Transcript An Introduction to Sustainability

An Introduction to Sustainability
Joe Rasmussen
Philosophy 101
Rio Hondo College
Overview of Presentation
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Introduction to Sustainability
Climate Change
Green Building
Human Health and Social Justice
Pollution and Industry
Food Production and Agriculture
Conclusion
Sustainability Definition
Sustainability has been defined as “meeting the
needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their needs”
(Brundtland Report, 1987).
Above is a Conceptual Model of Sustainability,
also referred to as the Triple Bottom Line:
“People, Planet, and Profit”
Climate Change
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Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
Ancient Sunlight vs. Present Sunlight
Observing the Effects of Climate Change
Climate Science vs. Propaganda
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
Ancient Sunlight vs. Present Sunlight
• For billions of years, the Earth has been powered
by present sunlight.
• For thousands of years, humans lived according
to the limitations of present sunlight.
• Over the last few hundred years, humans have
been capturing ancient sunlight and using it to
power our lives in the form of fossil fuels.
Observing the Effects of Climate Change
The effects of climate change are as diverse as
the Earth itself. Here are a few effects:
• Desertification and Drought
• Rising Sea Levels
• Melting of Polar Sea Ice
Climate Science vs. Propaganda
• A consensus exists within peer-reviewed
scientific research journals that climate change is
a real phenomenon.
• Climate change is considered a scientific fact in a
similar way to other scientific facts that go largely
unchallenged.
• However, not everyone agrees that climate
change is a real phenomenon.
Climate Science vs. Propaganda
• There are many examples of anti-climate change
propaganda in the media.
• These are only a few…
Climate Science vs. Propaganda
• Does this remind you
of anything?
• Similar types of
progaganda have
been used in the past.
• When a lack of
scientific consensus
exits, then other
persuasive means
must be used.
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
• Even if we don’t believe in climate change, taking
steps to reduce our carbon footprint will help
human and environmental health.
• There are many things we can do to reduce our
carbon footprint: Drive less, reduce energy use,
recycle, buy durable goods, support local farms…
• What are your ideas?
On-line References
U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/index.html
NASA
http://climate.nasa.gov/
Film Recommendation
An Inconvenient Truth
http://www.climatecrisis.net
Green Building
• What is green building?
• Why build green?
• What has Rio Hondo College done to build
green?
The USGBC Leads the U.S. Green
Building Industry Efforts
Building Green Accomplishes the
Following:
Buildings are the Primary Source of
Carbon Emissions
Green Buildings are Good for People
What Has Rio Hondo College Done to
Build Green?
New Library and
Learning Resource
Center is LEED
certified.
Grounds on
campus use native
and drought
tolerant plants.
Human Health and Social Justice
• Sustainability and Human Health
• Social Justice
• Environmental Justice
Sustainability and Human Health
• Human health is dependent on environmental
health. We all need a healthy environment.
• Environmental health is dependent on human
activities, or the lack of human activities.
• Many of the activities that we engage in to be
more green or sustainable are for human health.
• Can you think of any?
Social Justice
• There are multiple social inequities that exist
among the diversity of people on this planet.
• Our societies cannot flourish and sustain
themselves with these inequities in place.
• All people need to be able to benefit equally from
the resources afforded us by society and the
environment.
• All people must be treated with dignity and
respect, and have equal opportunities for success.
• How can we better work toward these goals?
Environmental Justice
• “Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all people regardless of
race, color, national origin, or income with respect
to the development, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations,
and policies” (U.S. EPA).
• Why is this important?
References
On-line Resources:
• http://www.ejnet.org/ej/principles.html
• http://www.cbecal.org/
• http://planetgreen.discovery.com/foodhealth/green-health-care.html
Recommended Videos
• http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1874731/enviro
nmental_justice/
• http://ec.environmentalcountdown.org/_PaulHawken-Blessed-Unrest-andWiserEarth/VIDEO/452942/4315.html
Pollution and Industry
• Pollution caused by individual activities
• Pollution caused by industrial activities
• What can we do to lessen our impact?
Pollution caused by Individuals
• All of us contribute to environmental pollution on
a daily basis through a variety of activities.
• How do we pollute our environment?
• What can we do to prevent pollution?
Pollution caused by Industry
• Although individuals are responsible for the larger
industries, in a way they “take on a life of their
own” once they are created.
• Industrial pollution takes a number of forms.
• Can you think of any?
References
On-line Resources
• http://www.epa.gov/p2/
• http://www.aqmd.gov/
• http://www.nrdc.org/water/default.asp
• http://www.healthebay.org/
Films
• Earth Days
• The 11th Hour
Food Production and Agriculture
• Conventional vs. Organic Agriculture
• Factory Farming vs. Animal Rights
Conventional vs. Organic Farming
• For thousands of years, humans used simple
organic farming methods to grow plants for food.
• Beginning mostly in the 20th century, as major
advances were made in chemistry, inorganic
fertilizers and pest control chemicals were used.
Conventional vs. Organic Farming
• Industrial agriculture became the new convention,
replacing traditional techniques.
• Today, agriculture has become agri-business and
has become focused on making high profit
margins rather than feeding people healthy food.
• Using Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in
food is also a growing health concern.
Factory Farming vs. Animal Rights
• Much like traditional forms of agriculture, animals
have been utilized for thousands of years for food.
• Traditionally, animals were treated with dignity
and healthy living conditions were promoted.
• Factory farming of animals began during the same
era that agriculture became industrialized.
Factory Farming vs. Animal Rights
• Many factory farming techniques deny animals
the dignity of having basic “rights” to live a
comfortable, healthy life.
• Factory farming can be environmentally harmful
in many ways (i.e. waste, mortalities, etc.).
• Factory farming can also be harmful to human
health in many ways (i.e. hormones, mad cow
disease, antibiotics, food-borne illnesses, etc.)
References
On-line Resources
• http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome
• http://truefoodnow.org/
• http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/campaigns/factory
_farming/
• http://www.peta.org/mc/index.asp
Films
• Food, Inc.
• The Future of Food
• Fast Food Nation
• http://www.themeatrix.com/
Conclusion
What can we do?
• Educate yourself and others
• Join a service organization and take action
• Raise awareness in your community
• Make little and/or big changes in your lifestyle
• Any other ideas?
Thank You!