Arizona State University (ASU) CEE181 Technological, Social, and Sustainable Systems Final Practice Exam

The assertion that "renewable" solutions can always be assumed to be sustainable is not accurate because sustainability encompasses more than just the renewable nature of a solution. While renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, their sustainability also depends on various factors.

These factors include the resource extraction processes, land use, lifecycle impacts, technological requirements, and social implications associated with the renewable technologies. For example, the production of solar panels requires raw materials that may involve environmentally harmful mining practices, and the manufacturing processes can have significant energy inputs. Furthermore, the land required for some renewable energy projects, such as solar farms or wind turbines, can disrupt local ecosystems and communities.

Sustainability also considers economic viability and social equity; thus, a renewable solution might still have negative implications for certain communities or might not provide equitable access to energy. Therefore, not every renewable solution can be assumed to be sustainable. Each project's overall environmental, social, and economic impact must be assessed to determine its sustainability.