Substitution, natural capital and sustainability

Substitutability of natural capital by human-made would seem to be limited. When substitutes capital, there are currently commonly long-lasting negative impacts such substitutions on constituents capital. Long-lasting can considered at variance with justice between the generations. In view thereof, is a case define (environmental) sustainability as keeping intact for transferral future A major problem conservation regards resources generated geological processes (virtually non-renewable resources), especially regarding geochemically scarce elements. Substitution virtually generating equal amounts renewables has been proposed way conserve However, substituting fossil carbon compounds associated transferred The same holds substitution widely used copper abundant processes. Though current substantially reduced, their elimination seems beyond scope what achieved in near future. less strict “safe operating space humanity”, which “absolute assessments” is, however, not proper alternative