1. Introduction to Sustainability Paulina Jaramillo Aurora Sharrard Graduate Students, CEE

2. What is Sustainability? Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

3. Why Should We Care About Sustainability?  In the last 100 years: Demand for non-renewable resources has increased Pollution has increased Population has increased Climate change is predicted Loss of habitat / endangered species is growing  Real concern that future generations will not be able to live “comfortably”

4. Principles of Sustainability  Minimize depletion of natural resources  Minimize energy consumption and material use  Prevent waste (pollution prevention) Reduce, reuse, recycle  Improve, innovate, and invent new technologies  Conserve natural ecosystems and human well-being

5. Principles of Sustainability  Use non-hazardous inputs and produce non-hazardous outputs  Engage communities and stakeholders in decision-making  Apply solutions relevant to geography and culture  Think holistically in terms of systems Cradle to grave

6. Barriers to Achieving Sustainability  Lack of: Public awareness or interest Strong regulations and community involvement  Economic constraints  Immediate needs must be met first  Political challenges and bureaucracy  Scientists tend to focus on unsolvable global problems instead of solvable local ones