Sustainable Development (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)

Revision Note

Sustainable Development

  • Sustainable development is a concept that aims to balance economic, social and environmental factors to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

  • Examples of sustainable development include:

    • The use of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydropower, instead of non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels

    • Sustainable agriculture involves using techniques that minimise the negative impact of agriculture on the environment, such as crop rotation, soil conservation and reduced use of pesticides and fertilisers

    • Sustainable urban planning aims to create cities that are more liveable, efficient and environmentally friendly, such as through the use of public transportation, green spaces (e.g. public parks or green roofs) and energy-efficient buildings to mitigate climate change impacts

  • The concept of sustainable development gained wider recognition with the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development

    • The report introduced the idea of sustainable development by highlighting the importance of addressing social and economic issues alongside environmental concerns

  • Sustainable development requires a long-term perspective and a commitment to understanding the highly complex interactions between the economic, social and environmental aspects of our growing and developing societies

  • It is an ongoing process that requires the cooperation and involvement of individuals, organisations and governments at all levels

Environmental, Social and Economic Aspects of Sustainable Development

Environment

Society

Economy

Renewable energy

Waste management

Water treatment

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Nature reserves

Urban wildlife

Ecosystem services

Cultural diversity

Social stability

Education

Healthcare

Crime

Personal freedom

Gender equality

Economic growth

Developing nations

Cost of urban infrastructure

Energy-efficient buildings

Economic policies

International trade
Labour market

Unsustainable use of natural resources

  • Unsustainable exploitation of natural resources poses significant threats to ecosystems and human well-being

    • When natural resources are overused or mismanaged, it can lead to irreversible damage and ecosystem collapse

    • A clear example of this is the Newfoundland cod fisheries

Case Study

Newfoundland cod fisheries

The Newfoundland cod fishery was once one of the most productive in the world, supporting thriving communities and economies along Canada's eastern coast. However, decades of intensive fishing caused the cod population to decline to unsustainable levels because of technological advances and rising demand.

Overfishing:

In the mid-20th century, advancements in fishing technology, such as factory trawlers and sonar technology, enabled fishermen to catch much greater amounts of cod than ever before. This led to a rapid decline in cod populations as fish were harvested faster than they could reproduce.

Ecosystem Impact:

The collapse of the cod fishery had far-reaching consequences beyond the direct loss of cod populations. Cod played a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as both predator and prey. Their decline led to imbalances in the ecosystem, affecting other species and disrupting ecological processes.

Economic Fallout:

The collapse of the Newfoundland cod fishery had devastating economic effects on coastal communities. Tens of thousands of jobs were lost, and entire communities faced economic hardship and social difficulties. The closure of the fishery had ripple effects throughout the regional economy, affecting industries ranging from fishing to tourism.

Economic indicators and sustainability

  • Traditional economic indicators, like gross domestic product (GDP), provide a limited view of economic progress and development

    • While GDP measures the value of goods and services produced within a country's borders, it does not account for the depletion of natural resources or the costs of environmental degradation

    • This can lead to patterns of unsustainable development that prioritise short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability

Green GDP

  • Economists are increasingly using alternative measures that take environmental factors into account

  • Green GDP adjusts traditional GDP calculations by accounting for environmental costs and depletion of natural resources

  • By subtracting the environmental costs associated with economic activities, Green GDP provides a more accurate measure of economic progress that considers both long-term economic and environmental sustainability

    • For example, in China, policymakers have begun to incorporate environmental considerations into economic planning by developing measures such as Green GDP

    • This shows that they are starting to properly recognise the importance of sustainability in achieving long-term economic prosperity

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Sustainable development is an interdisciplinary concept, requiring an understanding of economic, social and environmental principles. When studying for your exams, try to make connections between these different aspects to get a better overall understanding of the topic.

When evaluating economic indicators like GDP, you should consider their limitations and biases. Question whether these indicators accurately reflect the true costs and benefits of economic activities, particularly in terms of their impact on the environment and future generations.

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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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