Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environmental quality. It involves the development and implementation of strategies to protect and preserve the natural environment, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy its benefits.

Key Concepts

• Conservation: The wise and careful use of natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations.
• Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and fresh water.
• Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that are finite and cannot be easily replaced, such as fossil fuels and minerals.
• Pollution Control: Efforts to minimize or eliminate the release of harmful substances into the environment.
• Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal species present in an ecosystem, which is essential for ecosystem stability and resilience.
• Sustainable Development: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Study Guide

1. Define environmental sustainability and explain its importance.
2. Discuss the concept of conservation and provide examples of conservation efforts.
3. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources, and explain why it's important to prioritize the use of renewable resources.
4. Explain the impact of pollution on the environment and discuss strategies for pollution control.
5. Describe the significance of biodiversity and the potential consequences of its loss.
6. Discuss the principles of sustainable development and provide examples of sustainable practices in various industries.
7. Explore the role of individuals in promoting environmental sustainability in their communities.