Analyse the challenges facing the Earth. Reflect on the importance of conserving the Earth’s natural resources.
Demonstrate an awareness that each person and every society must promote sustainability.
Our ability to think, create and problem solve has allowed humans to live successfully on Earth. We have also made many mistakes in caring for our planet. We now have to take better care of the environment to make sure future generations continue to thrive here.
Sustainability means living in a way that meets the needs of our society without threatening the needs of future societies.
If we use up all the Earth’s resources now, there will be nothing left for people in the future.
We all have a role to play in sustainability. z Fig. 25.3.1
We all have a role to play in looking after the Earth
Waste Management
Waste is any material that has no further use or commercial value. Ireland produces around two million tonnes of waste every year – an average of 0.5 tonnes per person. It is important that we manage this waste carefully to prevent further damage to the environment.
The way that society deals with waste is known as waste management. There are a number of ways of dealing with our waste:
