worldview Anthropocentric worldview Stewardship Biocentric worldview Ecocentric worldview United Nations (UN) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Bank World Health Organization (WHO) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Department of Energy (DOE) Human development index (HDI) Human poverty index (HPI) Command-and-control approach Incentive-based approach Green tax Triple bottom line | A measurement index developed by the United Nations to investigate the proportion of a population suffering from deprivation in a country with a high HDI. A measurement index that combines three basic measures of human status: life expectancy; knowledge and education. The careful and responsible management and care for Earth and its resources. All goods and services that humans produce. A worldview that encompasses how one thinks the world works; how one views one’s role in the world; and what one believes to be proper environmental behavior. A program of the United Nations responsible for gathering environmental information, conducting research, and assessing environmental problems. An approach to sustainability that considers three factors—economic, environmental, and social—when making decisions about business, the economy, and development. A global institution that provides technical and financial assistance to developing countries with the objectives of reducing poverty and promoting growth, especially in the poorest countries. The study of how humans allocate scarce resources in the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Human knowledge and abilities. A strategy for pollution control that constructs financial and other incentives for lowering emissions based on profits and benefits. A tax placed on environmentally harmful activities or emissions in an attempt to internalize some of the externalities that may be involved in the life cycle of those activities or products. A strategy for pollution control that involves regulations and enforcement mechanisms. A worldview that holds that humans are just one of many species on Earth, all of which have equal intrinsic value. The resources of the planet, such as air, water, and minerals. A global institution dedicated to promoting dialogue among countries with the goal of maintaining world peace. The U.S. organization that oversees all governmental efforts related to the environment, including science, research, assessment, and education. When the economic system does not account for all costs. A worldview that focuses on human welfare and well-being. An international program that works in 166 countries around the world to advocate change that will help people obtain a better life through development. The U.S. organization that advances the energy and economic security of the United States. The practice of assigning monetary value to intangible benefits and natural capital. An agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, responsible for the enforcement of health and safety regulations. A worldview that places equal value on all living organisms and the ecosystems in which they live. A global institution dedicated to the improvement of human health by monitoring and assessing health trends and providing medical advice to countries. The study of economics as a component of ecological systems. The status of being healthy, happy, and prosperous. A subfield of economics that examines the costs and benefits of various policies and regulations that seek to regulate or limit air and water pollution and other causes of environmental degradation. The phenomenon of less developed countries adopting technological innovations developed in wealthy countries. The phenomenon of less developed countries using new technology without first using the precursor technology. A measure of economic status that includes personal consumption, income distribution, levels of higher education, resource depletion, pollution, and the health of the population. |
Module 65 Sustainability and Economics
Explain why efforts to achieve sustainability must consider both sound environmental science and economic analysis.
Sustainable environmental systems must allow for maintaining air, water, land, and biosphere systems and must also maintain human well-
Describe how economic health depends on the availability of natural capital and basic human welfare.
Sustainable systems must include a consideration of externalities. Gross domestic product (GDP) is the value of all products and services produced in a year in a given country. Genuine progress indicator (GPI) includes measures of personal consumption, income distribution, levels of higher education, resource depletion, pollution, and health of the population. Economic assets, or capital, can come from the natural systems on Earth, from humans, or from the manufactured products made by humans. Valuing all three kinds of capital is essential to systems that are sustainable.
Module 66 Regulations and Equity
Explain the role of agencies and regulations in efforts to protect our natural and human capital.
Once a society believes it has enough scientific information to act with the intent of protecting or reducing harm to the environment, it must determine the rules and regulations it wishes to enact. A group of government agencies in the United States handles the areas that offer protection to the environment and humans. Policies are enacted through passage and modification of laws.
Describe the approaches to measuring and achieving sustainability.
The Human Development Index combines life expectancy, knowledge and education, and standard of living as a measure of human status. The Human Poverty Index measures the percentage of population in a country that is suffering from deprivation. A green tax can be used to internalize externalities or reduce environmental harm. The triple bottom line accounts for three factors—
Discuss the relationship among sustainability, poverty, personal action, and stewardship.
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