Part 08 · Humans and the environment · Card 9 of 10
Sustainable development
Meeting today's needs without using up resources that future people will need.
Last updated
Analogy
Spending only the interest from a savings account, not the savings.
In practice
Fishing quotas let fish stocks recover so that fishing can continue for years.
Practice
Flashcards
- What does sustainable mean?Meeting needs now without harming future supplies.
Interview questions
- Discuss ways to protect biodiversity.
- Protect habitats in reserves
- Captive breeding and seed banks
- Laws and quotas on hunting and fishing
- Reduce pollution and recycle to cut waste
Questions people ask
What is a fishing quota?
A quota limits how many fish of a species can be caught in a year. It stops overfishing so enough fish remain to breed. Another approach is regulating net size so young fish escape. Both help keep fish stocks high so the fishing industry can continue.
Why is recycling more sustainable?
Recycling reuses materials such as paper, glass and metal, so fewer new raw materials need to be mined or cut down. It also saves energy and cuts the amount of waste buried in landfill. Less energy usually means fewer greenhouse gases released.