Category: Readings, films, guest lecturer readings

Post the in-class group assignment on sustainable models of production/consumption no later than Sat. March 2. (remember to include names of everyone in your  group)

If you have not done so already, please post your research topic proposal here no later than Sat. March 2.

Assignment for Tuesday, Feb.26:

1. Complete the Ecological Footprint exercise at https://www.footprintnetwork.org/our-work/ecological-footprint/        and answer the following questions for next week:                                              Summarize what your footprint indicated.                                                                Did anything about the results of your footprint surprise you?
2. Reminder: Post your research topic proposal(s) as a thesis or a question; be prepared to share/discuss
3. Reading for Feb. 26: participation points for participation in class discussion The Elephant in the boardroom     (pgs. 1 – 12)  Come prepared to discuss  the following: You may find it helpful to print these pages for Tues 
   1. The reading argues that in order for production and consumption to become sustainable, they must remain “within planetary boundaries.” Clearly explain what this means in the context of the reading.
   2. a) Describe two business models the reading points to as sustainable models of production.                                                                                                      b) Explain how either of these two models is sustainable and why.

   3. According to the authors, ” Most businesses’ growth is still predicated on more people buying more goods” and…”The rapid expansion of consumption-driven markets in the coming decades is the anticipated engine for continued business growth.” Discuss the reasons why this growth model is unsustainable.

After reading Achieving Food Security in the Face of Climate Change (2011). Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change, be prepared for a discussion of the following questions on Tues. 2/19.

1. The reading argues that as global population grows and the demand for food increases, climate change is posing challenges to future food security and this means that global food production must become more sustainable. .
2. What exactly is the relationship between ‘food security’ and climate change in the reading?

3. It is argued that sustainable food production must establish a “safe space for interconnected food systems.” Explain what global food output needs to do to achieve this ‘safe space.’ Why this approach is sustainable?
4. The reading points to several food system practices that satisfy human needs, reduce the agricultural carbon footprint and do not exhaust the planet’s resources. Explain what two of these practices in detail.
5. Describe an initiative that one country is undertaking and explain how this practice is an example of sustainable production.

 

Post group proposals on industry sustainability assignment here.

1.In order for long term economic growth to be more sustainable, governments, businesses, and individuals must be proactive. Businesses can utilize resources more efficiently by developing and utilizing substitutes for scarce resources. Governments can act by providing incentives for businesses and investors to utilize more innovative solutions. Through the recognition and elimination of unsustainable activities, resources will be utilized at a lower intensity, therefore improving present quality of life without diminishing resources for future generations. According to the readings, economic growth accompanied by reduced pollution and increased substitution away from natural resources is likely to be more sustainable.

2.Social costs associated with the growth model include worsening income distribution, urbanization, and ugly cities. Associated social benefits include improved communication, standard of living, and transport.

Environmental costs include reduction of natural resources and pollution. Associated environmental benefits include, substitution away from scarce natural resources, less damaging resource extraction, technological innovation and pollution abatement.

Read Sardar M.N. Islam, Mohan Munasinghe, Matthew Clarke. “Making long-term economic growth more sustainable: evaluating the costs and benefits” and post your answers to the following questions. You may also comment on other students’ responses as well.

1. According to the reading, what actions are recommended to make long-term economic growth be made more sustainable?
2. Identify some of the costs and benefits associated with these steps?                                                                                        Post your responses in the box below.

Read Sardar M.N. Islam, Mohan Munasinghe, Matthew Clarke, “Making long-term economic growth more sustainable: evaluating the costs and benefits” and “Finding a sustainable model of economic growth fit for the future”.

Post your answers to the following questions by 2/18.

1. According to the reading, how can long-term economic growth be made more sustainable ?
2. What are the costs and benefits associated with these steps?                              Post your responses in the box below.