The Natural Step (TNS) framework is a systems approach to sustainability developed by Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt in Sweden. It identifies four system conditions necessary for a sustainable society: 1) Nature is not subject to systematically increasing concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth's crust, 2) Nature is not subject to systematically increasing concentrations of substances produced by society, 3) Nature is not subject to systematically increasing degradation by physical means, and 4) People are able to meet their basic human needs worldwide. The framework provides a shared language and process for organizations to assess their current state and create a vision and action plan to move toward sustainability.

1. TNS FRAMEWORK (A Universal Comprehensive Approach to Complex Systems)“What are the four major Homogeneous influences that are breaking down our natural systems and how can we as a global society close these loops that are leading to the degradation of our planet?”2010Amanda FanningIndividual Learning Activity, Unit 4 Environmental Science4/28/2010<br />Disrupters, (4 System Conditions for Sustainability)<br />What main influences are breaking down the Earth’s natural systems? These are the four principles that are deeply rooted in science and most of mankind agrees of their existence to be successful<br />In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to continued digging for fossil fuels and other industrial substances. We are digging up such vast amounts of organic materials and though biodegradable, the Earth’s natural decomposition cycle has been overwhelmed. Much of these organic materials become subject to contamination and toxic; such as Mercury or Lead.<br />In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to increasing amounts of manmade substances. Many of today’s toxins can be attributed to synthetic substances which natural systems not familiar. These complex compounds consist of many differing elements that must be broken down before they can be degraded, (Entropic), some of these cannot be broken down into simpler forms and remain on the surface for millennia. Organic compounds are simple with higher decomposition rates.<br />In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to increasing soil dilapidation. Mining, deforestation, stripping, monoculture commercial farming, overgrazing are some examples of surface deficiency. The rainforests with their immense biodiversity are quickly being harvested killing of thousands of species and these old growth tropical forests continue to be stripped, farmed and then left after 3-5 years to erosion. How can man recapture the immeasurable damage that continues daily? <br />In a sustainable society, people are not subject to conditions that undermine their ability to meet their needs. I feel this is the single issue that will change the aforementioned. As we read, the Brazilian city of Curitiba is dubbed, “the most innovative city in the world and a model sustainable city”, the answer here is simply the involvement of the entire community. When people feel they are a valuable part of a community working towards a brighter future, things seem less dim, and hopeless, self-esteem, self-worth, pride and innovation become part of their everyday living experiences. <br />Many of us understand how infinitely complex this system is but do not know how to tackle such mammoth issues that our western culture has come so reliant upon; the goal may seem unreachable and people just turn away…until now<br />Who is Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt??? <br />Dr. Robèrt drafted a first version of such a ‘consensus document’ and sent this draft to a broad cross-section of scientists, including over 50 ecologists, chemists, physicists and medical doctors in Sweden and asked for their input. Twenty-one drafts later, there was at last consensus about what is in principle needed to sustain the human civilization on earth. With the support of His Majesty the King of Sweden, Karl XVI Gustaf, this ‘consensus document’ and accompanying audio tape was sent to every household and school in Sweden. , (www.thenaturalstepinternational.org) and “The Natural Step was born”.<br />Universal Language, the ABCD system approach<br />What is “Back Casting” anyway? Simply put; it is the process of visualizing your goal and then critically thinking about what steps you need to take to reach it while maintaining flexibility for future decisions. We have all back casted at one point of another in our lives.<br />Awareness and Understanding: The universal language approach which means creating a shared language within an organization or community about sustainability. It is essential that everyone who participates within these parameters and understands the science and systems thinking that underlie the systems conditions as well as of what it means. <br />Baseline Analysis: Doing an assessment on how well a business or community is doing with respect to the four system principles. Though violations will occur, it’s not about blame but more about getting a realistic place to start from while taking into account the sustainable methods already in place.<br />Compelling Vision: This is a creative step that envisions what a community or business would look like if it actually reached 100% sustainability. How would we provide the same or better “Quality of Life” in the future while maintaining the four principles of sustainability?<br />Down To Action: This is where an action plan is drawn up which will take us from our current state to our future vision. Critical thinking leads to several questions: <br />Does this action move us into the right direction?<br />Does this action allow for future flexibility IE; Investment?<br />Does this action offer returns on such investments? (Doesn’t do anybody any good if they go broke while making these changes), it would lead to a dead end. These returns are the engine that drives to bigger and better investments in the future.<br />NOTE:<br /> Instead of just looking at multiple websites regarding “The Natural Step”, I signed up for a 4 hour online course that has really given me not only the knowledge on what TNS means, but also the tools to implement this framework!! It is indeed the basis of our “Sustainable Management” degree. <br />Q&A:<br />When and by whom was the concept of The Natural Step developed? (Please see above on Dr. Carl Henrick Robert)<br />What is the connection between The Natural Step and the current concept of sustainability? I believe the one main connection is that society understands a need for a sustainable planet. Viewpoints and goals are another story which causes blame and mass confusion globally. <br />Identify the basic laws of physics, biology, and ecology that inform The Natural Step. The GPI and HDI, CBA are all contributors to the cause, (not sure exactly what you’re looking for here)<br />List the four 'system conditions' promoted in The Natural Step framework that societies must achieve. (Please see above)<br />Provide your personal assessment of The Natural Step and its relevance in the world today. The “TNS Framework” organizes what would otherwise a disaster and no progress would be made! If we were writing a Thesis but not alone and your assistants all spoke a foreign language; how accurate would it be in the end? The world today needs a basic universal language in sustainability to understand the objective and each other, viewing the same outcomes.<br />Do you feel current business practices should be modified considering the lessons from The Natural Step? If so, explain why and how. The answer is “YES”! It would promote marketability, sustainability, and profitability! We are in an ever looming tunnel with increasing pressures not only in relation to the Earth itself but to all life on this planet. 40,000 Species are dying out annually which sustains us not to mention all other areas within the biosphere! The TNS Framework should be in global policy and a part of all businesses so we can widen that proverbial gap. I will be using it in our business from now on…Wish me luck!!<br />If the principles espoused in The Natural Step were adopted by businesses, how do you feel it would affect the short-term and long-term economic costs of providing the goods and services needed by society? Obviously, considering short term investing; there will be no net gains. Folks may end up losing dollars but if they really utilize this framework and have patience, they could see moderate to huge net gains down the road which can be reinvested again and again! Not only will they come out winners in the money circle but they will gain respect and admiration from their peers through helping those peers obtain a better quality of life instead of just making selfish, destructible profits, (Tragedy of the Commons). As the fourth principle indicates, we need fairness and equality for all the inhabitants that are part of our living/giving planet. <br />Website Resources<br />WWW.THENATURALSTEPINTERNATIONAL.ORG<br />WWW.BTH.SE<br />http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC41/Hawken2.htm <br />