Economic Growth and Sustainable Development (Junior Cert Business Studies): Revision Notes
Sustainable Development
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is an approach that tries to meet our current economic needs whilst protecting the planet's ability to provide for future generations. This concept has become increasingly important as we face major environmental challenges.
Sustainable development attempts to satisfy current economic needs without harming the planet's ability to meet society's needs in the future.
The climate crisis
Our planet faces a significant challenge known as climate change or the climate crisis. This refers to changes in Earth's temperature caused by human activities, particularly the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil.
According to the United Nations, by 2050 humanity will be using an estimated 140 billion tonnes of materials per year - three times more than we currently use. This massive increase in resource consumption is contributing to:
Major impacts of increased resource consumption:
- Rising global temperatures
- Extreme weather events
- Threats to wildlife populations and their habitats
- Rising sea levels
- Various other environmental impacts
The economy depends heavily on the planet's natural resources to produce goods and provide services. This means we must find ways to manage these resources carefully to ensure they remain available for future generations.
How businesses contribute to sustainable development
Companies that embrace sustainable development aim to minimise their negative impact on the environment. This involves creating policies that focus on:
- How raw materials are sourced responsibly
- How products are manufactured in environmentally-friendly ways
- How goods are distributed with minimal environmental impact
Irish example: Origin Green
Origin Green serves as an excellent example of how Irish businesses can work together for sustainability. This Bord Bia initiative promotes sustainable practises in the production of Irish food and drink.
Worked Example: Origin Green Programme Structure
Origin Green operates as a voluntary programme that brings together:
- Farmers
- Food and drink manufacturers
- Retailers
All participants share the common goal of sustainable food production. The programme evaluates and tracks each member's sustainability efforts by examining:
- Raw material sourcing: How responsibly they obtain their ingredients
- Manufacturing processes: The environmental impact of their production methods
- Social sustainability: Their commitment to supporting employees and local communities
This collaborative approach demonstrates how businesses can work together to achieve environmental goals whilst maintaining economic success.
Government's role in sustainable development
Governments play a crucial role in protecting both the economy and the environment through legislation and regulation. The Irish government has established several important environmental laws, including:
- Waste Management Act 1996
- Protection of the Environment Act 2003
- Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Agency serves as Ireland's main statutory body responsible for environmental protection and management.
Key EPA Functions:
- Enforcing environmental law: Ensuring businesses and individuals comply with environmental regulations
- Managing waste: Overseeing waste disposal and recycling programmes
- Monitoring and reporting: Analysing environmental conditions and publishing findings
- Regulating emissions: Controlling Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions
- Providing education: Offering guidance and information about environmental issues
- Developing research: Conducting studies to better understand environmental challenges
- Protecting public health: Ensuring people are safeguarded from harmful environmental effects like radiation
Global sustainable development
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
In September 2015, world leaders adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
These goals aim to encourage all countries to protect the planet and promote prosperity for everyone. Each goal has specific targets that should be achieved by 2030.
The 17 SDGs cover a wide range of areas including:
- Social goals: No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality
- Economic goals: Decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities
- Environmental goals: Clean water and sanitation, affordable clean energy, climate action, life below water, life on land
- Institutional goals: Peace, justice and strong institutions, partnerships for the goals
Implementation of the SDGs
While countries are not legally required to meet these goals, they are expected to develop sustainable development plans and policies to work towards them.
Success in achieving global sustainability requires collaboration between governments at all levels, businesses of all sizes, and individual citizens. Each group has a role to play in creating a more sustainable future for our planet.
Remember that achieving these ambitious goals requires coordinated effort across all sectors of society, from international organisations down to individual consumers making daily choices.
Key Points to Remember:
- Sustainable development balances meeting today's economic needs while protecting the environment for future generations
- Climate change is driven by human activities that release greenhouse gases, creating urgent need for sustainable practises
- Businesses can contribute through responsible sourcing, environmentally-friendly manufacturing, and supporting local communities
- Government protects the environment through laws and agencies like the EPA, which enforces environmental regulations
- Global cooperation through the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals provides a framework for worldwide sustainability efforts by 2030