Sustainable Environments: Driving Global Change

Year 10 Social Studies Understanding our role in creating a sustainable future New Zealand Curriculum

DO NOW: Environmental Impact Check

Take 3 minutes to list: 3 environmental issues you've heard about in the news recently 2 ways humans are harming the environment 1 action you could take to help the environment

What is Environmental Sustainability?

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations Balancing economic, social, and environmental factors Protecting natural resources for long-term use Creating systems that can continue indefinitely

Global Environmental Challenges

Traditional vs. Sustainable Practices

{"left":"Fossil fuel energy sources\nSingle-use plastic products\nIndustrial farming methods\nLinear economy (take-make-waste)","right":"Renewable energy sources\nReusable and biodegradable materials\nOrganic and regenerative farming\nCircular economy (reduce-reuse-recycle)"}

New Zealand's Sustainability Leadership

First country to give rivers legal rights (Whanganui River) Ambitious goal: carbon neutral by 2050 Predator Free 2050 conservation program Strong renewable energy sector (80% of electricity) Māori environmental values integrated into policy

Discussion Question

How might New Zealand's small population and geographic isolation be both an advantage and a challenge for implementing sustainable practices?

Success Stories: Global Sustainability Wins

Costa Rica: 99% renewable electricity Denmark: World leader in wind energy Bhutan: Carbon negative country Netherlands: Circular economy initiatives Rwanda: Plastic bag ban since 2008

Design Your Sustainable Community

Working in groups of 3-4: Choose a location in New Zealand Design a sustainable community for 1000 people Include: energy, transport, waste, food, housing Present your design in 2 minutes per group

Looking Forward

"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." - Native American Proverb