Sustainability
Organising ideas
The organising ideas of the Sustainability cross-curriculum priority are set out in the table below.
Table 1: Organising ideas of the Sustainability cross-curriculum priority
Interrelationship of systems |
All lifeforms are connected through Earth’s systems (the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere), on which they depend for their wellbeing and survival. VC2CCPSIS1 |
Sustainable patterns of living require the responsible use of resources; circular economies; maintenance of clean air, water and soils; and the restoration of healthy environments and habitats with ecological integrity. VC2CCPSIS2 |
Economic, social, environmental and cultural systems influence the sustainability of Earth’s systems. VC2CCPSIS3 |
Worldviews |
Worldviews influence local and global action and, therefore, impact the interdependence of Earth’s systems. Worldviews can play a crucial role in achieving sustainability. VC2CCPSWV1 |
Worldviews are formed by different experiences at a personal, local, national and global level, and are linked to individual, community and political mandates and actions for sustainability. VC2CCPSWV2 |
Worldviews that are based on, but not limited to, the 4 pillars of sustainable development consider the intergenerational impact of current and future actions. VC2CCPSWV3 |
Responsible design |
Responsibly designed products and services aim to minimise the human impact on the environment and restore the quality, ecological integrity and diversity of economic, social, environmental and cultural systems. VC2CCPSRD1 |
Responsible design considers unexpected consequences that might impact individuals, communities and ecological integrity in the future. Creative, empathetic and innovative design is integral to the achievement of sustainable living. VC2CCPSRD2 |
Responsible design requires a recognition and appreciation of land custodianship, past practices, contemporary research and technological advancements, and balanced and informed decisions based on understanding possible interconnected economic, social, environmental and cultural impacts. VC2CCPSRD3 |
Futures thinking |
Sustainable futures thinking is based on informed views that consider possible and desirable futures. It leads to individual, community, organisational and political action that reduces risk. VC2CCPSFT1 |
Sustainable futures thinking creates desirable futures that value local, community, national and global equity and fairness across generations and into the future. VC2CCPSFT2 |
Sustainable futures thinking requires individuals to think creatively, seek information, identify a variety of possibilities, reflect and evaluate actions, and collaborate with and influence others as they work towards desired futures. VC2CCPSFT3 |