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Theme 1m. Sustai'mnability <br />A goal central to the SOCF project is for Orange County to move toward becoming a <br />sustainable community. What that means is that we must seek to develop a community that <br />meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future <br />generations to meet their needs. <br />Principles of Sustainability <br />The meaning of sustainability can be further understood by examining four basic principles <br />regarding human needs, natural systems, and the relationships between them. These principles <br />are basic, indisputable truths that govern life on earth. They are global in nature, but apply to our <br />local community as well. <br />1. For a given natural resource, if the depletion rate exceeds the replacement rate, the resource <br />will be available for only a finite time. Thus, unchecked use of resources has <br />implications for our future generations. <br />2. Human activity produces harmful substances, which must be mediated to maintain balance in <br />the natural systems. Human - generated waste, such as plastics, sewage, and carbon <br />monoxide, must be carefully managed to minimize and eliminate damage to the earth. <br />3. Earth's ecosystems, of which humans are a part along with other living beings, are <br />interdependent and most stable when they include a diversity of species. Overuse and <br />pollution of the natural environment has implications for maintaining the earth's biodiversity. <br />4. Human needs span physical, economic, environmental, cultural, social, and spiritual <br />dimensions. Human needs can be met equitably, justly, and with dignity without <br />compromising the physical environment. Achieving greater fairness is essential for social <br />stability and the cooperation needed for making large -scale changes within the framework <br />laid out by the first three principles. <br />These global principles are locally relevant because our community is part of a region, part of a <br />continent, and part of a world. Our individual and collective decisions and actions affect the <br />quality of human life and the quality of our natural environment not only in the local community, <br />but also in the world. By understanding these principles, and the consequences of continuing to <br />violate them, we establish a common basis for working toward becoming a sustainable <br />community. <br />19 <br />