Step 2 - Reflect

Examining Trade-Offs

Sustainability Model Summary Environmental Approach to Sustainability (Resource Use) Economic Approach to Sustainability (Growth) Social Approach to Sustainability (Distribution, Power, Justice) Further Information or Tools
Change
Redistribute
Reduce
Agnostic
Priority
Post
Employment
Environmental
Social
Historical
Global
DOUGHNUT ECONOMICS ‘Safe and just operating space’ defines maximum natural resource use and a minimum social foundation (standard of human welfare) 9 Planetary Boundaries1 from Stockholm Resilience Centre define upper limit.
Minimum foundation includes 12 social goods such as water, education, political voice and social equity.
Check Check Check Check Check Check Check Reconnect to the biosphere2  Doughnut Economics concepts3 

Doughnut Economics tools4

GREEN GROWTH Economic growth prioritised and assumed to drive positive social or political outcomes.
Seeks new technologies, market-based solutions and ‘Green Deal’ style investments to find new avenues for economic growth.
Switch from fossil fuels to new resources for example, renewables.
Check Check Green tech can foster green growth5 

UNNC What are Market Mechanisms?6 

JUST TRANSITION Decent work and good quality of life are core aims. Aims to encompass different needs (such as those based on gender, race, disability) alongside economic justice.
Participation and consultation in energy transition planning, technology development and implementation considered essential for good outcomes.
Check Check Check Check Climate Justice Instructional Toolkit (includes Engineering and Nat Sciences specific materials)

Climate Vulnerability Analysis

DE- AND POST- GROWTH Assumes ecological limits have or will soon be breached – growth no longer possible. Consumption must decrease.
Policy and technology should be premised on new concepts of prosperity including human welfare, conservation and regeneration of nature and collectivisation of wealth or goods.
Check Check Check Check Check Check Check Degrowth: a socially and ecologically just alternative?

What is degrowth?

VULNERABILITY AND EMPOWERMENT Emphasises historical, global asymmetries in responsibility for environmental degradation.
Centres or empowers marginalised groups. Solutions based on post- or anti-capitalist approach.
Indigenous or regenerative environmental management knowledge as key resources. Can include multi species justice.
Check Check Check Check Check Radical Interpretation of Disasters and Risk Research Manifesto

Colonialism and the Biosphere Explainer

Green Colonialism explainer

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