IB Environmental systems and societies 1.3I Frameworks and Models for Sustainability Key Definitions

Biosphere integrity refers to the capacity of ecosystems to maintain biodiversity (genes, species, functions) and continue providing essential ecological services.

The circular economy is an economic model that decouples economic growth from resource consumption by keeping materials, products, and resources in use for as long as possible.

The Doughnut Economics model, proposed by economist Kate Raworth, offers a framework to address these challenges by balancing human needs with planetary boundaries.

Environmental justice is the principle that all people, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or nationality, have the right to live in a clean, healthy environment and have fair access to natural resources.

Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased levels of dissolved carbon dioxide.

A planetary boundary is a threshold beyond which human activities risk causing catastrophic environmental change.

Sustainability models are simplified representations of reality that help us understand how environmental, social, and economic factors interact in sustainable development.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established in 2015 to address social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030.