Exploring the Scientific Foundations of Sustainability
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Sustainability Essentials
This document marks Note 2 in the Sustainability Essentials Notebook, a new series aimed at enhancing essential knowledge about sustainability.
Photo by Vadim Bogulov on Unsplash
Before diving in, I’d like to present the Sustainability Essentials Notebook as a resource designed to facilitate learning and community sharing among sustainability professionals. Interested in more insights? Follow me on Medium or subscribe to my upcoming Bridge to Beyond newsletter.
Foundations of a Scientific Perspective on Sustainability
To engage effectively in sustainability, whether as a professional or advocate, it is crucial to develop a precise understanding of what sustainability encompasses and what it does not.
A scientific exploration of sustainability necessitates addressing the following points:
- The Subject of Sustainability: To engage in meaningful discussions about sustainability, we need to clarify our focus. What does sustainability entail? Which systems are relevant? What terminology do we use, and what aspects are included in or excluded from sustainability? Where does sustainability apply geographically, and what timeframe do our assertions cover?
- The Essence of Sustainability: What distinguishes something as sustainable? When does a practice or system lose its sustainability?
- Stakeholder Perspectives: This involves examining who perceives something as sustainable. Who asserts these definitions? Who stands to gain from these claims? What are the motivations of those who advocate for or against particular sustainability choices?
- Understanding Sustainability: How do we determine if a system is sustainable? What evaluation methods do we employ? Are our foundations of knowledge based on qualitative or quantitative data, observations, or logical reasoning? Can we predict sustainability over the long term? Does the person making sustainability claims have firsthand experience?
Addressing these inquiries regarding every claim related to sustainability will enhance our comprehension of what is meant during sustainability discussions.
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Chapter 2: Engaging with the Science of Sustainability
The first video, Foundations for Sustainability: A Coherent Framework of Life-Environment Relations, discusses the interconnections between living systems and their environments, establishing a comprehensive framework for sustainability practices.
The second video, David Chambers: Advancing the Science of Sustainability, emphasizes the importance of integrating scientific advancements into sustainability practices to foster a more sustainable future.