Understanding Sustainability

What definition of sustainability is widely accepted around the world?

• Development focused solely on current technological advancement.

• Development that ensures our survival at the expense of future generations.

• Development that balances economic growth with environmental protection.

• Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

What is meant by the 'replacement rate' in the context of sustainability?

• The rate at which technology replaces manual labor.

• The rate at which natural resources are replenished compared to their consumption.

• The rate at which population growth is replaced by population decline.

• The rate at which renewable energy sources replace fossil fuels.

What does the 'bathtub analogy' illustrate in sustainability?

• The equilibrium between resource consumption and replenishment.

• The balance between water usage and conservation.

• The process of cleaning and maintaining natural resources.

• The overflow of resources due to excessive conservation.

What happens if we consume resources faster than their replacement rate?

• It leads to an increase in resource availability.

• It results in resource depletion and environmental issues.

• Resources become infinitely sustainable.

• It has no effect on the environment.

How does buying a smartphone relate to sustainability?

• It impacts lives globally due to the materials needed for its production.

• It promotes the development of sustainable energy sources.

• It has no significant impact on sustainability.

• It demonstrates the efficient use of technology for sustainable living.

How does systems thinking apply to sustainability?

• By prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability.

• By isolating economic growth from environmental concerns.

• By understanding the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and equity issues.

• By focusing on individual components rather than the whole system.

What are the 'three E's' mentioned in the context of sustainability?

• Energy, Efficiency, Environment

• Economy, Environment, Equity

• Education, Environment, Employment

• Economy, Employment, Energy

Why is it important to balance the three E's in sustainability?

• To achieve a long-term thriving society with equitable resource distribution.

• To guarantee short-term economic profits.

• To ensure rapid technological advancement.

• To focus solely on environmental conservation.