SUS 1501 SUSTAINABILITY AND GREED 2024
SUS 1501 MIDTERM EXAM 2024/2025 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS GRADED
A+(SOLVED) UNISA
1. Question:
What is the definition of sustainability in the context of development?
Answer: Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It
balances economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being.
2. Question:
Explain the three pillars of sustainability.
Answer: The three pillars of sustainability are:
Environmental: Preserving natural resources and
ecosystems. Social: Ensuring social equity, justice, and
community well-being.
Economic: Supporting economic growth and development that doesn't degrade the
environment.
3. Question:
What is meant by 'intergenerational equity'?
,SUS 1501 SUSTAINABILITY AND GREED 2024
Answer: Intergenerational equity refers to the fairness in the distribution of
resources and opportunities between present and future generations. It emphasizes
that future generations should not be deprived of their ability to live sustainably.
4. Question:
, SUS 1501 SUSTAINABILITY AND GREED 2024
Describe how the concept of 'ecological footprint' relates to sustainability.
Answer: An ecological footprint measures the amount of natural resources
consumed by a person or community and compares it to Earth's ability to regenerate
those resources. A smaller footprint indicates more sustainable living practices, as it
leaves more resources for future generations.
5. Question:
What is the 'tragedy of the commons' and how does it relate to sustainability?
Answer: The 'tragedy of the commons' describes a situation where individuals,
acting in their self-interest, deplete shared resources, leading to long-term
collective harm. It highlights the need for sustainable management of common
resources like air, water, and land.
6. Question:
Explain the term 'carrying capacity' in ecological terms.
Answer: Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals or species
that an environment can support sustainably without degrading the ecosystem. Once
exceeded, the environment's ability to provide resources and absorb waste
diminishes.
7. Question:
What is the role of corporations in promoting sustainability?
Answer: Corporations play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by adopting
sustainable business practices, reducing their ecological footprint, investing in green
technologies, and promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) to balance profit
with environmental stewardship.
SUS 1501 MIDTERM EXAM 2024/2025 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS GRADED
A+(SOLVED) UNISA
1. Question:
What is the definition of sustainability in the context of development?
Answer: Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It
balances economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being.
2. Question:
Explain the three pillars of sustainability.
Answer: The three pillars of sustainability are:
Environmental: Preserving natural resources and
ecosystems. Social: Ensuring social equity, justice, and
community well-being.
Economic: Supporting economic growth and development that doesn't degrade the
environment.
3. Question:
What is meant by 'intergenerational equity'?
,SUS 1501 SUSTAINABILITY AND GREED 2024
Answer: Intergenerational equity refers to the fairness in the distribution of
resources and opportunities between present and future generations. It emphasizes
that future generations should not be deprived of their ability to live sustainably.
4. Question:
, SUS 1501 SUSTAINABILITY AND GREED 2024
Describe how the concept of 'ecological footprint' relates to sustainability.
Answer: An ecological footprint measures the amount of natural resources
consumed by a person or community and compares it to Earth's ability to regenerate
those resources. A smaller footprint indicates more sustainable living practices, as it
leaves more resources for future generations.
5. Question:
What is the 'tragedy of the commons' and how does it relate to sustainability?
Answer: The 'tragedy of the commons' describes a situation where individuals,
acting in their self-interest, deplete shared resources, leading to long-term
collective harm. It highlights the need for sustainable management of common
resources like air, water, and land.
6. Question:
Explain the term 'carrying capacity' in ecological terms.
Answer: Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals or species
that an environment can support sustainably without degrading the ecosystem. Once
exceeded, the environment's ability to provide resources and absorb waste
diminishes.
7. Question:
What is the role of corporations in promoting sustainability?
Answer: Corporations play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by adopting
sustainable business practices, reducing their ecological footprint, investing in green
technologies, and promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) to balance profit
with environmental stewardship.
