> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.oikos-international.org/core-training/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.oikos-international.org/core-training/tent-1-a-look-at-planet-earth.md).

# Tent 1: A look at Planet Earth

Our planetary system & a definition of sustainability

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=1&list=PLEBJ2iHtniJAFOdOyi8NG8oYBPXA0WwQk&v=OBeFFSb-b1M>" %}
Introduction to Tent 1
{% endembed %}

**Hello fellow traveller - Welcome to tent 1!**&#x20;

Let’s start with zooming out & having a look at our planet & life on earth from an eagle’s perspective. In tent 1, we will explore the <mark style="color:green;">planetary system</mark> and how it is built to understand what allows life to thrive. As a nested system in the biosphere, humanity is also trying to evolve in harmony with other living beings on our beautiful planet. From this perspective, <mark style="color:green;">sustainability</mark> is the key to maintaining the functioning of our systems in the long term. But how can we define it in a concrete, systemic way? Learn more about it in this chapter!&#x20;

Let's dive into the first know - act - reflect cycle! Here's what you will learn

{% tabs %}
{% tab title=" Learning Goals Tent 1" %}
:exclamation:In this tent, you will...

* be introduced to the science that helps us understand our **planetary system**, leading to a systemic **sustainability definition**
* explore the importance of a **shared language** around sustainability
* connect the course-material to sustaniability knowledge and experience you already have&#x20;
* reflect and align among each other about what is different/new in the shared definition of sustainability
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

Just move along the various content elements in your own time and share with the community through the discord channel.

### :bulb:Know

What is sustainability all about? Let us take a step back and see **how our planet functions.**  We will explore helpful perspectives that can be helpful to find holistic & powerful ways to address our sustainability challenges.&#x20;

But first: How does humanity fit in the bigger picture? How do we perceive ourselves & what is the sustainability challenge all about? These 3 videos will broaden your understanding:

.. Human beings haven't been around for a long time ..

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W5hOJaFjxU>" %}
&#x20;:cinema: [Timeline of evolution](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W5hOJaFjxU) (4 min)
{% endembed %}

... and yet do we have a major influence on planet earth! Let's get to know a scientific, systemic definition of sustainability!&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=290s&v=eec0UYGIeo4>" %}
:cinema: [Our planet & sustainability](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eec0UYGIeo4\&t=290s) (7:30 min)
{% endembed %}

This includes the important step to change our perspective :cinema: [From triple bottom line to a nested system understanding](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f5m-jBf81Q) (4:10 min).

Now, what is the **current reality on planet earth**? Have a quick read here: :book: [A new planetary reality ](https://financetransformation.earth/chapter-1/)(5 min)

One well-known and scientifically-proof definition of sustainability (mentioned in the first video) looks at sustainability as the systemic **boundary conditions** to maintain life on planet earth. They are described in 8 principles:

:book: [The definition of the eight sustainability principles based on the "Sustainability Handbook" ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wn00BKL4AhSdYr515RK-otYqxwPfBDNL/edit?usp=sharing\&ouid=100039071749592949266\&rtpof=true\&sd=true)(6 min)

:cinema: [Ecological Sustainability Principles 1-3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=72\&v=2Gng0tfOuNM\&feature=emb_logo) (4:10 min)

:cinema: [Social Sustainability Principles 4-8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6lSuwJw0pk\&t=2s) (8:30 min)

<details>

<summary><strong>Further reading/watching/listening</strong></summary>

🎦[Planetary Boundaries: another essential concept to understand our planetary development](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sl28fkrozE)

:book: ["Mid-Course Correction": the creation of the sustainability principles ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FtcohQ7jYusSeMUBOkNEBWee5tp3mrXl8R8iCX_WPsw/edit?usp=sharing)

</details>

### :star:Act

1. Explain the eight sustainability principles and the idea of the planetary system to a friend or family member who does not know about it and/or explain it in a voice-message/video, which you can post in the tent 1 channel on discord. If you are taking the course as a (peer-) group, you can find a way to present the principles to each other (+-15 min)
2. Discuss with them how those models connect to your former knowledge of the planetary system and definitions around sustainability. What is new/different/surprising? Especially for your local context? (5 min)

BONUS: Visualize the sustainability principles and post them in discord!&#x20;

### :brain:Reflect

1. Why is it important to have a shared language around sustainability? Share on discord in the #tent1 channel and/or with your peer group! Don’t forget to add your thoughts to your playbook! (+-10 min)
2. Respond to at least one other reflection on discord (pro-tip: create a thread when responding) (+-5 min)