VMBO Year 2 · HAVO/VWO Years 2–3 · Ecology and sustainability · Section 6.6

Sustainability

Ecological footprint

Everyone uses food, energy and raw materials and produces waste. The ecological footprint estimates the biologically productive land and water needed to support consumption and absorb certain wastes, especially carbon emissions.

Footprints vary between countries and lifestyles. The numerical example in the Dutch source compares about 6.3 hectares per person for the Netherlands with 2.6 hectares globally. These are reference figures from that example, not current measurements; published estimates depend on the year and calculation method.

The central idea is that if everyone consumed at a level exceeding Earth's capacity to regenerate resources, we would need the equivalent of several Earths.

Sustainability

Sustainability means using the environment within its capacity to regenerate resources and absorb impacts.

Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without undermining future generations' ability to meet theirs. This involves balancing ecological limits with human needs.

Sustainable energy

Renewable sources such as wind, sunlight and geothermal heat can reduce reliance on finite fossil fuels. Their environmental effects still depend on materials, land use and how systems are managed.

Biomass, such as plant residues, can be used as a fuel or to make biofuels. It is not automatically sustainable: regrowth, land use, processing and emissions all matter.

Sustainable use of materials

Reuse means using an object again. Recycling processes waste into materials for new products.

Buying fewer unnecessary products, repairing items and keeping them in use longer can also reduce resource demand and waste.

Sustainable agriculture

Different approaches aim to reduce environmental impacts:

• Organic farming: Uses organic standards that restrict synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and include requirements for nature and animal welfare. Some approved pest-control products can still be used.
• Circular agriculture: Reuses suitable residual materials and nutrients while making use of natural processes.
• Urban agriculture: Produces food in or near cities, for example on roofs or in community gardens.
• Vertical farming: Grows crops in stacked layers, often using LED lighting and controlled conditions. It can save space, but energy demand matters.
• Precision agriculture: Uses measurements and technology to supply resources more precisely where and when crops need them.

Less pollution and fewer greenhouse gases

Governments use policies and rules to reduce pollution of air, water and soil. Individuals and organisations can also reduce impacts, for example through suitable transport choices and less unnecessary car or air travel.

Reducing fossil-fuel use can lower carbon dioxide emissions and, in some supply chains, methane releases, helping limit additional warming.