What prevents you from leading a more sustainable life?
Sustainable living also depends on our living conditions. In some parts of the world, people's basic needs are not always met which creates a challenge for sustainability.
Complete the Challenges for Sustainability worksheet as you read about the challenges for sustainability and watch the accompanying videos. What possible solutions do we have?
Challenges
Solutions
DECLINE IN RURAL POPULATIONS
More and more people are moving from rural areas to urban areas
Employment opportunities decrease
Social interactions decrease
Access to important services, like healthcare, decrease
INCREASE IN URBAN POPULATIONS
In 2012, there were almost 1 billion people living in the slums because proper housing was too expensive
Slums are overcrowded
Housing is made of cheap material
Access to clean water, proper sanitation, or electricity can be limited
Minimal educational opportunities
Minimal job opportunities
INCREASING DEMAND FOR RESOURCES
Forests are vulnerable near growing settlements because of urban sprawl and the need to create farmland
Farmers cut down or burn trees so they can use the soil for farming
Some countries need to make money by extracting fossil fuels
Coal is an inexpensive energy source, which causes a lot of pollution
CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS
Traditionally poor countries are increasing their wealth
With wealth, people have money to buys cars, which will significantly increase the amount of cars on the road
By 2026, we expect 37% of India's population may have enough money to buy a car, which is 1/2 billion people!