II.
Provide intergenerational equity and durability
The economy, environment, and social well-being should
be managed for the equal benefit of present and future
generations. A sustainable community does not deplete
its resources, destroy natural systems, or pass along
unnecessary hazards to future generations. We should
incorporate disaster resilience and mitigation into our
decisions and actions. A community is resilient in the
face of inevitable natural disasters like tornadoes,
hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and drought if it takes
steps to ensure that such events cause as little damage
as possible, that productivity is only minimally
interrupted, and that quality of life remains at (or
quickly returns to) high levels. A disaster-resilient
community further takes responsibility for the risks it
faces and, to the extent possible, is self reliant. That
is, it does not anticipate that outside entities (such
as federal or state government) can or will mitigate its
hazards or pay for its disasters.
PRINCIPLES
| 1. |
Development should be equitable for both
present and future generations The right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitably meet developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations. |
| 2. |
Individuals should discourage transference of
activities that cause degradation Individuals should discourage or prevent the relocation and transfer of any activity and substance that causes severe environmental degradation or are found to be harmful to human health. |
| 3. |
Reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns
of production and consumption To achieve to goals associated with sustainability and achieve a higher quality of life for all people, individuals should reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and promote appropriate demographic policies. |
| 4. |
Notification about natural disasters and
emergencies is necessary Notification of any natural disasters or other emergencies that are likely to produce sudden harmful effects on the environment is imperative. Every effort shall be made to help those afflicted. |
| 5. |
Provide a buffer between development and
natural systems Communities or cluster of communities should have a well-defined edge, such as agricultural greenbelts or wildlife corridors, permanently protected from development. |
| 6. |
Drought resistance Ground water treatment and brackish water desalination should be pursued when necessary to maximize locally available, drought-proof water supplies. Landscaping with native plants requires an understanding of the evolutionary adaptations plants make to specific light and soil moisture conditions but are essential to providing for a drought resistant community. |