Summary: Stuvia 3673522 Lectures Economics And Sustainable Development

Read the summary and the most important questions on Stuvia 3673522 lectures economics and sustainable development

• 1 Lecture 1 Introduction; sustainability: what and why?

  This is a preview. There are 25 more flashcards available for chapter 1
  Show more cards here

• What is the role of IPCC in understanding climate change?

  IPCC collaborates to compile literature and knowledge about climate change impacts.
  

  • They produce reports for wider use.
  • Do not conduct independent research.
  • Aim to present a comprehensive view.

• How does population growth affect sustainability?

  Sustainable challenges arise mainly from consumption and production methods.
  

  • Population growth is rapid.
  • Lifestyle factors complicate sustainability.
  • Overall, focus extends beyond mere population size.

• What does GDP per capita indicate?

  GDP per capita measures wealth produced relative to the population.
  

  • Indicates economic output of a society.
  • Useful for comparing wealth among countries.
  • Reflects differences in living standards.

• How does wealth distribution vary globally?

  Wealth is unevenly distributed across countries.
  

  • Western countries have welfare states.
  • Access to healthcare is limited in poorer nations.
  • Economic disparities influence overall wellbeing.

• What is the relationship between wealth and energy needs?

  Increased wealth leads to higher energy demands.
  

  • Historical reliance on nonrenewable energy sources.
  • Insufficient renewable energy capacity currently.
  • Energy access is not universal, increasing environmental pressure.

• What does material footprint represent?

  Material footprint quantifies natural resources extracted for consumption.
  

  • Reflects societal resource usage.
  • Important for assessing sustainability practices.
  • Tied to overall ecological impact.

• What does Earth Overshoot Day signify and which key environmental risks are highlighted?

  Earth Overshoot Day marks when humanity uses more natural resources than Earth can renew in a year. Key environmental risks include:
  

  • Climate Change
  • Novel Entities
  • Biosphere Integrity
  • Land-System Change
  • Freshwater Use
  • Biogeochemical Flows
  • Ocean Acidification
  • Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
  • Atmospheric Aerosol Loading

• What happens if humanity remains within the safe operating space of planetary boundaries?

  Staying within the green zone allows for:
  

  • Continued development for future generations
  • Prevention of large-scale irreversibility
  • Mitigation of various environmental issues

• What risks are associated with moving into the red zone of planetary boundaries?

  Transitioning to the red zone can lead to:
  

  • Increased irreversibility on a large scale
  • Significant environmental consequences
  • Challenges beyond climate change, such as land-system change

• What key areas are impacted by planetary boundaries beyond climate change?

  Several key environmental factors are affected, including:
  

  1. Land-system change
  2. Freshwater availability
  3. Biological chemical flows
  4. Ocean acidification
  5. Novel entities like plastic