A vital metric for sustainable futures

Ecological well-being performance (EWP) is gaining power in an era where environmental sustainability is more important than ever. This novel metric is revolutionizing our understanding of the state of our ecosystems and the effects of human activity on the environment. By combining community feedback and scientific data, EWP seeks to present a comprehensive picture of ecological health and produce insights that may be used to inform resource management and policy decisions. Gaining an understanding of and improving upon EWP has become crucial as governments, corporations and communities work toward sustainable development.

The majority of material, people, transportation and information flows produced by urban activities “are carried by infrastructure. Renowned primatologist and environmentalist Jane Goodall asserts that our health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet.” EWP provides a means of measuring this connection and directing us toward more environment-friendly behaviors. Ecological weighting (EWP) is a comprehensive metric used to assess the sustainability and health of ecosystems. Economist Jeffrey Sachs states that “creative approaches to development that respect and enhance natural systems are necessary to achieve high EWP scores.” Although a major obstacle still remains in striking a balance between ecological protection and economic development. According to a recent study of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), areas with higher EWP ratings typically have more resilient ecosystems that can support a variety of species as well as human populations. 

Using metrics from the HDI, which are regarded as globally authoritative, proved more persuasive when calculating the output of residential well-being. Even China’s most developed areas such as Guangdong, Shanghai and Beijing did not have the best EWP values. In the context of Nepal, this situation cannot even be imagined. It is not impossible if the politics of Nepal will be stable and the government will think about this aspect during the overall development and make that dream come true. It will definitely take a few years (decades even), it will be possible, otherwise we as citizens should wake up. Sometimes we have to know the way to the village that we never go to. So together, the six ecological input categories offer a thorough knowledge of human consumption trends and the effects they have on the ecosystem.

EWP is measured by employing a collection of metrics to evaluate the sustainability and overall health of ecosystems. These indicators shed light on a number of environmental factors, including pollution levels, resource usage and biodiversity. Here are some important metrics that are frequently used to assess EWP, along with explanation:

Biodiversity: It is the variety of life on Earth, including species diversity, genetic variation and ecosystems. It supports ecosystem resilience, provides essential services and is crucial for maintaining the health of the planet. Purvis, A, & Hector, A concluded that high species richness indicates a healthy, resilient ecosystem.

Habitat quality: Foley, J A, DeFries, R, Asner, G P, et al. stated that a decrease in natural habitat area signifies ecological degradation, the partition of ecosystems into separate, smaller areas. ‘Fragmented habitats support fewer species and are more vulnerable to environmental changes’, Haddad et al. wrote in their research article. 

Water quality: This actually means concentrations of nutrients in water bodies, according to Smith, V H, Tilman, G D, & Nekola, J C. Excess nutrients can lead to eutrophication, harming aquatic life. Also note what Bilotta & Brazier’s have to say: high turbidity can indicate pollution and poor water quality.

Air quality: The concentration of air pollutants such as PM2.5, NO2 and SO2 refers to the levels of these harmful substances in the air. Kampa, M, & Castanas, E also noted that poor air quality affects both human health and ecological well-being.

Soil health: The amount of organic material in soil, known as Soil Organic Matter (SOM), is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and supporting ecosystem productivity. This is the conclusion of Lal R. Per Pimentel D, the rate at which soil is lost due to wind or water, known as soil erosion, is a key indicator of land degradation and reduced soil quality.

Resource use: According to Foley, J A, Ramankutty, N, Brauman, K A. et al, the amount of water used per unit of agricultural or industrial output is a critical measure, with efficient water use indicating sustainable resource management.

Energy consumption: Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, essential for ecosystem health, resilience and providing crucial services like pollination, climate regulation and resources.

Waste management: Karak, T, Bhagat, R M, & Bhattacharyya, P argued that a high proportion of waste being recycled minimizes landfill usage and reduces the need for resource extraction.

Waste generation: In Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata’s opinion, lower per capita waste generation reflects efficient resource use and promotes sustainable consumption patterns.

Conclusion: The State of the Environment Performance is a guiding concept for a sustainable future rather than just a measurement. EWP gives us the ability to make decisions that are beneficial to the environment and people by offering a holistic perspective on ecological health. Adopting EWP can ensure that our choices result in a resilient and prosperous world for future generations, even as environmental problems continue.

The author is president of Forum of Development Journalists’ (FoDeJ), Nepal. Views are personal