Learning Log

 Conclusion to Resource A; What Is Sustainability

Sustainability is that ability of the system or process to operate to the optimal of its capacity over a long time into the future without fear of quality or quantity deterioration. The system can maintain itself without lowering its quality, adapting to pressure for change in the way of it operate. Sustainability goes hand in hand with the system which entails interconnected element that works together for the accomplishment of the core and particular issue in the environment. Sustainability lies on three core pillars. First, that is environmental sustainability in which the biological sub-systems must be preserved to continue working healthy without adverse effect as a result of their interactions. Second is economic viability in which resource distribution is a concern in ensuring that every person can meet his basic needs. Lastly is equity which is concerned with freedom from an unhealthy living condition and providing access to basic human requirements. Sustainability, therefore, looks on how best human activities can be carried out bringing about development that satisfies the human want now without compromising the needs of the future generation.

Response to Resource A; What Is Sustainability

I tend to agree with the author that the universe is facing a crisis on sustainability. It is true that the population is growing at a rate at which the system cannot produce enough food water and space resulting in human conflict, hunger, and environmental hostility. We are at the sixth extinction phase (Primack, 2008). At this stage, the organisms are expected to extinct at a faster rate as situations get worse.

The author suggests that man knows a lot about his current situation and challenges that he faces and therefore this forms the base for sustainability strategies. Further, he argues that man knows enough to solve his misfortunes. I tend to differ on this as the problems that man face have been escalating from worse to worst despite his effort to solve that crisis. The failure is evidence that the knowledge man posse seems to lose him into a typhoon of confusion but comfort himself as he tries to amend the unbendable situation (Hines, 2005). It is a wrong to take assumption that since the problem is cumulative, the solutions will also be cumulative in the same order when it is logic that challenges facing humanity are rising at a quicker succession than the solutions sought.

Despite the fact that many a time, change is associated with the big sacrifice that always denotes some negativity, it is true that change can be something positive to improve livelihood such as better salary, environment that is conducive or means of obtaining a daily livelihood.

Sustainability is a wider discipline that needs a multifaceted analytical skill, and in this, I agree with the author. Quality thinking skills are essential in developing solutions toward sustainable development (Stibber 2009, 210). The problems necessitating sustainable development strategies are complex requiring high level of intelligence to solve.

Conclusion to Resource; the Roots for Sustainability

Eco-efficiency is essential to maintaining sustainable development. Organizations have woken up to the realization that the community is keen to reward those who are sensitivity to the environment. A company whose management is at forefront in maintaining proper relationship with the potential customer put more emphases on ensuring that the physical environment in which they operate. Sustainable developments aim at maintaining economic growth while the resources are managed in a way to ensure that future generation to will enjoy similar fruits from the environment (Jayanti & Rajeev 2014). Behaviours geared toward developing moral values based on the community which technology must be promoted. When management fails to notice that unsustainable is an issue, it becomes difficult to deal with the primary roots required to attain the sustainable development. The rise of technical ways to bring about sustainable development is a quick fix that could otherwise be solved through logical thinking.

Response to Resource; the Roots of sustainability

It is essential for organizations concerned with sustainability to seek to uncover the main course instead of dwelling on the symptoms. I tend to agree with the authors reasoning that more efficient ways to achieve sustainability in all areas of development are possible if the thinking shift from the quick fix to the real reasons of sustainability. Dignity and authority are essential in the building.

I also note that manager is expected to grasp the value and mission of their business and match it with sustainability or unsustainable development. It is genuine that the effect of reducing unsustainable development does not necessary contribute to sustainability (Ehrenfeld, 2009). Every effect of sustainability must be built on real cause rather than symptoms.

Institutions have the ability to emphasize a need for sustainable development through the way they offer their services or product they offer. I believe the author is right to command companies that they have the chance to change individual behaviours toward sustainable development. Many organizations are put a lot of effort in reducing sustainability with little effort to ensure true sustainability in their dealings.

In conclusion, sustainability is essential for the survival of both human being and the world of business. It is worthwhile to develop mechanism geared to ensuring that resources available right now benefit both the present and the future generation. Institutions and companies have the ability to change people's behaviour trough their products and services.

References

Ehrenfeld, J. (2009). Sustainability by design: A subversive strategy for transforming our consumer culture. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

Hines, A. (2005). Limits to Growth: The 30‐Year Update20051Donella Meadows, Jorgen Randers and Dennis Meadows. Limits to Growth: The 30‐Year Update. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green 2004. 368 pp. $35.00. Foresight, 7(4), 51-53. doi:10.1108/14636680510611831

Jayanti, R. K., & Rajeev Gowda, M. (2014). Sustainability dilemmas in emerging economies. IIMB Management Review, 26(2), 130-142. doi:10.1016/j.iimb.2014.03.004

Stibbe, A. (2009). The handbook of sustainability literacy: Skills for a changing world.