Page 4 - Principles of Sustainability

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UNIT 1 INTrodUCTIoN To sUsTaINabIlITy

GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Consider the quote below:
“We do not inherit the earth from our
ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

~Native American Proverb
Discuss the quote with a partner or as a class. What do
you think the proverb means by “we borrow it from our
children”? What do you think we are borrowing? Write
your answers and submit them to your teacher.

Essential Concept

By thinking about sustainability, we are able to understand
the connections between seemingly disconnected elements in
new ways.

1.1 What is Sustainability?

SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is a way of life. It changes how people think
The ability to be maintained and act in business, government, and everyday activities.
at a certain rate or level. In Often people think of sustainability as the protection of the
environmental science, it
means avoiding the deple- environment. Although this is an important element of sustain-
tion of natural resources in ability, it is only part of the concept.
order to maintain an ecologi- The Earth Charter, an ethical framework for building a just,
cal balance.
st
sustainable, and peaceful society in the 21 century, defines
sustainability as, “A global society founded on respect for
UNITED NATIONS
An international organi- nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture
zation formed in 1945 to of peace.” Initially started by the United Nations, the Earth
increase political and eco- Charter was carried forward and completed by a global civil
nomic cooperation among society initiative. It is currently supported by over 6,000 orga-
member countries.
nization around the world, including many governments.

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