Why Sustainability Matters

Written By Charlyn Hilliman

Introduction

Welcome to the first blog of Independent Sustainability Systems, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping people and businesses live more sustainably. We believe sustainability is essential for our planet and our future, and we are passionate about assisting people to reduce their environmental impact and live better lives.

Why is sustainability important?

Sustainability is important for several reasons. First, our planet faces several environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. These challenges are having a significant impact on our planet and its inhabitants. Second, sustainability is about more than just protecting the environment. It is also about creating a more equitable and just world for all people.

Here are a few facts about the importance of living sustainably:

  • Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our planet today. It is caused by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and warm the earth. The effects of climate change are already being felt worldwide in the form of more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changes in plant and animal life.

  • Pollution is another major environmental challenge. It comes in many forms, including air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. Pollution can have a severe impact on human health and the environment.

  • Resource depletion is a third environmental challenge. We are using up our planet's resources at an unsustainable rate. This includes resources such as water, fossil fuels, and minerals. Resource depletion can lead to conflict and instability.

How can we live more sustainably?

There are many things that we can do to live more sustainably. Some of these things include:

  • Reducing our energy consumption

  • Conserving water

  • Recycling and composting

  • Eating less meat and more plant-based foods

  • Walking, biking, or taking public transportation whenever possible

  • Supporting businesses that are committed to sustainability

Why am I passionate about sustainability?

I am passionate about sustainability because it is essential for our planet, our future, and my children and grandchildren. I want to help people and businesses live more sustainably to protect our environment, create a more just world, and leave a better future for future generations.

Conclusion

Sustainability is essential for all of us. We can make a big difference for our planet and our future by making small changes in our daily lives. I encourage you to learn more about sustainability and explore ways to live more sustainably in your own life.

Resources

 

References

Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/

International Resource Panel (IRP). (2022). Global Resources Outlook 2023: Defining New Pathways. United Nations Environment Programme, International Resource Panel.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerabilities: Perspectives from the U.S. Pacific Southwest. The National Academies Press.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2022). Environment at a Glance 2022: OECD Indicators. OECD Publishing.

Union of Concerned Scientists. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.ucsusa.org/

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021a). Frontiers 2021: Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern. United Nations Environment Programme.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021b). Global Environment Outlook 6: GEO-6 Summary for Policymakers. United Nations Environment Programme.

United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/

World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Air Pollution. World Health Organization.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO). (2022). State of the Global Climate 2021. World Meteorological Organization.

World Resources Institute (WRI). (2021). World Resources Report 2021-22: Creating a Better Future for All. World Resources Institute.

World Resources Institute. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/

 

Charlyn Hilliman
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