What threaten environmental sustainability?

Answer 1

People taking more from nature than what it can replenish: There are two kinds of resources, sustainable (lumber, fish stocks etc) and non sustainable resources (natural gas, oil etc). Sustainable resources should be used in such a manner that nature is able to replenish them. Non sustainable resources should be used in a very responsible way because once it is used up it is gone forever.

Anthropocentrism, the idea that humans were put on earth to rule and subjugate the whole world. This idea stems from the biblical command to humans to rule over creation. This idea led to the believe that the world was made for humans alone. For example when taking this view and the problem of an endangered species comes up, the primary concern then is what would the impact be on humans if this species dies out, if it is a slug in the out back of Australia and the impact on humans would be none then the effort to save this species would also be negligible.

The failure to integrate development and conservation. The need to deliver basic living conditions is an immediate need. Governments the world over, especially developing countries are faced with a choice, do whatever to address this need or follow a environmentally sustainable approach. The quickest way to deliver is usually at the cost of environmentally sound practises.

The unequal burden the worlds poorer nations has to bear in dealing with global

problems caused by environmental degradation. The war in the Sudan is a sterling example. Unseasonal droughts brought upon by global warming has plunged this whole region into turmoil. The Sudanese people had no hand in global warming but are now paying for it with their lives.

Development doesn't take into account inter generational accountability. We need to foster the idea that we are holding the earth in trust for future generations, we need to accept the fact that we are only going to be on earth for a very short time. Our actions now is going to have an effect on generations to come. A mothers instinct to care for her young is very strong, and caring about our environment now in order to protect future generations should be our main concern.

Answer 2

People taking more from nature than what it can replenish: There are two kinds of resources, sustainable (lumber, fish stocks etc) and non sustainable resources (natural gas, oil etc). Sustainable resources should be used in such a manner that nature is able to replenish them. Non sustainable resources should be used in a very responsible way because once it is used up it is gone forever.

Anthropocentrism, the idea that humans were put on earth to rule and subjugate the whole world. This idea stems from the biblical command to humans to rule over creation. This idea led to the believe that the world was made for humans alone. For example when taking this view and the problem of an endangered species comes up, the primary concern then is what would the impact be on humans if this species dies out, if it is a slug in the out back of Australia and the impact on humans would be none then the effort to save thios species would also be neglible.

The failure to integrate development and conservation. The need to deliver basic living conditions is an immediate need. Governments the world over, especially developing countries are faced with a choice, do whatever to address this need or follow a environmentally sustainable approach. The quickest way to deliver is ussually at the cost of environmentally sound practises.

The unequal burden the worlds poorer nations has to bear in dealing with global

problems caused by environmental degradation. The war in the Sudan is a sterling example. Unseasonal droughts brought upon by global warming has plunged this whole region into turmoil. The Sudanese people had no hand in global warming but are now paying for it with their lives.

Development doesn't take into account inter generational accountability. We need to foster the idea that we are holding the earth in trust for future generations, we need to accept the fact that we are only going to be on earth for a very short time. Our actions now is going to have an effect on generations to come. A mothers instinct to care for her young is very strong, and caring about our environment now in order to protect future generations should be our main concern.