The Science of Sustainability
Completion requirements
Common sense tells us that air, water, food, and shelter are fundamental to the survival of humans and businesses. However, the pathway to healthily integrating the two remains a challenge. Read this chapter to explore the important interrelationships between the environment, society, and economics and their importance to sustainable business. What are the merits of both views of economics with limits versus no limits to growth? How do businesses and individuals threaten ecosystems and the environment? What roles can businesses play in addressing environmental challenges as well as the limitations?
2.4 In-Depth Discussion of Sustainability Topics
Key Takeaways
- Both the global and US economies are heavily dependent on oil and other nonrenewable sources of fuel for energy.
- Nonrenewable resources will at some point run out as their amounts are finite.
- Peak oil has not yet occurred, but there is considerable evidence that a peak in oil supply will occur in the not too distant future.
- Green economy industries include energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean or smart technology, environmental services, and green transportation.
- The green economy sector makes up about 3 percent of the overall US economy in terms of employment.