Sustainable future and climate change
Wikipedia defines sustainability "a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at certain level indefinitely." However Tim Flanney, the author of Weather makers: the history and future impact of climate change, favors a moral definition that most environmentalists would consider appropriate which is " living in such way as not to detract from the potential quality of life for future generations."
The following articles examine sustainability of human development and conservation of environment. Climate change and the end of cheap oil is going force our civilization to make some profound changes. Our survival of future generations will depend on our present awareness and actions.
Preview the first part of book (50+ pages) written by Donella Meadows, Dennis Meadows, Jorgen Randers
Helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.
Climate change
350.org website
Scientists believe that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity, however we are now at 390!
See book description and browse first part of the book.
Science Matters by David Suzuki with Faisal Moola:
She describes the crisis which humans have caused to our oceans, which terrestrial life is so dependant on this ecosystem.
A scorching appeal for people to take action to prevent the climate catastrophe that we are currently heading toward.
For information about the documentary film An Inconvenient Truth.
For more information on climate change, see Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change website for summary reports for policymakers.
George Monbiot's book titled Heat discusses strategies to cope with the problem of climate change.
Visit the Pembina Institute to see their answers to sustainable solutions through the use of renewables.
Local groups tackle impact of economic growth on the environment
Oceanside Star
Published: Thursday, May 15, 2008
Nine local environmental organizations are working together to tackle the impacts of unsustainable economic growth on human and environmental health.
The Georgia Strait Alliance, Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, Arrowsmith Watershed Coalition Society, Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers, Qualicum Beach Environment Committee, Oceanside Coalition for Strong Communities, Arrowsmith Naturalists, and Friends of French Creek Conservation Society recently met with the Qualicum Institute to discuss economic growth and its contributions to today's most pressing environmental issues.
The groups agreed that restoration projects and conservation work are beneficial but until unsustainable economic growth is addressed it will not be enough.
"Climate change, running out of oil, food shortages, excessive flooding, water quality and quantity issues, air quality, toxic contaminants, loss of habitat, increased numbers of endangered species and related health issues can all be traced back to a single cause: unsustainable economic growth," Neil Dawe, President of the Qualicum Institute, told the groups during a presentation. "Despite the best efforts of environmental groups, we are losing ecosystems and species at unprecedented rates."
Dawe pointed out that this matter is so serious that The World Health Organization, in their contribution to the recent Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, concluded that the "ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted."
Michele Deakin, also of the Qualicum Institute, pointed out that, "Biodiversity's importance is something the general public has yet to grasp, failing to understand that it is the myriad of organisms that enable ecosystems to function and provide the services that support all life on Earth."
Concerns of the local groups include the rate of growth in this region. Since 1986, the Regional District of Nanaimo has been growing at around 2.6% per year, nearly one and one-half times the provincial average. At current rates, the regional population will double every 27 years, which means a population of over 300,000 by 2035.
With water shortages in some areas already a concern, Deakin said, continued growth without first determining whether we have resources to support that growth seems to be folly.
"This is not a warning for the future, but a decision we must make for our children and ourselves, and we must make it soon," Deakin said.
The Association for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy has a website on the issue: .
© Oceanside Star 2008
Other articles on a steady state economy
A steady state economy is a positive alternative to the unworkable pursuit of endless economic growth.
Earth Day Network has just released its newest tool to combat climate change: The new, updated, and much more fun Ecological Footprint Calculator.
In this new tool created by Global Footprint Network, you can create a three-dimensional avatar of your choosing, and tour your virtual neighborhood. Then you will be asked a series of questions about your food consumption, energy use, favorite mode of transportation, type of residence, recycling commitment, and spending habits. You can even choose to take a long version or a short version of the quiz!
The Footprint Calculator will tell you how many "planets" would be necessary to sustain human life- if everyone lived just like you, and how many acres of land and tons of carbon necessary to sustain your lifestyle. You can even revisit your quiz to see where she "went wrong", and find out how to reduce your carbon footprint.
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