Study Guide: World of Social Sustainability

Note: Proposals and presentations can be presented in the form of a verbal pitch,
role play, presentation or a cohesively drafted report that is then read out to the
committee.

Round 2: (total time = 2 hours)

Outlines regarding problems associated with several industries have been attached
below. Each industry will be allotted to a delegation and they will then have to
present viable solutions and proposals to deal with all the several related problems.

Note: These allotments will be made once Round 1 concludes.

1. Arable farming:

Several costs are posed by agricultural practices ranging from soil erosion to
contamination of water supplies to detrimental effects on human health due to
excessive use of fertilisers. Environmental costs, more precisely, include (as
findings of a study conducted in the United Kingdom states):
The annual total external costs of UK agriculture in 1996 are calculated to be
£2343 m (range for 1990–1996: £1149–3907 m), equivalent to £208/ha of arable
and permanent pasture. Significant costs arise from contamination of drinking
water with pesticides (£120 m/year), nitrate (£16 m), Cryptosporidium (£23 m) and
phosphate and soil (£55 m), from damage to wildlife, habitats, hedgerows and
drystone walls (£125 m), from emissions of gases (£1113 m), from soil erosion and
organic carbon losses (£106 m), from food poisoning (£169 m), and from bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) (£607 m). This study has only estimated those
externalities that give rise to financial costs, and so is likely to underestimate the
total negative impacts of modern agriculture. This data helps to identify policy
priorities, particularly over the most efficient way to internalise these external costs
into prices.

2. Mining:

The mining industry has massively increased its exploration budget and the new
global demand for high-tech metals and rare-earth elements (e.g. for use in the
context of the energy transition and the transport sector) may also lead to a spatial
redirection of investments into this industry.
Major problems associated with this industry is the negligent disposal of mining
waste and tailings, washing away of this waste into water channels further causing
biomagnification and accumulation of toxic components in marine ecosystems
while also suspension of dust and smoke into the air, cutting down of trees that
serves as carbon stores and also loss of natural habitats. Apart from several
associated health hazards, visual pollution is also created, undermining not just
scenic beauty but curtailing the level of growth of plant species in the area and
inherent damages to landscape.

3. Livestock:

The raising of livestock and the eating of animal products has social, cultural, and
economic benefits, but also come at a cost to the environment. Using a
methodology that considers the entire commodity chain, a report from the UN
Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that livestock are responsible for 18
percent of greenhouse gas emissions, a bigger share than that of transport. And as
the climate shifts and average temperatures continue to rise, animals will suffer
from heat stress, more parasites and diseases, and reduced quality and availability
of feed.

Quite generally, overgrazing, soil erosion and eventual desertification of pastures

along with methane excretions by cattle make livestock grazing all the more
harmful for the natural environment along with a much wider spectrum of impacts:
the first and foremost being climate change itself. Most emissions related to the
livestock industry are in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O),
methane (CH4), and ammonia (NH3). In addition, the livestock industry is
responsible for 68% of enterogenic nitrous oxide emissions; this gas remains in the
atmosphere for up to 150 years and has a 296-fold greater potential for global
warming and deterioration of the ozone layer than carbon dioxide. Livestock emit
almost 64% of total ammonia emissions, contributing significantly to acid rain and
to acidification of ecosystems. Livestock are also a highly significant source of
methane emissions, contributing 35–40% of methane emissions worldwide
(Methane has a 23-fold greater potential for global warming than carbon dioxide).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has shown that in the last 15 years
methane emissions from pigs increased by 37% and emissions from cattle
increased by 50%.
 4. Electricity Generation:

Major parts of the world, even today, rely heavily on non-renewable energy
resources and fossil fuels predominantly to generate electricity. Utilising these
resources clearly involve drastic environmental implications and is also not
sustainable as natural reserves are likely to deplete or remain undiscovered. The
Russia-Ukraine war also has set milestones in transitioning to greener energy,
especially when PJSC Gazprom limited supplies to Europe.

Moving and transitioning to greener and solar, geothermal, hydropower, wind and
tidal energy is more important than ever as sole reliance on fossil fuels is unreliable
and damaging for the atmosphere too. Possible solutions and associated challenges
should all be considered in this regard while also taking into account the ever-
increasing demand for energy by both households and industries.
Increasing materials’ efficiency in electricity generation technologies, energy and
water efficiency in mining activities mainly for iron, aluminium, and nickel, and
recycling, combined with careful selection of electricity generation technologies
are significant to realise the full potential of global energy transition scenarios in
climate change mitigation.

5. Aviation:

Global greenhouse emissions from the transportation sector totaled 7.29 billion
metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020 yet environmental implications of
the aviation industry are much neglected till date.
In the case of aviation, not only Carbon dioxide is relevant in this respect but
emissions of Nitrogen Oxides and water vapour, and the phenomenon of
condensation trails (’contrails’) play a substantial role in the climatic impact of
aviation (IPCC 1999). Additionally, Ozone layer depletion and worsening air
quality are major concerns. Local air pollution during the landing and take-off
cycle (LTO) may also lead to health and environmental impacts. Major pollutant
components include: nitrogen oxides, related to high combustion temperatures;
particulates (PM10), related to fuel and combustion quality; hydrocarbons (HC),
related to fuel and combustion quality; sulphur dioxide (SO2) related to the
sulphur content of the fuel.
Two components should be distinguished: 1. nuisance and health impacts of air
transport and aircraft noise; 2. impacts of airport infrastructure, such as land use
impacts on nature, wildlife, and heritage (e.g. listed buildings, conservation areas),
and division of the countryside leading to habitat fragmentation and barrier effects
for both nature and communities due to restrictions around airports.

6. Pharmaceutical Industry:

Medicines have an important role in the treatment and prevention of disease in

both humans and animals. However, its negative effects on animals and
microorganisms alike remain largely unregulated, meaning the extremely toxic
impact it has on both animals and humans continues with no clear end in sight.

One of the main threats is that discharging antibiotics into the environment can
promote the natural development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that are harder to
treat. Although it is a global issue, like other environmental issues, pharma
pollution more directly and seriously affects those living near production plants
whose water and food sources are contaminated with waste pharma products.

Citations:

1. “The production of both active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and

finished dose antibiotics is concentrated in specific locations so the resulting
point, source pollution, is in incredibly high concentrations and encourages
the development of drug resistance,” says HCWH Europe pharmaceuticals
policy officer Dr Adela Maghear. “This practice has a detrimental impact on
vulnerable populations living near manufacturing facilities and wastewater
treatment plants in these countries.”

2. Another large study of this problem in 2004 by the UK government’s

Environment Agency found that 86% of male fish sampled at 51 sites
around the country were intersex.” This phenomenon is blamed upon
pollution of the contraceptive pill and its active pharmaceutical ingredient,
ethynyl oestradiol.

3. “There is a crying lack of transparency about pharmaceutical supply chains

which means that we know practically nothing about where our drugs are
 made. This is a scandal and pharmaceutical companies will face increasing
calls to do something about it.”

4. In November 2016, German scientists found that all of the specimens

collected from sampling sites in the direct environment of bulk drug
manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and nearby villages, known as the
Patancheru-Bollaram zone, India, were contaminated with antimicrobials.
They also found 95% contained worryingly high levels of bacteria and fungi
resistant to antibiotic drugs.

5. Safer Pharma notes that ‘contamination of water sources with antimicrobial

drugs (combined with mass misuse of antibiotics and poor sanitation) has
had grave consequences in India, where an estimated 58,000 new-borns die
from multidrug-resistant infections every year’. These figures are based on a
research project by Laximnarayan, Duse, Wattal et al published in The
Lancet in November 2013.

6. Forbes notes in December 2021, pharma has avoided the scrutiny of its
environmental impact as a major manufacturer of goods. Citing research
published in 2019 by McMaster University, Forbes goes on to note that the
15 largest pharmaceutical manufacturers emitted 55% more carbon dioxide
equivalents per million dollars of revenue than the automotive sector in
2015, the year of the Paris Agreement. The impact on the ground is
environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants (EPPPs) which are
non-degradable waste products of pharmaceuticals that inadvertently impact
organisms from plants to wildlife.

7. Construction industry:

The construction industry faces significant challenges when it comes to adapting

sustainability practices. One of the primary problems is the traditional nature of
construction processes and materials. Many construction practices have been in
place for decades, relying on energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel,
which have a high carbon footprint. Retrofitting these established practices with
sustainable alternatives can be costly and may encounter resistance from
stakeholders accustomed to the status quo. Additionally, the construction sector
often operates on tight profit margins, making it challenging for companies to
invest in sustainable technologies and practices that might initially come with
higher upfront costs.

Another hurdle for the construction industry is the fragmentation of its value chain.
Numerous stakeholders, from architects and designers to contractors and
subcontractors, are involved in a construction project. This fragmentation can lead
to miscommunication and a lack of coordination, hindering the implementation of
sustainable practices.

Moreover, construction projects often operate within tight timelines and budgets,
leaving little room for experimentation or innovation in sustainability. To
overcome these obstacles, the construction industry needs to foster collaboration
among stakeholders, invest in research and development for sustainable materials
and technologies, and advocate for supportive policies and incentives that
encourage sustainability in construction practices.

8. Telecommunication Industry:

The telecommunication industry, an essential part of the modern global economy,

faces significant sustainability challenges. One of the primary issues is the
industry's soaring energy consumption. The rapid expansion of data networks,
driven by increasing data traffic, has resulted in a substantial carbon footprint from
data centers, network infrastructure, and energy-hungry devices. Addressing this
challenge requires substantial investments in energy-efficient technologies and a
shift toward renewable energy sources to reduce the industry's greenhouse gas
emissions.

Another pressing concern in the telecommunication sector is the proliferation of

electronic waste (e-waste). With frequent upgrades of smartphones and network
equipment, a large volume of discarded electronic devices contributes to
environmental degradation and health risks when not properly managed or
recycled.

Sustainable practices in this context involve not only designing products for
longevity and recyclability but also establishing effective e-waste recycling and
disposal systems to minimise the industry's impact on electronic pollution and
resource depletion. To achieve sustainability goals, the telecommunication industry
must continue to innovate in areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and
responsible sourcing while ensuring universal access to digital services for all.

9. Fishing Industry:

The fishing industry is confronted with a multitude of sustainability challenges that

threaten the health of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of countless people
who depend on fisheries. One of the most significant problems is overfishing,
driven by the relentless demand for seafood. Overfishing occurs when fish stocks
are harvested at rates exceeding their ability to reproduce and replenish, leading to
the depletion of once-abundant species and the disruption of marine food chains.
This unsustainable practice not only jeopardises the long-term viability of fish
populations but also undermines the socio-economic stability of coastal
communities reliant on fishing for income and nutrition.

Another major issue is bycatch, the inadvertent capture of non-target species

during fishing operations. Bycatch includes species like turtles, dolphins, and
seabirds, many of which are already endangered or vulnerable. This problem not
only contributes to the decline of these species but also results in wasted resources
and economic losses for fishers. Additionally, destructive fishing practices such as
bottom trawling, which involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor, cause
substantial damage to delicate marine habitats, further exacerbating the
sustainability crisis.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including

science-based fisheries management, improved fishing gear and practices, and
international cooperation to enforce regulations and combat illegal fishing.

10. Aerospace and defense industry:

The aerospace and defense industry faces significant sustainability challenges

despite its essential role in national security and technological advancement. One
pressing issue is the environmental impact of aviation. Aircraft emissions,
primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), contribute to climate change. While the industry
has made strides in developing more fuel-efficient aircraft, the overall growth in air
travel continues to drive up emissions. Sustainable aviation solutions, such as the
development of electric or hybrid-electric aircraft and the adoption of sustainable
aviation fuels, are being explored, but they face technological and economic
hurdles.

Another concern is the environmental impact of defense operations, including

military exercises and the disposal of munitions. These activities can result in
habitat disruption, soil and water contamination, and the release of hazardous
substances. Efforts to minimize these impacts and ensure responsible disposal of
military equipment and munitions are essential for sustainability.

Additionally, the defense industry must address the sustainability of its supply
chains, which often involve resource-intensive and environmentally harmful
processes, by transitioning to more eco-friendly materials and practices. Overall,
balancing the need for national security with sustainability goals remains a
complex challenge for the aerospace and defense industry.

11. Automotive industry:

The automotive industry, while central to modern transportation, faces significant

sustainability challenges that stem from its reliance on fossil fuels, resource-
intensive manufacturing processes, and the environmental impact of vehicle
operation. One of the primary issues is the contribution of the automotive sector to
climate change.

Internal combustion engine vehicles are major emitters of greenhouse gases,

particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs)
powered by renewable energy sources is seen as a promising solution, but it poses
challenges related to the supply chain for batteries, which relies heavily on mining
and processing minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, often under
environmentally and socially questionable conditions.

Another concern is the automotive industry's resource consumption and waste

generation. The production of vehicles requires substantial amounts of raw
materials, energy, and water, contributing to habitat destruction, resource
depletion, and pollution. Additionally, the disposal of end-of-life vehicles and the
recycling of automotive components present challenges in terms of waste
management and environmental impact.
To address these sustainability problems, the industry is increasingly adopting eco-
friendly manufacturing practices, exploring alternative materials, improving fuel
efficiency in traditional vehicles, and investing in EV technology. However,
achieving sustainability in the automotive sector requires a holistic approach that
considers the entire lifecycle of vehicles, from raw material extraction to
manufacturing, operation, and end-of-life disposal.

12. Retail industry:

The retail industry, a cornerstone of the global economy, grapples with a range of
sustainability challenges that stem from its vast scale and complex supply chains.
One of the foremost issues is the excessive production of single-use plastics and
packaging materials. Retailers often package products in non-recyclable or non-
biodegradable materials, contributing to environmental pollution and the depletion
of resources. This challenge has prompted growing consumer demand for eco-
friendly packaging and reduced plastic waste, pressuring retailers to rethink their
packaging strategies and implement sustainable alternatives.

Supply chain sustainability is another critical concern in the retail sector. The
global nature of retail supply chains, with products often traversing long distances,
results in significant energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Additionally, ethical issues related to labour conditions and responsible sourcing

are prevalent in some supply chains. Sustainable retailers are increasingly focusing
on ethical sourcing, reducing carbon emissions in transportation through
optimization and the use of alternative fuels, and exploring local sourcing options
to minimize the environmental and social impact of their operations. As consumers
become more conscious of sustainability, retailers that fail to address these issues
risk reputational damage and decreased market competitiveness, making
sustainability a pressing challenge for the industry.

13. Cosmetic industry:

The cosmetics industry faces a host of sustainability challenges as it caters to the

global demand for personal care and beauty products. One major issue is the
environmental impact of cosmetic production and packaging. The production of
cosmetics often involves resource-intensive processes and the use of non-
renewable resources, such as petroleum-based ingredients.

Moreover, the industry generates a substantial amount of plastic waste through

product packaging, much of which ends up in landfills and oceans. Consumers are
increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of cosmetics, leading to
calls for eco-friendly packaging and sustainable ingredient sourcing.

Another significant challenge is the safety and ethical concerns related to

ingredient sourcing and animal testing. Many cosmetics contain ingredients
derived from animals, and some products are tested on animals to ensure safety.
Ethical concerns about animal welfare have led to growing pressure on the industry
to adopt cruelty-free practices and source ingredients responsibly.

Furthermore, the cosmetics industry must address the potential health risks
associated with certain chemicals commonly used in cosmetics, as well as concerns
about the transparency of ingredient lists.

Sustainable practices in the cosmetic industry involve using natural and organic
ingredients, reducing plastic waste, adopting cruelty-free testing methods, and
improving transparency in labelling to ensure safer and more environmentally
friendly products.

14. Food industry:

The food industry is beset by a range of sustainability challenges that affect its
environmental, social, and economic dimensions. One pressing issue is food
wastage. Throughout the supply chain, from production to distribution and
consumption, an enormous amount of food is lost or discarded. This wastefulness
not only represents a significant loss of resources, including water, land, and
energy, but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when food decays in
landfills. Addressing food waste is critical for reducing the industry's
environmental impact and ensuring that food production meets the demands of a
growing global population.

Roughly one third of the food produced in the world every year - approximately
1.3 billion tonnes - gets lost or wasted, according to a United Nation Food and
Agriculture (FAO) commissioned study. Projections published by FAO’s report
also show that nearly 670 million people (8 percent of the world population) will
still be facing hunger and food deprivation - even if a global economic recovery is
taken into consideration.

Resource depletion is another major challenge in the food industry. Agriculture,

which forms the foundation of the food supply chain, is heavily dependent on land,
water, and energy. Unsustainable farming practices, such as the excessive use of
fertilisers and pesticides, lead to soil degradation and water pollution.

Moreover, intensive livestock farming contributes to deforestation, habitat loss,

and methane emissions. Sustainable agriculture practices, including organic
farming, precision agriculture, and responsible water management, are vital for
conserving resources, mitigating environmental damage, and promoting food
security. In addition to environmental concerns, the food industry must also
address issues related to equitable access to food, nutritional quality, and fair
treatment of workers throughout the supply chain to achieve comprehensive
sustainability goals.

15. Chemical industry:

The chemical industry, while fundamental to various sectors of the global

economy, grapples with significant sustainability challenges. One of the most
pressing issues is its substantial carbon footprint. According to data from the
International Energy Agency (IEA), the chemical industry accounts for
approximately 14% of global industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The
production of chemicals often involves energy-intensive processes and relies
heavily on fossil fuels.

In addition to direct emissions, chemical manufacturing also contributes to indirect

emissions when its products are used in other sectors, such as transportation and
construction. Achieving sustainability in this industry requires a transition to
cleaner energy sources, increased energy efficiency, and the development of
innovative low-carbon technologies.

Another challenge is the environmental impact of chemical production and waste

management. The chemical industry is a major generator of hazardous waste and
pollution. For example, the production of synthetic polymers, like plastics,
generates a substantial amount of waste and pollution, including microplastics that
are now pervasive in the environment.

In the European Union alone, the chemical industry produces over 300 million tons
of hazardous waste annually. Sustainable practices must involve the development
of more eco-friendly chemical processes, safer product formulations, and improved
waste management and recycling methods to reduce the industry's environmental
footprint. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for mitigating environmental
harm but also for ensuring the long-term viability and reputation of the chemical
industry in a world increasingly focused on sustainability and responsible business
practices.

16.Tourism Industry:

The tourism industry, while a significant contributor to many economies, faces

substantial sustainability challenges with significant environmental, social, and
economic implications. One pressing issue is the carbon footprint of tourism-
related activities.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the tourism sector was
responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019.
This includes emissions from transportation, accommodation, and various
activities associated with travel. The industry's heavy reliance on air travel, often
powered by fossil fuels, contributes significantly to its carbon emissions.

As global tourism continues to grow, there is an urgent need for sustainable

tourism practices, including the development of eco-friendly transportation options
and accommodations, and the promotion of responsible travel behaviour.

Another critical concern is the impact of tourism on local ecosystems and

communities. Popular tourist destinations often experience overcrowding, habitat
destruction, and increased water and energy consumption. For example, the World
Economic Forum reports that some destinations have seen up to a 40% increase in
water consumption due to tourism.

Furthermore, the industry can lead to cultural commodification, pushing traditional

practices aside in favour of those catering to tourists. Sustainable tourism
initiatives aim to address these challenges by promoting eco-tourism, responsible
travel behaviour, and community-based tourism that benefits local economies and
preserves cultural and natural heritage. Balancing the economic benefits of tourism
with sustainability considerations is essential for the long-term viability of this
industry and the well-being of both tourists and host communities.

Questions that must be addressed:

- What environmental costs are facing your allotted industry?
- How are meeting external costs and reaching environmental targets related?
- What public policy measures and frameworks to be adopted by state and
authorities to address the concern of sustainable business practices?
- Frameworks, considering careful cost and feasibility analysis, to compensate
those affected by negative externalities / external costs