UNIT 8 A N S W E R K E Y (Pages 145 – 163)

Think and discuss (page 145) The level of compliance with the Sustainable
Development Goals depends to a large extent
1 What’s sustainable development? Why’s it on what is stated in the last goal, SDG 17
necessary? (Partnerships to achieve the goals). This means
Sustainable development is the ability to exist and governments must be the ones responsible
develop while respecting natural environments, to pursue action and make laws that can truly
eco-systems and the various ways of life on contribute to curbing the climate emergency we
the planet without neglecting the general well- are currently facing. Despite making significant
being of the population in the face of social and progress towards meeting the goals on the 2030
economic inequality. Sustainability is therefore Agenda, we’re still a long way from achieving
a vital concept that must be put into practice satisfactory results.
because it encompasses both ecological and
social aspects without depleting natural resources 1. Our relationship with nature (page 146)
for the future. This makes it indispensable in
addressing the global challenges we face as a
species today. 1 What’s the Gaia Hypothesis? How can it affect
decisions about ecology and the environment?
2 What are the most serious ecological problems at The Gaia hypothesis is the idea that the Earth is
the moment? Discuss with a classmate. a complex system in which all of its elements are
Earth’s climate has been changing fast. This means interconnected and every action or behaviour, no
that we have pushed past many of the boundaries matter how small or insignificant, has an impact
which guarantee our planet’s ecological balance on the whole. This approach was instrumental in
and we find ourselves in a critical situation. understanding the cooperative functioning of
Uncontrolled industrial development, irresponsible the components that make up the biosphere and
waste management, greenhouse gas emissions and thus the role of humans in the environmental
a lack of respect for wildlife are just a few of the sustainability of the planet as an integral part of
factors that have led us to this point, and humans that system.
are primarily responsible.
2 Do you think humanity is abusing Earth’s
3 Why’s environmental protection important for our resources? Why should we take care of natural
well-being? ecosystems?
The connection is clear and unmistakable: human Students’ own answers. Human beings have
beings cannot live decent lives if they don’t have based their evolution on a system of material
a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. And and economic growth that has been in constant
since humanity is dependent on nature, we must contradiction with environmental sustainability.
apply the sustainable development principles with Our current reality, marked by a climate crisis,
regards to the environment. Nature provides us proves that we are pushing the limits of the
with the essential resources to survive and thrive, planet’s resilience and that we need to change
so it is essential to protect and restore it. our attitude towards climate change. This change
4 Which Sustainable Development Goals affect the involves abandoning the uncontrolled exploitation
environment? Which goals promote sustainability? and depletion of the planet’s resources, changing
many of our consumption habits and adopting a
The following is a list of Sustainable Development
new relationship with the natural environment
Goals related to the environment:
based on respect and care.
 SDG 13 (Climate action)
3  How are the terms ecodependence and
 SDG 14 (Life below water)
interdependence different? How are they similar?
 SDG 15 (Life on land)
While the two terms are closely linked, they are not
The following is a list of the Sustainable exactly the same. ‘Interdependence’ is the mutually
Development Goals related to sustainability: beneficial and co-evolutionary partnership that
 SDG 7 (Clean and affordable energy) can occur both between human beings as well as
 SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) between humans and the natural environment. The
  SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and term ‘ecodependence’ refers to the way humans
production) are greatly dependent on ecosystems to meet
their needs and for their well-being.

158 8. Sustainability and the environment

 The combination of both concepts helps to The measures proposed by the Spanish
define and broaden the concept of sustainability, Government that were implemented during the
integrating both ecological factors and those first 100 days following the declaration of climate
associated with human and social interaction. and environmental emergency were:
4 These images represent two ways of looking at  Adopt specific national climate action plans.
human beings and their existence on Earth. How   Abide by the Climate Change Law and
are the two images different? Which one would encourage its adoption.
you choose to represent planetary sustainability?   Establish short- and medium-term
Students’ own answers. The first of the images decarbonisation strategies.
shows a well-balanced and harmonious human-   Encourage public participation by setting up
nature relationship that is grounded in mutual citizens’ climate assemblies.
respect and conservation, with planet Earth at the
  Incorporate the Energy Transition Act as part
centre of this relationship.
of the country’s sustainable economic growth.
The second image, on the other hand, depicts the
In order to draw comparisons with the measures
inversion of the same relationship, showing human
taken by other countries, students can refer to
beings as the central or most significant entities in
information from peer-reviewed sources. See the
the world.
website link what are countries doing to reduce their
The first image reflects the planetary sustainability CO2 emissions? in the resources under this heading
challenges we are facing today, while the second for information on the actions being taken by
represents an anthropocentric vision that regards Germany, the United Kingdom, France, China, the
humans as separate from and superior to nature United States and the United Kingdom.
which is the fundamental notion behind the
idea of progress that has led to many of the 2  Study the illustration. Do you think this is
environmental consequences we are currently how governments are reacting to the climate
struggling with. emergency? Why?
Students’ own answers. The cartoon paints a
5  What impact does our modern
humorous but also troubling picture of how
lifestyle have on the environment? Make a list
the bureaucracy involved in major international
of five everyday activities that can have a global
decision-making can actually prevent the
impact on the environment. Share your ideas with
implementation of immediate solutions to major
the class.
crises, such as the climate emergency. The image
Many of our everyday activities have a major suggests that if we get caught up in diplomatic
impact on the environment, both locally and formalities and fail to act, we may not have time to
globally. reverse the consequences of the emergency.
1. Taking a shower without turning off the tap.
3  Listen to three people imagining the future
2. Flushing disposable wet wipes down the toilet. 30 years from now. Which people have ideas
3. Using plastic containers and plastic bags. similar to you? Which predictions do you think
4. Putting all the household waste in one bin. will come true? Discuss your opinions with
a partner.
5. Using single-use and throw-away products.
MODEL ANSWER
6. Going everywhere by car.
I agree with Ramona that our homes will be
7. Not consuming locally grown or locally
automated in the future, with robots and
produced food.
computer screens to make life easier. But I
8. Using certain cleaning products made don’t agree that mobile phones will disappear
with highly toxic and polluting chemical completely and I don’t think there’ll be people
components. living on the Moon or Mars very soon.
9. Not managing the energy consumption of our I think Deepak is right about replacing fossil fuels
homes efficiently. with green energy technology. In another 30
10. Using aerosol deodorants. years, I think we’ll get all our energy from green
sources, like solar and wind, or from nuclear power
2. Planet Earth in danger (page 148) plants. I don’t think people will stop fighting over
1  Work in groups. How has Spain responded to the resources, unfortunately.
climate emergency? Compare this to what other Olivia is very optimistic about the future of
countries have done. science and medicine, and I hope she’s right.

8. Sustainability and the environment 159

 I think we’ll find cures for many diseases and 2  Listen to a teacher talking about the Universal
health problems. It will also be important to solve Declaration of Animal Rights and make notes. Do
world hunger, and science can help us produce you think it offers enough protection for animals?
more food in the future. We definitely need to Does it go too far in some ways?
protect the environment, too.
MODEL ANSWER
4  Find information about why it’s important I agree that animals have a right to existence and
to maintain the integrity of the biosphere. respect and that we shouldn’t be cruel to them. If
Write a report. we need to kill animals for food, we have to make
Students’ own answers. In order to understand sure they don’t suffer. I definitely agree with giving
the role of the biosphere in the Earth’s climate pets, circus animals and zoo animals more rights,
system and the need to preserve it, students but I think it’s OK to use animals for entertainment
must develop a precise definition of the term when the animals aren’t harmed. For example, I love
‘biosphere’. The United Nations offers a definition horse riding with my family and the horses enjoy it,
that is relevant and illustrative: ‘Biosphere refers too. I believe we can respect animals and care for
to the layer of Earth’s surface where living things them, without putting animals on the same level as
thrive and live. It extends from a few kilometres humans, except maybe gorillas and chimps and other
into the atmosphere to the deepest part of the primates, because they’re our closest relatives.
ocean floor, such as the Puerto Rican trench.
3  Work in two groups. One group will list the
Planet Earth’s biosphere is unique because there
characteristics of anthropocentrism. The other group
is no other planet in our solar system that can
will make a similar list for biocentrism. Compare
support life that we know of. That is why it is
your lists. Which model do you prefer? Why?
very important to preserve it and prevent it
from deteriorating.’ MODEL ANSWER
Main features of anthropocentrism:
5  Work with a classmate. Choose one of the
facts from the list and add more details. Share   This is a view which places human beings at the
your work with the class. centre of all creation.
Students’ own answers. Students can consult a   Human beings, as the dominant species, are
variety of sources in order to find further scientific entitled to make use of the natural resources
information on any one of the facts from the list. of their environment for their own benefit,
Diverse data supported by numerous graphic, regardless of the negative effects their actions
audiovisual and statistical resources can be found may have on that environment.
in the websites: The Science of Climate Change   Because humans have superior intelligence,
and Basics of Climate Change, which are listed in their rights always take precedence over the
the resources under this heading. rights of other living species.
  Scientific and technological progress is
3. Protecting animals and the conceived as an instrument to exploit and
environment (page 150) dominate nature, which is considered a means
and not an end in itself.
1  Find information about one of the
environmental organisations in the text. Write a Main features of biocentrism:
report about their activities and share your work  Every life on Earth has equal value.
with the class.   Human beings have the moral obligation to
Students’ own answers. Students can find the respect and treat other animals and species
information they need on the websites of each of humanely.
these organisations.   Human beings aren’t at the centre of
 Greenpeace (greenpeace.org) everything, they coexist with other species.
 World Wildlife Fund (worldwildlife.org)   Humans should not interfere in the lives
  The Nature Conservancy (nature.org/en-us/ of other animals, but rather encourage the
about-us/who-we-are) development of other forms of life.
 Amigos de la Tierra (tierra.org)   It defends the use of renewable energies,
animal welfare, deindustrialisation and
 Ecologistas en acción (ecologistasenaccion.org)
vegetarianism and veganism.
  It calls for the prohibition of animals being
used as entertainment, for example in zoos,
circuses and bullfights.
160 8. Sustainability and the environment
4  Work in groups of three. Find contains and the impact storing digital material
information about animal abuse in Spain. Look at has on the planet, as it is housed in data centres
circuses, zoos, farms, hunting, traditional festivals, that are permanently switched on and must be
and science labs. How much do animals suffer in kept in climate-controlled facilities, with the
these cases? How can we avoid it? Make notes and enormous energy costs that this entails.
then organise a class discussion. Students can list the following measures to help
Students’ own answers. The websites of the reduce the environmental impact of digital rubbish:
environmental organisations mentioned above  Make more responsible purchases.
contain information on animal welfare and cruelty   Use proper maintenance methods to keep
in these and other areas. They also often report on equipment in good working condition.
news stories concerning allegations and serious   Donate or sell electronic equipment that
cases of animal abuse. still works.
5  What do you think about the proposals for   Donate broken or obsolete equipment to
animal protection? Do you agree with them? charitable organisations that will repair and
Students’ own answers. reuse it for social purposes.
  Manufacturers should strive to improve
4. Sustainable lifestyle habits (page 152) designs to make electronic equipment easier
to recycle and reuse.
  Manufacturers need to reduce the use of
1  What factors and behaviours can contribute
hazardous substances in certain electronic
to healthy lifestyle habits? What can individual
products.
citizens do?
As we go about our daily lives, we face tasks and 4 Do you know where your food comes from?
actions that we consider routine, but which have a Does your family usually buy local food? What
crucial impact on our health and the environment. other factors do they consider when they shop
Here are some examples of behaviours we can for food?
adopt: Students’ own answers. One way to ensure that
  Increase the use of renewable energy over students are aware of the origin of the food they
fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal). eat is, for example, to go shopping with a family
member and ask the shop assistants about the
  -Optimise resources by increasing and
origin of the products.
diversifying recycling methods and focusing
on efficient and responsible use of natural When it comes to packaged goods, the
resources. information can be found on the labels.
  Adopt sustainable consumption habits in areas 5 Is it important to defend our food sovereignty?
such as food preferences, choices and eating How can this concept contribute to community
habits and the use of household appliances and resilience and transition?
electronic devices. Students’ own answers. The defence and
  Travel responsibly by using environmentally preservation of food sovereignty is an important
sustainable means of individual and collective factor in considering the sustainability of human
passenger transport, such as walking, cycling, communities. This includes practices related
public transport or choosing rail instead of air to resource extraction, consumption patterns
travel for long distances. or the way in which these practices impact the
ecosystems of the communities that inhabit them.
2  What forms of transport do you use in a
Ensuring food sovereignty means defending both
typical week? Make a list and then share it with
people’s rights to healthy food, equality, etc.,
the class. Do you think your transport habits are
as well as the rights and needs of our natural
sustainable?
environment.
Students’ own answers.
The emergence of resilient and transitional
3  Work with a classmate. Find information communities means putting into practice these
about digital rubbish (components and energy principles of sovereignty and sustainability and
consumption) and how it can affect the proving that it’s possible to organise consumption
environment. Make a list of possible solutions. differently and use resources more respectfully
Students’ own answers. Students will learn about and responsibly.
the significant amount of pollutants digital rubbish

8. Sustainability and the environment 161

5. Ecosocial problems and solutions c. When people begin with fewer opportunities,
the effects build up. Less education means
(page 154) fewer professional opportunities. Less
1  Imagine you are in a situation of dependence. paid employment means less financial
What do you expect from the person who cares independence.
for you? What value does that person have in 5  Organise a debate about the questions in
your life? the text. Do you think ecofeminist demands are
Students’ own answers appropriate?
2  What problems do the photos show? How can Students’ own answers.
we avoid them?
All four photographs show the human impact
6. A sustainable economy (page 156)
on the environment caused by the irresponsible 1  What are the main ideas of economic
development of activities which are related degrowth? Is it compatible with modern lifestyles?
to production and consumption of goods: the Have a debate.
irreparable damage of certain ecosystems, The theory of degrowth advocates the need to
environmental pollution, deforestation and the reduce current levels of consumption of natural
uncontrolled accumulation of waste without goods and energy sources. This theory states
correct disposal and recycling treatment. that in order to ensure a sustainable production
These situations have purely economic interests at system, we must reduce consumption by applying
their root. ethical and material responsibility criteria.
Environmental ethics offers principles and guidelines Students’ own answers. Students may feel that
to ensure that human activity does not permanently the theory of degrowth is not compatible with a
harm the environment: regulation, ecological consumer culture such as ours, and that it would
awareness, responsible behaviour, redefinition probably be very difficult to implement, although
of the future prospects of human progress and there may be conflicting views. However, this
development. As a result, environmental ethics theory is considered to be particularly relevant in
provides a social and humanistic framework and high-income and developed countries, which can
gives a moral value to initiatives such as, for example, afford to cut back on their consumption habits.
reducing CO2 emissions, limiting the uncontrolled On the other hand, it would be difficult to put this
exploitation of natural resources, increasing the theory into practice in countries with fragile or
use of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, and precarious economies, since there is already very
responsible waste management, among others. little individual consumption, and because the loss
of general income that would result from reducing
3 What conclusions can we make from this study?
consumption could have a further impact on the
Students’ own answers. The information in this general standard of living of the population.
study encourages us to reflect on the typical
profile that, as a general rule, is assigned the 2  Study the different economic models. Which
role of carer. These conclusions should prompt one do you prefer? Why?
students to reflect on the gender bias imposed on The first model does not include any recycling or
this type of task and why. reusing processes for surplus or residual resources
in its operational structure. The circular economy
4  Listen to a podcast about inequality in
takes the concept of sustainability a step further
caregiving. Answer the questions.
than the second, as it eliminates the waste factor
a. How much more time do women spend on and integrates not only recycling but also the
unpaid work? repair of the product in the consumption loop. As
b. What happens if someone in the family is ill or a result, the shelf life of products is extended, thus
disabled? minimising the volume of waste and the demand
for raw materials.
c. Why does the professor say ‘inequality builds
Students’ own answers
on inequality’?
MODEL ANSWER 3  Work with a classmate. Discuss how people
can reduce, reuse and recycle products, Share
a. Recent reports from the OECD say that
your ideas.
women do 10 times more unpaid work.
Students’ own answers
b. When people are ill or disabled, the women in
their families usually care for them.

162 8. Sustainability and the environment

4  How should a sustainable economy function? Social and economic development:
What sustainable habits do you following  SDG 8. Decent work and economic growth
everyday life?  SDG 9. Industry innovation and infrastructure
Students’ own answers Universal values:
5  Listen to an expert talking about planned  SDG 5. Gender equality
obsolescence. Answer the questions.  SDG 10. Reduced inequalities
a. Do you think products like cars were better in  SDG 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
the past? Sustainable use of resources:
b. Why do people replace their phones every  SDG 7. Affordable and clean energy
few years?  SDG 11. Sustainable cities and communities
c. How much did a good TV cost in the 1970s?   SDG 12. Responsible consumption and
Was that a lot? production
d. Why do manufacturers want to use cheaper Essential requirements for the Earth:
parts?  SDG 13. Climate action
MODEL ANSWER  SDG 14. Life below water
a. I think that’s true in some ways because people  SDG 15. Life on land
made products to last longer. They didn’t Governments and cooperation:
expect to buy a new one every few years, so  SDG 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
they wanted products that were more durable.
 SDG 17. Partnerships for the goals
b. People think phones become outdated
quickly and they want the newest options and 2  ho needs to support these goals? Why are they
W
features. People also use lots of apps and take important? What can you do?
lots of photos and videos, so they need phones The global dimension of the issues and challenges
with more storage. addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals
c. In the 1970s, a good TV cost about $500, means that the achievement of many of these
which was a lot of money at that time: about goals requires government and institutional
$3 300 dollars in today’s money. efforts (both locally and internationally), as they
are the ones that have the necessary resources
d. Manufacturers want cheaper parts to reduce
to achieve these goals. However, as individual
their costs and offer people lower prices on their
citizens, we must do all we can to contribute;
products. This increases their sales, especially
our daily habits can have a positive influence
when people buy a new version every few years.
on sustainable development, even if it seems
6  o you agree with how the government has
D that such small actions are of little relevance
changed the consumer law? Explain your reasons. in a global context. Responsible consumption,
What positive or negative effects do you think the adequate waste disposal in our homes and
new law will have? using environmentally friendly or non-polluting
Students’ own answers means of transport are very significant actions
that are within our reach and through which we
7. The Sustainable Development Goals can become active participants that contribute
(page 158) towards achieving sustainable development.

1  Classify the goals by area: basic human 3  atch the photos to the Sustainable Development
M
needs, social and economic development, Goals.
universal values, sustainable use of resources, 1. SDG 1 (No poverty), 4 (Quality education) and
essential requirements for the Earth, and 10 (Reduced inequalities).
Governments and cooperation. 2. SDG 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger) and 10
Basic human needs: (Reduced inequalities).
 SDG 1. No poverty 3. SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), 4 (Quality
 SDG 2. Zero hunger education), 8 (Decent work and economic
growth) and 10 (Reduced inequalities).
 SDG 3. Good health and well-being
4. SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), 5
 SDG 4. Quality education
(Gender equality), 10 (Reduced inequalities)
 SDG 6. Clean water and sanitation and 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions).

8. Sustainability and the environment 163

 5. SDG 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 3 3 For each quality or attitude, tick the column that
(Good health and well-being), 10 (Reduced best describes your own behaviour.
inequalities), 16 (Peace, justice and strong
Students’ own answers
institutions) and 17 (Partnership for the goals).
4 Compare your answers with classmates and then
4  Do you know what your town or city is doing
organise a debate. Do you think you’re a resilient
to support the Sustainable Development Goals?
person? Do you belong to a resilient community?
Find information about the goals that your local
Why or why not? What can you do to develop
government wants to achieve. How will that
more personal and community resilience?
happen?
Students’ own answers
Students’ own answers. Students can visit their
local council’s website and find out more about In the spotlight (page 161)
the specific measures they are taking with regard
to sustainable development. In some cases, these 1 List rules for responsible consumption that you
measures may be directly linked to the SDGs and follow. For each rule, write an example of your
the 2030 Agenda, while in other cases it will be actions.
up to students to identify the links between these Students’ own answers
measures and the SDGs. 2 Make another list of rules for responsible
5 Which of the 17 goals did Spain do the most to consumption that you don’t follow yet. Foreach
achieve in 2021? In which areas does Spain need rule, write two things that you’ll try to do.
to make a greater effort? Does this match what Students’ own answers
you see around you every day?
3  Find information about a fair trade business in
Students’ own answers. Students can access your area or find a fair trade shop online. Visit the
the information they need by clicking on the shop or its website and make a list of the products
Sustainable Development Report website link. The they sell. Take notes about the information they
results mentioned below are for the year 2021, give about their products, such as the origin,
however, there may be a more recent report quality and price.
available on the website.
Students’ own answers
  Spain worked most towards implementing of
the following SDGs in 2021: Revision Activities (page 162)
 1 (Zero poverty), 3 (Good health and well-
being), 5 (Gender equality), 6 (Clean water 1 In your notebook, make a list of the waste
products that you see below and match them
and sanitation), 8 (Decent work and economic
to the correct recycling bin. Items that we can’t
growth), and 16 (Peace, justice, and strong
recycle must go to a specialist recycling point
institutions).
for safe disposal. When you’ve finished, think
  The following SDGs that have improved in about your own recycling habits. Do you use the
ranking but have not been fully achieved correct bins?
yet are:
  Recycling centre: fluorescent tube, digital
 2 (Zero hunger), 7 (Affordable and clean thermometer, light bulb, tea cup, tooth brush,
energy), 9 (Industry, innovation, and metal spoon, plate, saucepan, wine glass,
infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable cities and cable, rain boots, mobile phone, kitchen
communities) and 17 (Partnerships for the sponge.
goals).
  -Paper and cardboard: notebook, cardboard
Civic values and ethics (page 160) boxes, newspaper, and pizza box.
 -Glass: glass jar, wine bottle.
1 Make a chart with four columns in your notebook.
In the first column, copy the list of qualities and   -Organic waste: tea bag (without the
attitudes that characterise resilience. Can you add wrapping), chicken drumstick, banana skin,
more ideas to the list? prawn, apple core.
Students’ own answers   -Plastic and non-biodegradable waste: food
tin, plastic water bottle, fast food container,
2 Write the following headings for the other three soda can, juice carton, plastic cup, spray can,
columns: ‘a lot’, ‘some’ and ‘not much’. plastic bag, fries carton.
Students’ own answers

164 8. Sustainability and the environment

2 There are numerous locations around the world 1. Addresses the ethics of care in caring for
where climate conflicts are happening. These the elderly.
conflicts have repercussions for environmental 2. Raises awareness of the need for personal
sustainability and people’s quality of life in those and civic responsibility with regard to the
areas. Find information about three of these correct management and disposal of waste.
conflicts. Then write a journalistic report that 3. Shows the devastating effects that
answers the following questions. uncontrolled and irresponsible plastic
Students’ own answers. In order to carry out this waste disposal can have on the natural
activity, students have to look for news reports on environment.
climate conflicts around the world and choose the Why do you think these approaches involve
 
one they are most interested in. Once they have women? Do you think this is logical or fair?
chosen a particular conflict, they must gather all the Students’ own answers. These and other ethical
information they need to create a well-documented approaches often involve women as proactive
journalistic report. protagonists. The reasons for this are many
3 Look at the infographic below, which compares and varied: the traditional role of women has
the use of gasoline-powered and electric vehicles. been more closely linked to matters relating to
The green plus sign shows an advantage over the feelings and affection, from the domestic and
other type of energy. The red minus sign shows a family dimension to the social dimension. In
disadvantage. addition to this, many of the tasks associated
  Considering this data, which fuel source with ecosocial work remain highly undervalued
do you think is more efficient and more and underpaid (as in the case of carers), which
effective? Which factors are more important, almost inevitably leads to women, who already
in your opinion? suffer from the problems of gender inequality
in the labour market, being the ones to take on
Students’ own answers. While electric
these jobs.
vehicles still have many limitations that have
to be overcome (they take a long time to 6 Find information about the earliest case of
recharge and have a limited drive range), planned obsolescence that we know of. Make
electric motors have several advantages over notes about the most important facts and then
conventional combustion engines: they are answer the following questions.
easier to maintain and are cheaper to run,   What type of product was it? What were its
they are environmentally friendly as they emit main characteristics?
fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants,   What people or companies were involved in
they are not subject to the pricing policies of this case of planned obsolescence?
large fossil fuel producers and/or exporters,
among others.  What reasons did they have for doing this?
  Research another alternative fuel source Planned obsolescence can be traced back to
for sustainable transport. Make a list of its the 1920s. Thomas Edison’s incandescent lamp
advantages and disadvantages. was designed to last for 1500 continuous hours,
and up to that time, the manufacturing criteria
Students’ own answers. Besides electricity, for products generally prioritised durability.
there are other less developed, yet promising, However, in 1924, there was a meeting in Geneva
alternative sustainable energy sources such as: that established measures to address, from a
ethanol, hydrogen, propane gas, natural gas, commercial point of view, the prototype of an
methanol, biodiesel, etc. incandescent lamp that had a maximum life of
4 Discuss the future of transport. Do you think any 1000 hours of use and penalised manufacturers
forms of transport will become obsolete? Why? who violated the new standard.
Students’ own answers. In those days, environmental awareness and
consumer rights were practically non-existent, so
5 Study and analyse the photos below and answer
the society at that time allowed this practice to
the questions.
continue.
  What ethical approaches to ecosocial
  Compare this case with other examples
problems do these photos represent? What
that happen today. What differences do
elements, practices or messages do you notice
you notice?
in the photos to justify your answer?

8. Sustainability and the environment 165

 Today, there are cases of planned 7 In science fiction films, we can see many stories
obsolescence using similar strategies in about the consequences of planetary climate
various industries: electronics, stationery, emergencies. Make a list of five examples and
automobile, etc. write a fact sheet for each film. Include the
However, new laws and regulations are following information:
being enacted to put an end to these   the type of climate crisis and its planetary
practices, including making it compulsory effects.
for manufacturers to keep spare parts for a
 the factors that cause the crisis.
longer period of time, so that products can
last longer.  how human beings survive the crisis.
Think about all the devices in your home that
    your opinion about the possibility of this
can become obsolete. Imagine using the same situation happening.
devices now that you used five years ago. How Students’ own answers
are they different?
Students’ own answers
What happens to most of the obsolete devices
 
that we throw away? Find information and
use it to write a report about waste disposal.
What are the effects on people and the
environment?
MODEL ANSWER
According to the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), in 2012, only 29.02%
of e-waste was recycled. These numbers
do not account for all the devices recycled
because the vast majority of them end up in
African or Asian countries where they are
smuggled illegally: according to the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
up to 90% of the world’s electronic waste is
disposed of illegally (2014). The reason for
this is the high cost of disposal and recycling,
which is why companies prefer to send used
equipment to developing countries. Once
they arrive at their destination, many of
these devices are abandoned and end up in
landfills. The components of these discarded
devices are a means of livelihood for some
people in developing nations because they can
be re-sold. However, many of these devices
contain carcinogenic and highly polluting
materials. Waste collectors, which are often
children, do not have adequate facilities and
equipment for recycling and work without
protection (Source: vidasostenible.org.
Translated and adapted).

166 8. Sustainability and the environment