1.3F Sustainability indicators Notes

1. They provide insights into whether current practices are sustainable or if adjustments are needed to ensure long-term balance.
2. They track biodiversity, pollution, population growth, climate change, and ecological footprints to evaluate whether development is sustainable.
3. These indicators can be applied locally, nationally, or globally.

Key Sustainability Indicators

1. Biodiversity Indicators

1. Measure how varied and abundant species are in an ecosystem.
2. Useful because ecosystems with higher biodiversity tend to be more resilient.

2. Pollution Indicators

1. Used to determine where and to what extent pollution is occurring.
2. A common method is using indicator species, which are organisms that react predictably to pollution.

3. Climate Change Indicators

1. Based on long-term records of changes in climate systems.
2. Include:
   1. Mean global temperature
   2. Atmospheric CO₂ concentration
   3. Ocean pH
   4. Sea-level rise
3. These indicators show the direction and pace of environmental change.

4. Human population/ Demographic Indicators

1. Population growth and resource demand are closely linked.
2. High growth rates often increase pressure on land, water and energy resources.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

1. AQI measures the concentration of major air pollutants and communicates their effect on human health.
2. Used daily in major cities to inform the public and adjust industrial or transport activities.

Ecological Footprint

1. The ecological footprint reflects lifestyle, consumption patterns, and efficiency of resource use.
2. It is expressed in global hectares (gha) per person.

Factors That Increase Ecological Footprint

1. Diets high in meat and dairy.
2. Dependence on private vehicles and aviation.
3. Energy supply based mainly on fossil fuels.
4. High rates of consumerism and disposable products.

Factors That Reduce Ecological Footprint

1. Using renewable energy systems.
2. Choosing plant-based and locally sourced diets.
3. Using public transportation or cycling.
4. Reducing overall consumption and waste production.

Carbon and Water Footprints

1. Footprints are used to measure the impact of human activities on the environment, helping to assess sustainability.
2. Two key types are the carbon footprint and the water footprint, both of which track resource consumption and environmental impact.

Carbon Footprint

1. A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by an individual, organization, or activity.
2. It is expressed in tonnes of CO₂-equivalent per year, which standardizes the warming effects of different gases.
3. It includes emissions from transportation, electricity use, industry, agriculture, and imported goods.

Ways to Reduce It

1. Switching to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro).
2. Using public transport, cycling, or electric vehicles.
3. Adopting a plant-based diet to reduce emissions from livestock farming.

Water Footprint

1. A water footprint measures the total volume of freshwater used by an individual, organization, or activity.
2. It is expressed in cubic meters per year (m³/year).
3. It includes three components:
   1. Blue Water: Surface and groundwater used for irrigation, industry, and domestic purposes.
   2. Green Water: Rainwater stored in soil and used by plants.
   3. Grey Water: Water required to dilute pollutants to safe levels.

Why It’s Important

1. Helps identify unsustainable water consumption in agriculture, industry, and daily use.
2. Highlights water scarcity issues, particularly in drought-prone regions.

Ways to Reduce It

1. Reducing food waste (especially meat and dairy).
2. Choosing water-efficient appliances and fixing leaks.
3. Supporting industries with sustainable water management practices.