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Attachment 1.3 3 ~
<br />An emerging point of consensus in Orange County is that we need to move toward becoming a
<br />sustainable community. What that means is that we must seek to develop a community that meets the
<br />needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
<br />needs. Trends identified by scientists have demonstrated the need to focus on sustainability. Current
<br />global trends have demonstrated the need for planning healthy and sustainable communities. One
<br />trend is the increasing impact of greenhouse gases on the world's climate and another is the decreasing
<br />supply of resources that support life.
<br />Sustainability is defined as aligning our built environment and socioeconomic activities with the
<br />natural systems that support life. In the long run, sustainability means adapting human activities to the
<br />constraints and opportunities of nature.
<br />The s~bel fi ure below is a graphic representation of a sustainable community. Each ring represents
<br />one of the Three E's: the environment, the economy and social equity. Each of these rings is
<br />connected to, and dependent upon the others.
<br />INSERT Fi~tu•e 5-1 "The Three Spheres of Sustainable Growth'' from Page 5 ~ of the draft
<br />Comprehensive Plan
<br />The design of. a sustainable community in Orange County means that this Comprehensive Plan will
<br />strive, in its implementation, to link the economy, the environment and social equity to improve the
<br />vitality of all three of these domains.
<br />The meaning of sustainability can be further understood by examining four basic principles regarding
<br />human needs, natural systems, and the relationships between them. Thee Yr~,.;..1 e~ ~re >, ' ,
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<br />1. For a given natural resource, if the depletion rate exceeds the replacement rate, the resource will be
<br />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 the
<br />natural systems. Human-generated waste, such as plastics, sewage, and carbon monoxide, must be
<br />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 pollution of
<br />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
<br />without 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 laid out by
<br />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 quality of
<br />human life and the quality of our natural environment not only in the local community, but also in the
<br />world. By understanding these principles, and the consequences of continuing to violate them, we
<br />establish a common basis for working toward becoming a sustainable community.
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