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THE NATURAL STEP
An Overview
The Natural Step framework is an elegantly simple tool for guiding society toward environmental sustainability. It was developed in Sweden by Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt, a leading cancer specialist. Frustrated by a piecemeal approach to addressing environmental problems, he brought leading Swedish scientists together to develop a consensus on requirements for a sustainable society. These findings, based on systems thinking reflected in natural cycles, have become the backbone for an educational process.
Since its introduction to the United States, The Natural Step framework (TNS) has been embraced by corporations such as Interface, Home Depot, Starbucks, and Nike to help them develop a competitive advantage. Currently all military installations throughout the USA are drafting sustainability plans based on The Natural Step. The LEED certification program is considering revising the standards to base them on the TNS framework. In addition, numerous municipalities in the United States are using the approach.
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Sustainability is fundamentally about maintaining human life on the planet and, thus, addressing human needs is an essential element of creating a sustainable society. Presently all of the life-supporting resources for society’s continued existence on the planet, such as clean air, clean water, and productive topsoil, are in decline. At the same time, society’s demand for these resources is increasing.
Recognizing these forces at play, TNS takes an upstream approach to sustainability and addresses problems at the source. It begins by understanding the broader system within which problems occur and developing effective, durable solutions to these environmental and social issues.
The Natural Step’s definition of sustainability includes four scientific principles that lead to a sustainable society. These principles, also known as “conditions”, that must be met in order to have a sustainable society, are as follows:
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| In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing: |
- concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust;
- concentrations of substances produced by society;
- degradation by physical means; and in that society. . .
- people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their capacity to meet their needs.
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We have the opportunity to change the impacts we are having and be more strategic when making choices and long-term plans. We can transform debate into constructive discussion and focus on innovation, creativity and the unlimited potential for change to move into a healthier, more prosperous world for today and tomorrow. To do this, we need a compass to guide us, and a set of tools to help us. The Natural Step provides the compass and the tools.
For more information about The Natural Step:
Natural Step International
Oregon Natural Step Network |
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©Sacred Dog Productions 2008 |
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