Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Sustainable Development (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
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 |
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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