Sustainability is an increasingly present theme in everyday life, influencing public policies, corporate strategies, and individual choices. To better understand the challenges and solutions linked to this topic, we’ve gathered 15 essential concepts that everyone should know.
Sustainable Development
Refers to a growth model that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept gained prominence during the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, which marked the entry of environmental issues into global agendas.
Ecological Footprint
Measures the impact of human activities on the environment by assessing the amount of natural resources consumed and the Earth’s ability to regenerate them. The concept was introduced by scientists William Rees and Mathis Wackernagel in 1990 as a tool to measure human impact on the environment.
Circular Economy
An economic model that promotes the reduction, reuse, recovery, and recycling of materials and products to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. It aims to replace the linear production and consumption model and is seen as essential to decoupling economic growth from increased resource use.
Climate/Carbon Neutrality
Involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere with the amount removed, through practices such as reforestation and carbon capture. This concept is key to combating climate change and is included in various international climate agreements.
Renewable Energy
Energy sources derived from natural resources that regenerate, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, replacing fossil fuels. The promotion of renewable energy is crucial for the energy transition and reducing carbon emissions.
Biodiversity
Refers to the variety of life on Earth. Its preservation ensures ecosystem stability and the continued availability of natural resources. The term gained international attention with the Convention on Biological Diversity at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Greenwashing
A marketing practice in which companies or brands present themselves as more sustainable than they really are to attract environmentally conscious consumers. The term emerged in the 1980s in speeches by environmentalists who observed misleading practices in industries like tourism and fashion.
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
A set of environmental, social, and governance criteria used to evaluate the sustainable and ethical performance of companies and investments. The concept has gained relevance in recent years, especially among investors seeking to align investments with ethical and sustainable values.
Climate Resilience
The ability of ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure to adapt to and recover from extreme climate events. This concept is fundamental for planning climate adaptation strategies.
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
A set of 17 goals established by the UN in 2015 to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. The SDGs succeeded the Millennium Development Goals and cover various dimensions of sustainable development.
Water Footprint
The total amount of water used directly and indirectly to produce goods and services consumed by an individual, company, or country. This indicator helps to understand the impact of human consumption on water resources.
Upcycling
The process of transforming waste or discarded materials into new products of greater value or utility, reducing waste and encouraging sustainable creativity. The concept has gained popularity with the sustainable design and circular economy movements.
Climate Justice
A perspective that acknowledges how climate change disproportionately affects different populations and countries, advocating for policies that protect the most vulnerable. This concept highlights the social and economic inequalities exacerbated by climate impacts.
Decarbonization
The reduction or elimination of carbon emissions in energy production, transport, and industry through the adoption of clean and renewable technologies. This process is essential to achieving climate neutrality and combating global warming.
Conscious Consumption
A consumption practice based on choosing sustainable products and services, considering the environmental, social, and economic impact of purchasing decisions.
