Page 5 - Principles of Sustainability

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UNIT 1 INTrodUCTIoN To sUsTaINabIlITy

1.2 The Three Pillars of

Sustainability

The three pillars of sustainability are environment, social
equity, and economics, also known as the three Es. Using the
three pillars together provides the structure needed to make
sustainable choices.

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES The environment includes the Earth and all its biophysical
Cycles that describe the components: oceans, atmosphere, soil, mountains, wetlands,
movement of molecules, such grasslands, deserts, forests, lakes, rivers, and biogeochemical
as carbon or water, through
earth systems, such as the cycles, such as water, carbon, and nitrogen. To move toward a
oceans, atmosphere, soils, more sustainable future, people must understand and consider
and rocks. the complex and delicate relationships between these various
cycles and earth systems.

healthy environment

vibrant economy equitable society
The Three Pillars of Sustainability

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