Interconnection between pillars

Question 1

Interconnection of the 3 pillars

How do we achieve sustainability.

Answer 1

The three pillars are interconnected, with action in one pillar impacting in some way the other 2.

We need to balance the pillars to achieve sustainability so therefore we need to understand the interactions between the pillars.

Question 2

How economic activities are dependent on natural resources and environmental services

Answer 2

Sustained economic growth requires

Responsible use of natural resources avoiding degradation e.g investing in renewable energy sources rather non-renewable.

To avoid environmental degradation we need to

Reduce/ eradicate pollution or deforestation, which adversely (negatively) affects economic activities due to resource depletion and increasing costs.

Question 3

Link between social and environmental sustainability

Answer 3

Improving environmental sustainability can improve wellbeing due to a sense of collective responsibility and stewardship.

Social sustainability also ensures people can live in a healthy/ safe environment
This includes

Clean air, water and green spaces
Low pollution
Protect habitats
Resilience against climate change impact e.g natural disasters.

These all relate to environmental sustainability.

Question 4

Economic and social sustainability link

Answer 4

Economic sustainability creates wealth and opportunities benefitting society such as

Fair wages
Access to essential services.
Safe working conditions.

When economic policies prioritise social equality,

it leads to reduced inequality and poverty.
Communities become more cohesive (stick together).

Question 5

Examples of trade offs

Industrial growth v environmental protection

Answer 5

Expanding industrial activities leads to growth and jobs.

It also results in increased pollution and resource depletion.

Question 6

Examples of trade offs

Resource extraction v conservation (prevention of wasteful resource use)

Answer 6

Resource extraction of minerals, oils and gas, provides short-term economic development.

Can lead to habitat destruction, water contamination

Question 7

Examples of trade offs

Conservation efforts v livelihood

Answer 7

Efforts to protect wildlife and prevent wasteful resource use.

but it can restrict access to resources that local communities depend on.

Question 8

Examples of trade off

Cost reduction v fair labour practices

Answer 8

Can reduce cost by outsourcing production to countries with lower labour standards.

Can lead to poor working conditions and exploitation of workers

Question 9

What does sustainable development requires.

Answer 9

Requires balancing trade-offs to ensure that action in one pillar does not negatively impact the others.

Question 10

What is taking an integrated approach

Answer 10

Requires consideration of the interactions and dependencies between the pillars.

It includes policies to try and achieve multiple objectives such as:

promotion of green jobs that support both the economic and environmental goals.

ensuring social policies include environmental consideration.