Introduction

Sustainability basically deals with the ability to understand the impact that we have on the earth,
and what we leave for future generations. We know that sustainability can encompass a number of
things, from recycling to gardening, and in being resourceful with products and items that we use.

Achieving a sustainable future requires that individuals adopt different values, attitudes, habits, and
behaviors, which are often learned and cemented at a young age. Educational efforts are extremely
important to achieve transformative action.

//////////

What is sustainability?

The word sustainability comes from ‘to sustain’, which essentially means to provide support and
prolong or preserve something. What we hope to preserve and support is life on planet earth.
Thinking about this definition, we can view sustainability as an approach to life that causes the
least possible harm to the natural world or living organisms.

Why is sustainability important?

The main goal of sustainability is to protect the planet so that future generations don’t have to
suffer. Sometimes citizens all over the world forget that we have finite resources on this planet…

So, it’s important to be aware of sustainability in our daily lives so we don’t cause more irreparable
damage to Earth.

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

The three pillars of sustainability are environment, economy and society. All of them, directly and
indirectly, impact each other – none of these pillars stand alone.

This is why it’s important to consider everything when we’re talking about sustainability, from
materials and wastage to human treatment and working conditions.

What are the sustainable development goals?

They were created as an attempt to establish a set of goals to face the world’s most important
challenges, with a deadline set for 2030. The main goals are reducing poverty and inequalities,
providing access to education, protecting and preserving life, and fighting against climate change.

What does it mean to have a sustainable economy?

When there is a sustainable economy, it means that economic growth doesn’t harm social,
environmental and cultural factors. So, there is a good balance between growth and responsibility.

Challenges of environmental sustainability

 Global warming due to CO2 emissions. ...
 Air pollution and water contamination. ...
 Pollution of the oceans, seas and inland waters. ...
 Slow energy transition and insufficient share of renewable energy. ...
 Climate Change. Climate change is widely seen as the biggest challenge of our age. ...
 Biodiversity Loss. ...
 Pollution. ...
 Drought and water scarcity. ...
 Resource Depletion. ...
 Deforestation.

The role played by technology

Technology can be extremely important if we want to save the world from environmental,
economic and social collapse, but it’s not enough; human behaviour and our simple actions in our
everyday life will make all the difference.

What are some examples of sustainability?

There are so many different ways to be sustainable. One example is green energy – wind power, for
example, is a free, natural, and infinite resource that doesn’t cause harm to others, but does help
to keep society functioning.

● Renewable energy has been on the rise for over a decade, and many agree that it is an important
part of combating climate change. The hope is that, eventually, clean energy will replace fossil
fuels, which cause so much damage to the environment and living creatures. It comes from energy
sources that recharge themselves. For example, wind and sunlight are powered by nature itself.

Renewable energy has been around for centuries in the form of waterwheels and windmills, but it
was first used commercially in 1927.

● Another good example is creating, maintaining and looking after green spaces. This is because
green spaces and plants improve air quality, protect water quality and reduce soil erosion, to name
a few benefits.

● Water security isn’t only about the amount of freshwater available for people and ecosystems.
The quality of the water is also important. The problem is that across the world an estimated 80%
of all industrial and municipal wastewater is released to the environment without any prior
treatment. Consequence: serious impacts on human health and ecosystems.

Unfortunately, this means that since the 1990s, water pollution has worsened in almost all rivers in
Africa, Asia and Latin America but, through strong environmental regulation, water quality has
improved in much of Europe.

Is being sustainable difficult?

Sometimes it seems to be a little difficult because we live in a society where overconsumption and
endless consumerism is encouraged but it’s good to know that more and more companies and
governments are paying attention to sustainability and more and more people in many different
countries are better informed of the benefits of doing things in a different way.

Another advantage is that you can save money; for example, using less energy, not buying
unnecessary products and not wasting food.

How can I be more sustainable?

There are lots of things that you can do to be more sustainable. What you’re able to do will depend
on things like where you live and how much time you have, but there are still options for everyone.
The important thing is to make a few changes and get used to them. It’s much better than doing
nothing!

What activities can you do to ensure environmental sustainability?

(examples)

→ Life below water: Avoiding the use of plastic bags to keep the oceans clean.
→ Life on land: Planting trees to help protect the environment.
→ Responsible consumption and production: Recycling items such as paper, plastic, glass and
aluminum.
→ Sustainable cities and communities: Biking, walking or using public
→Pick up trash
→Sort the garbage
→Many items that are often put in the garbage are compostable. Composting allows food to
decompose naturally into fertile soil.

→Plant a garden » Growing your own organic food helps save on the distance food has to
travel to get to you.
→ Plant a tree » If you don’t have the space for a large tree, planting even a small tree in
your backyard is one of the best things you can do for the environment.

→Reuse items for crafts » The recycling bin is a great place to turn for craft inspiration
→Make homemade crafts
→Play outside! » This simple activity goes a long way in teaching sustainability. Sharing in
and appreciating a love of the outdoors will inspire kids to care for the earth.
→Collect rain water

How can I be more sustainable at home?

There are many simple ways you can be more sustainable at home. To start with, you can make
sure you turn off any electric appliances or lights when you’re not using them, reduce your water
intake (take shorter showers), and recycle when you can.

Go Green in 10 simple steps

 Go Digital. The more you do online, the less you need paper. ...
  Switch lights off. One of the simplest ways to reduce energy consumption is to switch lights off
when you leave a room. ...
 Reuse before recycle. ...
 Get sharing. ...
 Switch computers off. ...
 Recycle. ...
 Cut unnecessary travel. ...
 Save water.

How can we help our society become greener?

1. Think twice before shopping.
2. Make sure your big purchases have big environmental benefits.
3. Go #PlasticFree.
4. Boycott products that endanger wildlife.
5. Pay attention to labels.
6. Be water wise.
7. Drive less, drive green.
8. Green your home.

How can I reduce my food waste?

The first thing is to control what you have in the fridge and cupboards. Try to keep older items
near the front and prepare your meals with all those food items.

Sustainable fashion

It’s also sustainable to look after the clothes you already own by caring for them properly and
sewing or tailoring them when they break. Brand-wise, sustainable fashion is made with eco-
friendly materials, designed and manufactured ethically, and ensures that everyone involved is
paid fairly.

The most sustainable ways to travel

A huge amount of carbon emissions come from transportation, with a large majority of those
emissions coming from road vehicles. Flying is also not great for the environment.
The most sustainable way to travel is either by foot or bike, but we know that this is not always
possible in many circumstances. Public transport like buses and trains are a good option, and if you
need a car for work, why not buying an electric or even hydrogen-powered car?

The role played by technology

Technology can be extremely important if we want to save the world from environmental,
economic and social collapse, but it’s not enough; human behaviour and our simple actions in our
everyday life will make all the difference.

→ Fazer uma conclusão com toque pessoal (?), com mensagem positiva e construtiva para o futuro
(até mesmo próximo)

Do tipo: Sustainability is the key to a better future. Humans rely on natural resources for business,
activities, and survival. Ignoring sustainability can lead to the exhaustion of natural resources.

Webgrafia:
Fonte de informação para a seleção das perguntas:
https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/50-sustainability-faqs-answered

Terminar com a canção de Louis Armstrong – “What a Wonderful World” na versão de

Rod Stewart

Versão de Rod Stewart (from One Night Only! Rod Stewart Live at Royal Albert Hall)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBhnkJ6sVrM

Letras / Lyrics
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
"What a wonderful world"

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day and the dark sacred night
And I think to myself
"What a wonderful world"

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, "I love you"

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself
"What a wonderful world"

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of all the people going by
I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, "I love you"

I've heard my babies crying, and I've watched them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll ever, ever know
And I think to myself, "It's a wonderful world"
I think to myself, "What a wonderful world"

What a wonderful world

And I think to myself

"What a wonderful world"