Environmental Science 1021F/G Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Energy, Circular Economy, Precautionary Principle
14 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
Interrelationship between ecological, social and economic sustainability: coevolution (instead of reductionism) Second law of thermodynamics (when you change from one form to another, something is lost in the equation usually heat) Law of increased entropy; energy quality is lost when converted from one form to another (quantity remains same) Usable energy is converted to usuable energy. Recycling creates heat loss (energy is lost: natural capital can"t be replaced by human capital. Ecological systems are complex and unpredictable: always scientific uncertainty, market value of resources don"t consider this. Precautionary principle better approach than cost benefit analysis: safe minimum standards. Sustainable levels of economic growth and optimal environmental protection not likely possible. We may never find the balance between ecological and economic influences: quantitative growth vs. qualitative growth. Gdp vs. quality of life (eg. hdi, gnh, hpi) Includes social and environmental cost of doing business. Ecological economics questions whether this is really a good way of measuring human wellbeing.
