IB Environmental systems and societies 1.3I Frameworks and Models for Sustainability Notes

Four frameworks turn sustainability into something you can measure, plan, and act on.

1. This section covers four frameworks: the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Planetary Boundaries model, Doughnut Economics, and the Circular Economy.
2. Each one gives targets, limits, or design rules that guide decisions toward a sustainable future.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. The 17 SDGs were adopted in 2015 by all UN member states under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
2. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to track progress.
3. They tackle global challenges across environmental, social, and economic areas, from climate change to poverty and inequality.

Environmental SDGs to know

1. Goal 6, Clean Water and Sanitation: ensures sustainable water management and safe drinking water.
2. Goal 7, Affordable and Clean Energy: expands renewable energy and efficiency.
3. Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production: reduces waste and encourages sustainable resource use.
4. Goal 13, Climate Action: strengthens the global response to climate change.
5. Goal 14, Life Below Water: protects marine ecosystems.
6. Goal 15, Life on Land: conserves forests, biodiversity, and land.

One strength and one limitation

1. Strength: they are universal, applying to every country and enabling global cooperation on shared problems.
2. Limitation: progress depends on political will and funding, so it is uneven and hard to measure in low-data regions.

The Planetary Boundaries Model

1. Proposed by Johan Rockstrom and colleagues, the model identifies nine Earth systems that keep the planet stable.