Environmental Education
EED2601 Year module
ASSESSMENT 04
MARKS: 100
This assessment is ELECTIVE and contributes 25%
to your final mark for this module. Answer ALL the questions.
Open date: 7 August 2023, 08:00.
Due date: 6 September 2023, 18:00.
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ACTIVITY 1
1.1 Progress towards achieving sustainability can be gauged using sustainability indicators.
1.1.1. Mention any two sustainability indicators. (2)
1.1.2. State four examples of the application of the above-mentioned sustainability indicators.
(4) 1.2 Define sustainable development using your own understanding after reading what
Brundtland Report says about it. (4)
1.1.1 Two Sustainability Indicators:
a) Carbon Footprint: This indicator measures the total greenhouse gas emissions, primarily
carbon dioxide, produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, or community. It
helps assess the impact on climate change and guides efforts to reduce emissions.
b) Biodiversity Index: This indicator measures the variety and abundance of different species
within an ecosystem. It helps monitor the health of ecosystems and the impact of human
activities on biodiversity.
1.1.2 Four Examples of the Application of Sustainability Indicators:
, Tracking Carbon Footprint Reduction: An organization may set a goal to reduce its carbon
footprint by a certain percentage over the next five years. They regularly measure and analyze
their emissions data to monitor progress towards achieving this goal.
Biodiversity Monitoring in Conservation Areas: Conservationists use the biodiversity index to
assess the effectiveness of their conservation efforts in protected areas. They monitor changes
in species diversity and populations to ensure the conservation of key ecological features.
Sustainable Agriculture: In the agricultural sector, farmers can use sustainability indicators to
measure their water usage, soil health, and energy consumption. By tracking these indicators,
they can adopt practices that promote sustainable land use and minimize environmental
impacts.
Sustainable Urban Development: City planners can use sustainability indicators to assess and
manage the environmental impact of urban growth. This may include monitoring air quality,
waste generation, public transportation usage, and green space per capita.
1.2 Definition of Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development refers to a concept of meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves responsibly
using natural resources, conserving the environment, and considering social and economic
factors in decision-making processes. The term gained widespread recognition and
understanding after the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987. The report, titled "Our
Common Future," was a landmark document from the United Nations World Commission on
Environment and Development, chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland. The report emphasized the
interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic challenges and underscored the
urgency of pursuing development that safeguards the well-being of both current and future
generations. Sustainable development aims to strike a balance between economic growth,
social equity, and environmental protection, ensuring a harmonious and sustainable future for
humanity and the planet.
