1. Sustainability Created for Earth Science Classes NCES Fall 2012

2. What is sustainability? • Sustainability is using a resource at a rate where it will naturally replenish itself before human activity causes it to disappear completely. • In ecology, the goal is to keep the environment as pristine as possible.

3. Carbon Offsets • Carbon offsets are a form of trade. When you buy an offset, you fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. • The projects might restore forests, update power plants and factories or increase the energy efficiency of buildings and transportation. • Many people feel better about driving cars with poor gas mileage if they do this. • Question to consider: Does this really cut down carbon emissions?

4. Sustainable Forest Management • Goal is to balance society’s increasing demand for forest related products and the preservation of forest health and diversity. • No clear cutting • Cut in different areas at different times • Replant trees Deforestation near Rio de Janerio is clearly NOT a sustainable practice.

5. Sustainable Agriculture • Goal is to have an integrated management system for plant and animal production that: • Satisfies the need for human food and fiber needs • Enhance environmental quality and natural resources • Make the best use of nonrenewable resources and use natural and biological control methods when possible.

6. Sustainable Agriculture • Crop rotation: growing the same crop in the same area year after year will strip the soil of nutrients. • Water management: drought tolerant crops and reduced volume irrigation system • No till farming • Animal based fertilizer (manure) instead of chemical based • Reduce erosion of soil by use of windbreaks

7. Sustainable Energy Recall we have talked about alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. • Biofuels • Wind power • Geothermal power • Hydropower • Biomass power • Solar power

8. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle • Recycle - process used materials into new products. Ex. Al cans, paper, plastics, glass • Reduce consumption of raw materials - minerals • Reduce energy usage • Reduce air pollution • Reduce landfill deposits

9. Are there more parts to a sustainable future? • Being concerned with carbon dioxide emissions and climate change • Access to clean water • Reducing wastes • Promoting mass transportation • Making cars more fuel efficient