Use of Natural Capital (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)): Revision Note

Management & intervention strategies for use of natural capital

• Natural capital refers to the world’s natural resources and ecosystems, as well as the services they provide

• Sustainable management of natural capital is crucial for balancing human needs with environmental conservation

Government management of natural capital

National action plans

• Governments develop action plans to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • For example, the UK’s 25-Year Environment Plan (published in 2018) includes actions to:

    • Improve air quality

    • Restore habitats

    • Reduce waste

  • India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) focuses on renewable energy and water conservation

Government interventions

Reducing or stopping use of natural capital

• Strategies include taxes, fines, and legislation to limit unsustainable practices:

  • Carbon taxes increase the cost of fossil fuels to reduce their use

  • Emission restrictions encourage industries to lower greenhouse gas outputs

    • e.g. the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS

Encouraging sustainable use of natural capital

• Governments promote alternatives to traditional resource use through:

  • Subsidies:

    • Subsidising renewable energy sources like solar and wind power

    • Financial support and incentives for sustainable farming practices

  • Legislation:

    • Laws banning single-use plastics

    • Requiring green building standards, e.g. LEED certification

  • Publicity campaigns:

    • Awareness campaigns, e.g. UK's "Love Food, Hate Waste" initiative

  • Research and education:

    • Investment in innovative technologies like:

      • Carbon-storing concrete that absorbs CO₂ during production

      • Recyclable wind turbines that can be recycled when parts become old and need replacing, reducing waste

      • Biological ammonia production, replacing the energy-intensive Haber process

The role of NGOs, local communities, and social movements

Campaigns and advocacy

• NGOs and social movements raise awareness and drive societal change

  • Greenpeace campaigns against deforestation and overfishing

  • Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil highlight climate change urgency through peaceful protests

Local community actions

• Communities can introduce small-scale sustainable practices, such as:

  • Recycling programmes that reduce waste and conserve materials

  • Urban gardening initiatives that enhance green spaces and local food production

Social media influence

• Social media platforms amplify messages and mobilise public action

  • Viral campaigns can encourage individual responsibility, e.g. #PlasticFreeChallenge

SDGs & sustainable resource management

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015

  • They aim to balance environmental, social, and economic sustainability

  • These goals apply to all member countries and require global partnership

• SDGs relevant to natural resource management include:

  • Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

    • Promotes sustainable water use and equitable access

  • Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

    • Focuses on renewable energy and energy efficiency

  • Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

    • Encourages sustainable resource use and waste reduction

  • Goal 13: Climate Action

    • Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change

  • Goal 15: Life on Land

    • Supports conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems

Sustainable resource management

Water management

• Sustainable water use is critical for human and ecosystem health

  • Examples include:

    • Water recycling

    • Rainwater harvesting

    • Improving irrigation systems

Energy management

• Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy reduces environmental degradation

  • Includes solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy sources

Waste management

• Responsible consumption and production aim to minimise waste and maximise recycling

  • Encourages circular economy practices where waste is reused as raw material

Forest and land conservation

• Sustainable forestry and land use prevent soil degradation and biodiversity loss

  • Examples include:

    • Afforestation

    • Rewilding

    • Sustainable agriculture