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Sustainability has a broad definition. In simple terms, it relates to the lifespan of the object. Take coal, for example. Coal is not a renewable material, so it is not sustainable in the long term. Of course, when we talk about sustainability we often think of the environment. Environmental sustainability is a concept that asks: can we maintain the environment around us? How long can the natural resources that we depend on last? Do they have an expiration date? The less sustainable a material is, the more it is likely to harm the environment. In an ideal world, all the materials and energy sources that we use to support our lifestyles would be sustainable. The United Nations Environment Management Group takes this concept one step further. By referring to this idea as Environmental and Social Sustainability (ESS), the United Nations highlights the connection between environmental sustainability and human actions. 

In this track, we'll cover what Environmental Sustainability is about.

Further info:

• Download the Transcript for this Episode
• Download the Key Points Infographic

Reading List

• [Website] Environmental and Social Sustainability in the UN System (ESS), UN Environment Management Group
• [Report] Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies, House of Commons Committee
• [Report] UK: fossil fuel dependence 2021, Statistica Research Department
• [Article] The logic of fossil fuel bans, Fergus Green
• [Report] UK Environmental Accounts: 2022, Office for National Statistics
• [Article] Renewable energy for businesses, Andrew Michael
• [Article] The UK oil and gas supply chains: An empirical analysis of adoption of sustainable measures and performance outcomes, Yahaya Y. Yusuf, A. Gumasekaran, Ahmed Musa, Nagham M. El-Berishy, Tijjani Abubakar, Hafsat M. Ambursa