Ecological sustainability

From CEOpedia | Management online

Ecological sustainability is an approach to decrease our influence on the environment and people's health to a level that the natural ecosystem and humankind can manage. One way we can achieve it, is as proposed in the Crisis or opportunity?(...) article and it reads as follows : "Sustainable degrowth may be interpreted as an equitable downscaling of production and consumption that increases human wellbeing and ecological conditions at the local and global level, in the short and long term (Schneider F., Kallis G., Martinez-Alier J., 2010)."

The adjective sustainable does not imply that degrowth should be supported endlessly (which would be impossible) but rather that the method of change/conversion and the end-state should be sustainable in the thought of living environmentally and socially beneficial. The paradigmatic suggestion of degrowth is consequently that individual progress without economic increase is achievable (Schneider F., Kallis G., Martinez-Alier J., 2010).

Forums discussing ecological sustainability

The World Conservation Strategy from 1980, displaying one of the most promising improvements that utilise a goal-oriented plan for political change regarding ecological sustainability (Allen R., 1980). The paper marked a fundamental strategy shift for the global preservation movement. The traditional focus became restorative rather than Prevention, strengthening the increasing leaning on the assimilation of conservation and evolution aims that are key to an ecologically sustainable culture. Specifically, the attention on wildlife preservation drifted into a matter for wider forces corrupting the natural ecosystem. It supports the strategies of sustainable growth and discusses the environmental interests introduced by economic development choices with a format that targets a broad audience. There are three main protection aims:

  • Sustaining essential biogeochemical cycles and life-support methods
  • Protecting genetic diversity
  • Practising sustainable management of species and ecosystems (Smith S., 1995)

Examples of Ecological sustainability

  • Reducing energy use: This could involve using more efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, or using renewable energy sources instead of relying on fossil fuels.
  • Reducing waste: Reducing waste can involve simple lifestyle changes, such as buying in bulk or avoiding single-use plastics, as well as investing in technology that reduces the amount of waste generated.
  • Sustainable agriculture: This involves using techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting, and permaculture, which can lead to increased soil fertility, reduced erosion, and improved water conservation.
  • Conservation: Conservation involves protecting and managing natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations. This can include efforts such as protecting wildlife habitats, reducing water consumption, and limiting activities that cause pollution.

Advantages of Ecological sustainability

The advantages of ecological sustainability are numerous. Here is a list of a few major advantages:

  • It is a key component to preserving the environment, ensuring that ecosystems and natural resources are maintained for future generations. Ecological sustainability helps to reduce pollution, improve air and water quality, and reduce the use of non-renewable resources.
  • It creates economic and social benefits. The practice of ecological sustainability can lead to the creation of green jobs, help to reduce energy costs, and provide communities with improved access to clean air, water, and food.
  • It improves public health. By promoting the use of renewable resources, reducing air and water pollution, and encouraging the development of green spaces, ecological sustainability can have a huge positive impact on public health.
  • It can create a more equitable society. By reducing inequality and promoting economic opportunity, ecological sustainability can help create a fairer and more equitable society.

Limitations of Ecological sustainability

Ecological sustainability can be a difficult concept to implement due to a variety of limitations. These limitations include:

  • Limited resources: In many cases, the resources available for sustainable practices may be too few or too limited to meet the needs of the population. This can be due to the lack of knowledge or resources necessary to effectively implement sustainable practices.
  • Financial costs: The cost of implementing sustainable practices can be prohibitively expensive for many individuals and organizations. This can limit the ability to make sustainable changes in the long-term.
  • Lack of public awareness: People may not be aware of the importance of ecological sustainability and its benefits. This can lead to a lack of support for sustainable practices and a lack of understanding as to why they should be implemented.
  • Political opposition: In some cases, political opposition may arise to the implementation of sustainable practices, such as in the case of certain climate change policies. This can limit the ability to make progress in the area of sustainability.
  • Social inequalities: In many cases, ecological sustainability initiatives may disproportionately favor some social groups over others. This can create a situation where sustainable practices are not accessible to everyone, leading to unequal outcomes.

Other approaches related to Ecological sustainability

  • Adopting the principles of circular economies: Circular economies are economic systems that use resources in the most efficient manner, reducing waste and pollution and allowing for the reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling of products and materials.
  • Investing in cleaner energy sources: Investing in renewable and clean energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, is an effective way to reduce the environmental impact of energy consumption.
  • Promoting sustainable consumption: Sustainable consumption involves making conscious decisions about the purchase, use, and disposal of products, with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of consumption.
  • Increasing the efficiency of resource use: Improving the efficiency of resource use can help to reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption. This includes reducing the energy and water consumption of manufacturing and transportation processes, as well as improving energy efficiency in buildings.
  • Investing in green infrastructure: Green infrastructure, such as green roofs and urban forests, can help to reduce the impact of urbanization by providing a range of ecosystem services, such as stormwater management, air quality improvement, and habitat for wildlife.

These approaches to ecological sustainability focus on reducing the environmental impact of production and consumption on ecosystems and human health. They emphasize the importance of investing in cleaner energy sources and green infrastructure, promoting sustainable consumption, and increasing the efficiency of resource use. Through these strategies, it is possible to create a more sustainable future.


Ecological sustainability — recommended articles
Conservation of resources — Alternative technology — Sustainable consumption — Dimensions of sustainability — Ecologically sustainable development — Environmental policy — Aspects of sustainability — Green innovation — Natural environment

References

Author: Gabriela Zabawa

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