The Importance of Sustainability

The Importance of Sustainability - Written by Akosua Boafo Appiah

Sustainability is a variable that needs to be analyzed and measured (Carpenter, 1993). The over-exploitation of our resources leads to depletion (Appiah, et. al, 2009). The subject matter of sustainability, reaches across many cultures, disciplines and lifestyles. Current trends indicate the rapid progression of global warming, the upsurge of cancer in younger adults and the depletion of vital resources like social security and Medicare.

Our survival and that of posterity, depends on sustainability. Thus, we need to promote and practice sustainability for our own benefit. We need to 'care' about how our actions affect each other. For example, regardless of location, all CO2 emissions will hurt the environment, thus the environmental action of an individual in China has a direct impact on the United States  It will be faster and more effective when sustainable lifestyle changes are synchronized and supported across the different levels in our social system (Schensul, 2009). The best strategy to accomplish one’s sustainability goals is to set measurable goals. This is because measurable goals are a means to motivation.

 

References

           Appiah, M., Blay, D., Damnyag, L., Dwomoh, F. K., Pappinen, A., & Luukkanen,

O. (2009). Dependence on forest resources and tropical deforestation in

Ghana. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 11(3), 471-487.

Carpenter, R. A. (1993) Can sustainability be measured? Environmental Strategy 5 13-16

 
Schensul, J. J.  (2009). Community, Culture and Sustainability in Multilevel Dynamic

            Systems Intervention Science. American Journal of Community

            Psychology, 43(3-4), 241-56.   

Posted by Akosua Boafo Appiah at 9/16/2009 7:04 AM
Categories: Sustainability, Environment
Tags: Sustainability Environment Green
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  • 9/16/2009 11:17 AM Dan wrote:
    Well written. The concept of sustainability is much broader than I thought.
    Reply to this
    1. 9/18/2009 8:11 PM Akosua wrote:

      Thank you for your comments. We are on the same page. An interesting and useful book on Sustainability is: Blackburn, W. R., (2007) The Sustainability Handbook- the Complete Management Guide to Achieving Social, Economic and Environmental Responsibility.  Washington, D.C.: ELI Press.  


      Reply to this
  • 9/16/2009 4:14 PM Pious wrote:
    Well written
    Reply to this
  • 9/18/2009 12:51 PM Eliza wrote:
    Great points. Sometimes people make the mistake thinking some issues are related only to a certain group, but these issues have a broader impact.
    Reply to this
    1. 9/18/2009 6:36 PM Akosua wrote:

      The concept of sustainability is directly correlated to the human race’s future survival. For example, climate change plays a role in the frequency of natural disasters. Potential risks of climate change include access to water, shelter, onset of diseases and hunger (Ibarrarán, et al, 2009). Thus, failure to sustain the climate will result in the human race’s vulnerability towards disasters. Should we fail to sustain our environment, we stand the risk of losing our livelihood and robbing our children and grandchildren of a less disaster prone earth. Some of the basic changes that we can implement include

      1.       Using energy efficient products

      2.       Recycle our bottles /papers /plastic

      3.       Turn off the lights /air conditioning when we are not home

      4.       Reduce our general carbon footprint.

       

      Reference

      Ibarrarán, M. E.  Matthias Ruth, Ahmad, S. London, M. (2009). Climate change and natural disasters: macroeconomic performance and distributional impacts. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 11(3), 549-569. 

       


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  • 9/22/2009 10:03 AM BC wrote:
    Good article! However, I must say that, although you presented some facts, I did not find any opposing views. There are scientists who argue that the earth warms and cools equally; that global warming has no scientific basis and is more of a political proclamation. I expected you therefore to present a balanced perspective (that is, including opposing views) before reaching your conclusions.
    Reply to this
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    1. 1/7/2011 1:20 PM Akosua Boafo Appiah wrote:
      Thanks Sandra. Wishing you all the best...
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    I do have to admit that I get pleasure from reading your blog, even when I do not agree with you. I guess the main thing would be to make men and women think. One of these days I will get around to starting a blog. It will probably be much more for blowing off steam and much less useful than yours. Keep writing and I will keep reading through.
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  • 12/28/2010 9:45 PM Gerry Greene wrote:
    Fellow you are a genius , thanks for posting this! however i have to respond ! i do not consent with all you convey.Yesterday I come back from a long trip, wastraveling for about 2 years around the planet.I have watched a lot of good and sick things.The sad life of society, the cheerlessness and happiness the beast and nasty side of people.
    Reply to this
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  • 10/7/2011 7:04 PM Gardner wrote:
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    Reply to this
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