Our Lifestyles depends on high
consumption of fossil fuels. Very fast and very advanced.
The high-tech technologies and highly equipped machines
require and operate with the various energy techniques.
For Example: Cars are now widely used which again
require petrol energy consumption.
Almost everything that we require to fulfill our needs
in a modern society requires the use of the earth's
resources - that is land, water and energy. However,
this lifestyle cannot continue for a long time as
increased use of these resources is causing environmental
problems around the world.
Fortunately, we can all do something positive now,
to ensure the standard of living will not only be
maintained, but will improve. By using energy and
other resources wisely now, we can produce environmental,
social and economic benefits for all.
To do this, we need to understand the philosophy of
ESD, or Ecologically Sustainable
Development. 'Development' means that there
are improvements in the standard of living for all
people. 'Ecologically sustainable' means that any
development must take account of ecological processes
in the natural environment in such a way that the
environment is not harmed, and future generations
can use environmental resources to meet their needs.
Built into this definition is the understanding that
development will be economically efficient, socially
just and will respect cultural heritage.
It becomes the responsibility of each individual to
make the contribution towards consumption of energy
wisely.
This is possible when people learn to value certain
things and act in certain ways.
| 1. |
We must understand ecological
processes and the interconnections in nature.
|
| 2. |
We must 'think globally but
act locally' as responsible energy users. |
| 3. |
We need to take the long-term
view and think about the consequences of what
we do. |
| 4.
|
We must look
for alternative ways to meet human needs: sustainable
ways. |
| 5. |
We must remember the connections
between the environmental, social and economic
factors involved in development. |
