LESSON 16.4 What is economic sustainability?
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to:
• explain what is meant by economic sustainability and the concept of scarce resources • describe how we can use resources more sustainably to meet future needs and wants.
Tune in Consumers have many needs and wants that use scarce resources. One resource is timber. Timber can be renewed, but it needs to be managed sustainably. Look at FIGURE1 1. Explain which is the most sustainable method of logging. 2. What happens if we don’t use this resource sustainably? 3. Brainstorm four more resources that might run out if we don’t use them sustainably.
FIGURE1 Which method of logging is the most sustainable?
Clear-cutting
Shelterwood logging
Selective cutting
16.4.1 Sustainability Meeting consumers’ needs is important because if people’s basic needs aren’t met, they might not have enough food to eat or a safe place to live. Producers use resources, often referred to as land, labour and capital, to make goods and services. Since many resources are non-renewable, we must think about sustainability . 16.4.2 Environmentally sustainable resources
Producers should use resources that don’t harm the environment or community health. They can choose renewable energy, like solar power, to help ýght climate change. They can also get sustainable ingredients from farmers who use eco- friendly methods.
SkillBuilder discussion Communicating 1. How can ýshing methods be modiýed to reduce harm to other marine life while catching tuna? 2. What are some ways to ensure tuna ýshing practices are sustainable for future generations? 3. How do environmentally
FIGURE2 Consumers have shown a preference for environmentally friendly methods of catching tuna.
friendly methods of catching tuna impact ocean ecosystems?
TOPIC16 How markets work 559
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