Introduction to Sustainability (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)

Revision Note

Understanding Sustainability

  • Sustainability refers to the ability of a system to endure and remain viable (i.e. maintain its functionality and integrity) over time

  • In the context of socio-ecological systems, sustainability involves responsible practices that ensure resources are not depleted and conditions for future generations are not compromised

Sustainability of systems

  • All human activities are interconnected within systems

  • Enhancing the resilience of these systems increases sustainability

    • This can be achieved by making sure the system's components are properly maintained

    • For example, a sustainable agricultural system must take into account multiple factors, such as soil health, water management and biodiversity, to ensure long-term productivity without degrading the environment

The three pillars of sustainability

  • Sustainability includes three pillars:

    • Environmental sustainability

    • Social sustainability

    • Economic sustainability

  • These pillars are interdependent and must be balanced for overall sustainability

    • For example, a business implementing green practices (environmental) might also improve employee well-being (social) and reduce unnecessary spending (economic) to improve the overall long-term sustainability of the business

Models of sustainability

  • Weak sustainability models only show an overlap in the three pillars

    • This type of model does not take into account the importance of the intricate relationships between the pillars

  • Strong sustainability models show how the economy is nested within society and how both of these are nested within the natural environment

    • This type of model emphasises the interconnectivity of the three pillars

Diagram of the weak sustainability model vs strong sustainability model for IB HL Environmental Systems and Societies
Weak Sustainability Model vs Strong Sustainability Model

Environmental sustainability

  • Environmental sustainability focuses on the responsible use and management of natural resources to ensure their replenishment and the preservation of these resources

    • It also focuses on allowing whole ecosystems to recover and regenerate

  • Strategies to achieve environmental sustainability include the following:

    • Resource management:

      • Practices that allow for the replacement of resources used, such as sustainable forestry practices

      • Example: sustainable aquaculture and fishery management, where fishing quotas and habitat restoration efforts ensure the replenishment of fish stocks and the preservation of marine ecosystems

    • Pollution control:

      • Efforts that aim to minimise pollution and its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health

      • Example: waste management schemes, like recycling programmes and waste-to-energy plants, reduce landfill waste and pollution, e.g. plastic pollution

    • Biodiversity conservation:

      • Preserving biodiversity ensures the resilience of ecosystems and supports their ability to adapt to changing conditions

      • Example: conservation projects, like the reintroduction of native species or habitat restoration initiatives, enhance biodiversity in local ecosystems

    • Active regeneration:

      • Beyond conservation efforts, active regeneration involves interventions aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems to a more natural state

      • Example: wetland restoration projects, such as those undertaken in the Norfolk Broads (UK), involve re-establishing native vegetation and hydrological patterns to enhance ecosystem functions like flood control and water purification

    • Ecosystem services:

      • Sustainable practices recognise the value of ecosystem services, such as clean water, air purification and carbon sequestration; they should aim to maintain or enhance these services

      • Example: urban green spaces, like London's parks and gardens, provide essential ecosystem services by absorbing pollutants, mitigating urban heat island effects and supporting biodiversity

    • Long-term perspectives:

      • Environmental sustainability requires consideration of long-term impacts and planning for the continued health and resilience of ecosystems

      • Example: afforestation programmes, like the UK's Northern Forest initiative, aim to plant millions of trees to enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon and mitigate climate change impacts over the coming decades

Social sustainability

  • Social sustainability focuses on creating inclusive structures and systems that support human well-being and the longevity of societies and cultures

  • Strategies to achieve social sustainability include the following:

    • Community development:

      • Sustainable communities prioritise equitable access to resources, services and opportunities for all members

      • Example: community gardens not only promote access to fresh produce but can also help build social connections and local resilience (e.g. by enhancing local food security)

    • Cultural preservation:

      • Sustainability includes efforts to maintain cultural traditions, languages and practices that contribute to the identity and cohesion of societies

      • Example: initiatives to revive Indigenous languages or protect cultural heritage sites can promote social sustainability by preserving cultural diversity

    • Health and education:

      • Access to healthcare, education and other essential services is crucial for social sustainability

      • Example: public health campaigns targeting issues like quitting smoking or adopting healthy eating habits can improve community well-being

Economic sustainability

  • Economic sustainability involves creating economic systems that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

  • Strategies to achieve economic sustainability include the following:

    • Resource efficiency:

      • Sustainable economic practices prioritise resource efficiency, reducing waste and reducing environmental impacts

      • Example: adoption of circular economy principles in manufacturing, where products are specifically designed for reuse or recycling, promotes economic sustainability

    • Long-term planning:

      • Economic sustainability requires planning for the long term, considering factors like resource availability, technological advancements and market stability

      • Example: investment in renewable energy infrastructure not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates long-term economic opportunities in the clean energy sector

    • Equitable growth:

      • Sustainable economic development seeks to reduce inequalities and ensure fair distribution of resources and opportunities

      • Example: microfinance initiatives can help marginalised communities by providing access to financial capital for entrepreneurial activities and promoting economic sustainability at the grassroots level

Examiner Tips and Tricks

It is important for you to note that, because we rely so heavily on natural resources to meet human needs and to support our economic activities, there can be no long-term economic sustainability without environmental sustainability. In other words, to keep our economies strong and functioning over time, we must prioritise the protection of our environment.

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

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After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.