1. understand the importance of feed-back processes, and appreciate the role of
simulation models in our thinking about sustainability
2. appreciate the importance of temporal and spatial scales when assessing
sustainability
3. be aware of the shortcomings in our understanding/acceptance of the processes
that lead to sustainability.
Relating to the above 3 criteria please write a short, university grade, essay on the topic as described below. My stance on the topic is that export should continue as food is needed to support the worlds growing population and also supports local economy and farming communities. I have started on the intro which I will upload . Please also look at the other uploaded resources as these might help, more papers are available on SCIRUS
Assignment Details
Australia is a major exporter of food into the global market. I would like you to assess the sustainability of this practice, and decide whether you if in political power would continue with such a practice or impose legislation that prevented such a practice.
Remember that this course is about sustainability, so discussion should focus on the understanding or lack of it of the foreseen and unforseen impacts [positive and/or negative] of this practice. If you argue to stop such a practice, then discuss how that will improve upon sustainability, and if you argue to continue such a practice discuss how to enhance the sustainability of food production. Your assignment should include references to at least three refereed publications, two reports/books and some www references. Failure to include these will result in loss of up to 10% of your potential mark.
In addition here is some points that may be useful-
– Manmade vs natural systems
– agroecosystems
– Monoculture vs Polyculture
– nutrient cycling systems and carbon balance
– 3 aspects of sustainability, ecological, economic and ethical/social and their indicators
– inputs and outputs
– interrelationships of systems
– soft and hard systems
– positive and negative feedback loops
– sustainability scales such as spatial and temporal scales
– components of agro-sustainability
* Production = total biomass (harvest production)
* Efficiency = ratio of conversion
* Stability = Fluctuations around a trend
* Resilience = time to bounce back and level of ecological restoration to natural system levels
– examples of other methods that may be more sustainable i.e silvopasturalism and agroforestry new technology and education and increased research and development
– compromise between systems is the key
Hopefully some of this helps, thankyou and please try to make it analytical as it is a final year university subject based on systematic sustainability!