Essentially, environmental sustainability is the concept of using and managing ecosystems and natural/renewable resources in order to both supply people now, and the future generations after us. This is a big concern in today’s world, since we are often moving at an unsustainable rate. According to Earth.org, environmentally sustainable initiatives are needed in order to tackle the overuse of resources like fossil fuels, greenhouse gasses, water, and minerals. Focusing on reducing and conserving resources is key when it comes to sustainability. The website also highlights how important sustainability is for biodiversity, and how pollution, extinction, and deforestation has an affect on animals and humans alike. Working to protect and restore biodiversity is key to sustainability as well.
The impacts we would face from environmental sustainability are substantial. According to the EPA.org (Environmental Protection Agency), by reducing and preventing the use of greenhouse gases and fossil fuels, less pollutants would be in the air, which will improve air quality. This helps us breathe and live better. If we focused on water conservation, then water would be more abundant, meaning places around the world without access to safe water are more likely to get the water they need. Water conservation also helps aquatic ecosystems like oceans, lakes, streams, etc. thrive. When we work on sustainability efforts in waste management by doing things like recycling, reusing, and composting, we reduce the methane gas being released from landfills, along with reducing landfills in general. We also reduce contamination from landfills and litter. If we work on sustainability by producing energy efficient technology, we can use less energy, which will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gases in the air. Overall, by using sustainability practices, we can allow for a healthier, stronger planet for our generation and the next.
Links I used for research, and you can use for additional resources:
Explainer: What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important? | Earth.Org