Abstract
In this chapter we explore the meaning of sustainability and how it can help and hinder our response to dealing with global warming.
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Homework!
Homework!
Although we have had repeated conferences on climate change we have singularly failed at the national level to really come to grips with the problems, and in part this is because of the difficulty of seeing what precisely has to be done at the regional or local level. So it is down to you and me to solve this problem from the bottom up; it will be anyhow when Governments eventually decide what exactly needs to be done. Therefore, let’s make a start right now. We have seen that the development of a universal definition of sustainability is proving extremely difficult to achieve. It is, however, much simpler to write a personal definition. Such a definition should be personally inspirational and remind us why we are trying to make a difference by tackling global warming.
So what I would like you to do is to write your own definition of sustainability in no more than 50 words. I would like you to put this along with your population data in a personal portfolio. This can be anything from a computer file to a cardboard folder … you could even use the fridge if you have enough magnets. What is important is that all this material is kept together as it will form part of a personal plan.
To get you started have a look at some personal definitions of sustainability by my undergraduate students from Trinity College Dublin:
When you are ready then move onto step 3 which looks at the science and evidence for global warming.
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Gray, N.F. (2015). What Is Sustainability?. In: Facing Up to Global Warming. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20146-7_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20146-7_2
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