I then found another article about building a framework of sustainability into the Environmental Protection Agency's decision making process. After request from the EPA, The National Research Council proposed this framework with the general betterment of the environment in mind. I love this article because I really agree with it, and I think sustainability is the future of environmentalism in America and hopefully the rest of the word. The 1969 National Environment Policy Act identified sustainability "to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations." The report recommended this sustainable approach by highlighting three key pillars: environmental, social, and economic impact. For example, human health would fall under the social category in order to keep it organized and therefore easier to solve problems that arise. The curent approach that the EPA takes towards sustainability identifies and attempts to manage environmental risks in order to preserve its quality. However, this new framework addresses more complex problems, such as depletion of resources (which could be solved with renewable energy, hence sustainability), climate change, and a loss of biodiversity. The report also suggests a rigorous "sustainability screening" in which the EPA can verify whether or not a product, process, or policy could be considered sustainable. I think it's fantastic that the EPA plans on adopting this framework, and it should be a major improvement to the health of our environment as well as the stability of our economy and the well being of US citizens in general.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125554.htm
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125554.htm
