Some sustainability models present the three pillars as three overlapping circles of equal size, while others present them as nested circles, with the economy inside society and society inside the environment. What is the main point made by the nested model?

Correct answer: A) The economy depends on society, and both depend on the environment, so environmental limits constrain the other two pillars

Explanation

The nested model emphasises that the economy exists within society and that both rely on the natural environment. This means economic activity cannot be sustained if it breaches environmental limits, a view associated with strong sustainability. The overlapping-circles model treats the pillars as more equal and allows trade-offs, which the nested model challenges.