Sustainability: definition with simple natural science

Summary

The video script explores the concept of sustainability, defining it as the ability of human society to continue indefinitely within natural cycles. It explains the biosphere's balance, the laws of thermodynamics, and photosynthesis's role in maintaining it. The script identifies four root causes of unsustainability: excessive material extraction, creation of persistent substances, physical inhibition of natural cycles, and social barriers to meeting basic human needs. It encourages viewers to learn more about sustainability through provided resources.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Sustainability is about meeting current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs, as defined by the Brundtland Commission.
• 🔬 A scientific definition of sustainability emerged from a group of 50 scientists who agreed on the principles of thermodynamics and the biosphere's balance.
• 🌍 The biosphere is a thin, fragile layer where life is possible, and it is maintained by a cycle of oxygen and food production by plants and CO2 and fertilizer production by animals.
• ☀️ The biosphere is open to energy from the sun but closed to matter, following the laws of thermodynamics and conservation of matter.
• 🌱 Photosynthesis is crucial as it reorganizes matter and creates new structures, counteracting the natural tendency of matter to disperse, as explained by the second law of thermodynamics.
• 🏞️ Geological cycles move matter between the lithosphere and biosphere, maintaining a balance over millions of years.
• 🚫 Sustainability requires addressing four root causes of unsustainability: excessive extraction of materials from the Earth's crust, creation of substances that accumulate in nature, physical inhibition of natural cycles, and social barriers to meeting basic human needs.
• 🛑 Material extraction includes the removal of resources like oil, natural gas, and heavy metals, which can overwhelm natural systems.
• 💧 The creation of substances that nature struggles to break down, such as certain chemicals and excessive CO2, contributes to environmental imbalance.
• 🌳 Physical disruption of natural cycles through deforestation, ecosystem destruction, and urban sprawl hinders the biosphere's ability to function.
• 👥 Social unsustainability involves creating barriers that prevent people worldwide from meeting their basic human needs, such as through exploitative labor practices.
• 📚 For further education on sustainability, resources are available on sustainabilityillustrated.com, and supporting the cause through Patreon is encouraged.

Q & A

What is the commonly known definition of sustainable development according to the Brundtland definition?

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What is the scientific definition of sustainability proposed by a Swedish doctor in the late 1980s?

The scientific definition of sustainability is the capacity of our human society to continue indefinitely within the natural cycles of the biosphere, managing the flow of energy and matter in a way that maintains the balance of the ecosystem.

What is the biosphere and why is it significant in the context of sustainability?

The biosphere is the thin layer at the surface of the Earth where life is possible. It is significant in sustainability as it is the environment within which all life, including human society, operates and depends on for survival.

According to the first law of thermodynamics, how is the biosphere open with respect to energy?

The biosphere is open with respect to energy because it receives energy from the Sun and emits radiation, illustrating the continuous flow of energy in and out of the system.

What does the law of conservation of matter imply and why is it important for understanding sustainability?

The law of conservation of matter implies that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. It is important for sustainability as it highlights the need to recycle and reuse materials to maintain the balance within the biosphere.

What is the second law of thermodynamics, and how does it relate to the concept of entropy?

The second law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of entropy, states that everything has a tendency to disperse or move towards a state of equilibrium. It relates to sustainability by emphasizing the importance of maintaining structured systems against the natural tendency of disorder.

What role does photosynthesis play in the sustainability of the biosphere?

Photosynthesis plays a crucial role in sustainability by allowing plants to use the energy from the Sun to produce oxygen and sugar from carbon dioxide and water, thereby reorganizing matter and creating new structures that support life.

What are the geological cycles, and how do they contribute to the balance of the biosphere?

Geological cycles are slow processes that move matter from the Earth's crust to the biosphere and back, such as through volcanic eruptions, weathering, mineralization, and sedimentation. They contribute to the balance by maintaining a steady state of material exchange over long periods.

What are the four root causes of unsustainability identified by the group of scientists, and why are they significant?

The four root causes of unsustainability are: 1) extracting large flows of materials from the Earth's crust that accumulate in the biosphere, 2) creating substances that accumulate in nature and are difficult for it to break down, 3) physically inhibiting nature's ability to run its cycles, and 4) creating social barriers that prevent people from meeting their basic human needs. They are significant because addressing these issues is essential for achieving a sustainable society.

How does the script suggest we can contribute to unsustainability through our consumption habits?

The script suggests that by purchasing products manufactured in sweatshops or under poor working conditions, we indirectly support businesses that contribute to social and environmental unsustainability, preventing workers from meeting their basic human needs.

What is the website mentioned in the script for further learning about sustainability, and what actions are encouraged for those interested in sustainability education?

The website mentioned is sustainabilityillustrated.com. For those interested in sustainability education, the script encourages subscribing to the website and considering making a pledge of $1.00 or more on their Patreon page.