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SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology

Study Unit 1 What is Sustainability? Sustainability comprises of 3 Pillars, (‘HEE’)  Human Wellbeing (People)  Environmental Wellbeing (Environment)  Economic Wellbeing (Economy)

Indicators for Sustainability Human Wellbeing  Basic Needs  Sufficient Food  Sufficient to Drink  Safe Sanitation Environmental Wellbeing  Climate & Energy  Energy Savings  Greenhouse Gases  Renewable Energy *NOTE Economic not tested.

4 Global Trends 1. Increasing Population Growth and Declining Human Well-Being  Continually growing world population is difficult to manage as in the longrun consumption levels will constantly increase  World population in 2050 could become 9.7 billion according to United Nations (UN)

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology  15-year effort by them has significantly reduced the number of people living in poverty by half, reduced the proportion of undernourished people and mortality of children under five, increase in primary school enrolment rate and the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. In 2015, world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 Sustainable Goals to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and tackle climate change by 2030.  Core of our environmental problems 2. Decline of Ecosystems  Natural and managed ecosystems support human life and economies with a range of goods and services  Goods: freshwater, food, fuel, wood, leather, furs, raw materials, oils, alcohols etc.  Services: breakdown of wastes, regulation of climate, erosion control, pest management, maintenance of crucial nutrient cycles, etc  Depleting groundwater  Degrading agricultural soils (Less Fertile soil)  Overfishing  Deforestation  Yet agriculture, forestry and fishing are responsible for 50% of all jobs worldwide *NOTE Goods & Services = Ecosystem Capital

Ecosystem Service and Status    

Capture Fisheries (Declining production due to overharvest) Water purification & waste treatment (Declining water quality) Crops (Substantial production increase) Pest regulation (Natural control degraded pesticide use)

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology Natural and managed ecosystems support human life and economies with a range of goods and services. However, most of these vital resources are not managed well. In many parts of the world much of the groundwater supplies are depleted, agricultural soils are degraded, oceans are overfished, and forests are cut faster than they can regrow by human societies. The world economy depends heavily on many renewable resources for goods (E.g. Fresh water, Food, Fuel, Wood). Agriculture, forestry and fishing account for 50% of all jobs worldwide.

These same ecosystems also provide a flow of services that support human life and economic well-being, such as the breakdown of waste, regulation of the climate, erosion control, pest management and maintenance of crucial nutrient cycles. Human well-being and economic development are dependent on the goods and services from ecosystems. A Millennium Ecosystem Assessment was done. It was done to assess the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and identify the actions needed to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems. The findings of the MA Report were the abuse and overexploitation of ecosystem resources. Humans have altered the world’s ecosystems rapidly and greatly. Ecosystem goods and services are used unsustainably and if not looked into, can pose disastrous consequences for humans.

3. Global Climate Change  Climate change is the change in distribution of weather patterns when that change lasts for longer periods of time  Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas released when burning fossil fuels *NOTE  The more the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the higher the temperature change  Temperature change is due to burning of fossil fuels

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology Climate change is a change in distribution of weather patterns when that change lasts for longer periods of time. Climate change may refer to a change in average weather conditions, or in the time variation of weather around longer-term average conditions. The accumulation of greenhouse gases like Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere, pose a danger to global climate change. CO 2 is an unavoidable by-product of burning Fossil Fuels (coal, oil and natural gas). CO2 levels in the atmosphere have risen due to the burning of fossil fuels. This issue is unlikely to stop, as a larger population means a higher consumption. The more the carbon dioxide, the higher the temperature change. CO2 and Global Warming CO2 is a natural component along with nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere. It is required by plants for photosynthesis. CO 2 absorbs infrared energy from the Sun, radiated from Earth’s surface. This is known as the greenhouse effect.

4. Loss of Biodiversity (Biodiversity  Variety of life) Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. It encompasses the,  Number of Species of plants, animals and microorganisms  Different type of Ecosystems  Diversity of genes

Loss of Biodiversity is due to,     

Land use Change (Due to population increase) Pollution (Air, Waterland pollution, Hormone mimics) Resource Exploitation (Poaching, Overfishing) Exotic Species Biodiversity is important as it boosts ecosystem productivity.

For example,  Larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops.  Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology  Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters.  Biodiversity provides Ecosystems Services, Biological Resources and Social Benefits (E.g. Tourism Research for new medicine, Education, Recreation, etc.) Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth and the ecological complexes of which they are part. It includes the species of plants, animals, microorganisms, the diversity of genes in these species, the various ecosystems on the planet. The rapidly growing human population, with its growing appetite for food, water, timber, fiber and fuel, is accelerating the conversion of forests, grassland, and wetlands to agriculture and urban development (Figure 1.4). The inevitable result is the loss of most of the wild plants and animals that occupy those natural habitats. Pollution also degrades habitats, especially aquatic and marine habitats, destroying the species they support. Further, hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds and butterflies and plants are exploited for their commercial value. Even when species are protected by law, many are hunted, killed and marketed illegally. According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, the majority of wild plant and animal species are declining in their range and/or population size. As a result, Earth is rapidly losing many of its species, although no none knows exactly how many. About 2 million species have been described and classified, but scientists estimate that 5 to 30 million species may exist on Earth. The Living Planet Index which closely monitors trends in nearly 4,000 populations of vertebrate species, has declined by 27% between 1970 and 2005. The most dramatic declines have occurred in the tropics, in both ground-dwelling species and marine species. Biodiversity is the mainstay of agricultural crops and of many medicines. The loss of biodiversity curtails development in these areas. Biodiversity is also critical in maintaining the stability of natural systems and enabling them to recover after disturbances such as fire or volcanic eruptions. There are also aesthetic and moral arguments for maintaining biodiversity.

Sustainable Societies (Future)

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology A sustainable future requires transition to:  A stable human population (*More People = More Consumption)  An economy that relies on nature’s income and protects ecosystem capital from depletion  Environmentally friendly processes instead of pollution-intensive economic production  A stewardly and just approach to people’s needs and that eliminate largescale poverty (Equity = Fairness) Sustainable Societies (Stewardship) Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources and can be applied to the environment and nature. In another words, Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care (E.g. Natural Resources)  Protecting the environment (E.g. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Conservation, Regeneration, Restoration)  Taking responsibility for our choices (Making a change)  Responsibility for environment quality should be shared by everyone

Technology encompasses 3 meanings,  Tools and instruments  Knowledge of how to create things or how to solve problems  Culture (our understanding of the world) Technology –Role in Sustainable Development Technology is not independent of society.  Sustainable development policies are premised on the belief that continual growth in a finite world is possible through the powers of technology:

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology o Finding new sources or alternatives o Use and reuse in the most efficient manner o Waste minimization and pollution control o Clean technologies vs cleaning technologies Science Science involves the experimental investigation and exploration of natural phenomena. It pursues knowledge for its own sake, and does not cause change in itself. Engineering Engineering is the application of scientific knowledge to solve problems or develop products. Technology Technology often arises from scientific research and engineering. It encompasses the practical applications of scientific knowledge and discoveries, engineering designs and products to serve society’s needs. Technology leads to change, which can be for better or for worse. Innovation Innovation is the ‘process of implementing new ideas to create value for an organization. This could mean creating a new service, system, or process, or enhancing existing ones.’ Innovation is needed to solve the grand challenges of our civilization, such as providing sustainable energy, clean water and ample food, and building infrastructure to deal with urbanization on an unprecedented scale. Innovation is happening and it's going to continue to accelerate due to following trends,    

Movement from owning products to accessing experiences Business is done differently Digital fabrication Rise of information

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology  Infinite computing Technology and Society 3 crucial factors that correlate with the sharp increase in innovation,  Global exchange network which led to exchanges of new foods/animals resulting in population growth; exchange of new information and ideas contributed to scientific revolution  Increasing competitive markets encourage innovation  Discovery of new sources of energy ‘Summary of Seminar 1’ The 3 pillars of sustainability are Human, Economic and Environmental wellbeing. The 4 pressures against sustainability are Increasing Population Growth and Declining Human wellbeing(Quality in life), Decline of Ecosystems, Global Climate Change and Loss of Biodiversity. A Sustainable Future requires Stable Population, Protection of the Ecosystem Capital, Environmentally friendly economic production and Stewardship. Sustainable Society Society that ensures vitality and well-being of humans and nature for present and future generations 3 Pillars of Sustainable Society 1. Environment    

Clean Air Clean Water Fertile Soil Nutritious Food o Vegetables o Fruits o Grains

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology 2. Economies  Gross Domestic Product  Jobs  Taxes 3. Economies    

Elimination of poverty Equal rights for men & women Prosperity for all Education & Training for all

4 Factors affecting Sustainable Society 1. Increase in the population & decrease in the quality of life  Hunters & Gatherers: 10 million - Paleothic  Agriculture (Population Increase – Neolithic)  Industry (Population increase – Industrial Revelation) o Poverty Increase o Disparity between rich and poor In the year 2000: 8 Millennium development goals were set to eliminate poverty. By 2015, Poverty was reduced by half and WHO came out with 17 Sustainable Development goals. In 2030, Global warming will be tackled. 2. Decline of Ecosystem  Interaction between living and non-living organisms is hampered Living organisms: Animals, Fishes, Birds, etc. Non-living organisms: Earth, Pond, Air & Water In 2001, Millennium ecosystem assessment (MEA)  Evaluate consequence of charge in the ecosystem

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology 50% of jobs in the world include the following,  Agriculture  Farming  Fishing

Study Unit 2 - Human Population & Resources Population It is a group of members of the same species living in an area. The populations of different species living together in an area is a community. Carrying Capacity It is the maximum population of species that a given habitat can support without being degraded over a long term. (E.g. Sustainable System) Role of Agriculture Increase food production, cities, ecological destruction Role of Fossil Fuels Provides energy and improvements but had pollution into the environment, causing CO2 (Greenhouse gas), Climate change What is the relationship between population size and resource consumption? The greater the population or economy , the greater the consumption (E.g. Fishery)

Revolutions Neolithic Revolution  Neo means New, lithic means Stone –New Stone Age

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology   

It occurred about 10,000 years ago Hunter and Gatherers began to farm Life became more sedentary and permanent villages developed

Agriculture Pros Cons

 Neolithic Revolution* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yocja_N5s1I The earliest modern human in Europe appeared some 40,000 years ago, during the period known as the Upper Paleolithic (about 50,000 to 100,000 years ago). These Paleolithic humans survived in small tribes as hunter-gatherers, catching wildlife and collecting seeds, nuts, roots, berries, and other plant foods. Settlements were never large and were of relatively short duration because as soon as one area was picked over, the tribe was forced to move on. Populations could not expand beyond the sizes that natural food sources supported, and deaths from predators, disease and famine were common. About 12,000 years ago, a highly significant change in human culture occurred when humans in the Middle East began to develop animal husbandry and agriculture. The development of agriculture provided a more abundant and reliable food supply, and it was a turning point in human history for other reasons as well. Its effects were so profound that it is referred to as the Neolithic Revolution. Agriculture allowed permanent settlements and the specialization of labour, which in turn created more incentive and potential for technology and development, such as better tools and better means of transporting water and other materials. Trade with other settlements began, and commerce was born. Also, living in cities allowed a greater storage of food and the development of preservation techniques. A consequent reduced mortality rate, coupled with more reliable food production, supports population growth, which in turn supports expanding agriculture. In short, modern civilization and population growth had their origins in the invention of agriculture about 12,000 years ago. Industrial Revolution    

Massive increase in energy use from burning of fossil fuels, coal, oil and gas Agrarian to industry-based economy Rapid and large increase in production of goods Sustained population growth with movement from farms to urban centres

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology  

Improvements in Transportation, Agriculture, Medicine, etc Increase the standard of living

Industrial Revolution* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF7-vN-aLOM For another 11,000 years, agriculture and natural ecosystems supported the growth of civilizations and cultures that increased their knowledge and mastery over the natural world. With the birth of modern science and technology in the 17th and 18th centuries, the human population (~1 billion) was on the threshold of the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution was powered by fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). Fossil fuels contain other chemicals as well, such as sulphur and nitrogen, compounds, mercury, lead and arsenic, all of which can pollute the land, air and water. Thus, although the harnessing of energy from fossil fuels has allowed people to produce more food, it came with some unexpected costs. Pollution and exploitation soared as the industrial powers turned to the extraction of raw materials from all over the world. As a result, we now live in a time of population growth and economic expansion but with a myriad of environmental problems.

Positive Effects of Industrial Revolution Immediate Benefits

Long Term Effects

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Improved standard of living

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Improved working conditions

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Increase in taxes improvements

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Air pollution (Toxin from burning of coal) Water pollution Global warming Acid rain Deforestation

Creates jobs Enriches nation Encourages technological progress Education expands Cheaper goods, including clothing

Industrial Revolution (Pollution)

Industrial Revolution –Air Pollution (Sources) 

Particulates from burning fuel and from volcanoes

lead

to

urban

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology Source: Power plants, Auto emissions

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Gas emissions from burning fuel and from volcanoes Source: Power plants, Auto emissions, industry o CO2: from combustion of fossil fuels by motor vehicles, power plants o SO2: from burning Fossil Fuels, especially Coal (90%), volcanoes, wildfires o NO, NO2: from Burning Fossil Fuels, especially Coal

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CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons): now mostly banned

Detrimental Effects of Air Pollution (Industrial Revolution) 

Production of acid rain

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Chemical corrosion of buildings and statues

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Stresses plants (Smog reduces sunlight and therefore photosynthesis) and animals

Industrial Revolution – Global Warming (Sources) 

Human Impacts Atmospheric greenhouse gases trap some of the outgoing energy, retaining heat

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Natural Impacts Change in sun’s energy output, volcanoes and water vapour clouds

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Greenhouse Gases CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, Fluorinated compounds

Detrimental Effects of Global Warming 

More precipitation in some areas  Flooding

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Less precipitation in others  Spread of deserts, change in crops

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Melting of ice caps  Rise of sea level

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Spread of diseases

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Changes in ecosystems (e.g. Ocean warming)

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Weather pattern alterations

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Reduced biodiversity

Industrial Revolution – Water Pollution (Sources)

SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology

Sources

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Industrial waste (heavy metals, phosphates, asbestos, nitrates, solvent...