Concept of Sustainable Development

<<2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/mahatma-gandhi/”>Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of “enoughness” in his saying “the earth provides enough to satisfy every persons need but not for every person’s greed” According to World Commission on Environment and Development, Our Common Future (1987) , Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It contains within it two key concepts:

  • the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and
  • the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.”

The newly revised The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) indicators contain a core set of 50 indicators. These core indicators are part of a larger set of 96 indicators of sustainable development. Major of them are as follows:-

POVERTY

• Governance

Health

Education

• Demographics

• Natural hazards

Atmosphere

• Land

Oceans, seas and coasts

• Freshwater

Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity

Economic Development

• Global economic PARTNERSHIP

• Consumption and production patterns

To ensure sustainable development following pre conditions are to be ensured:-

  • The rate of exploitation of renewable Resources should not exceed the regeneration rate.
  • Waste emission should be kept at or below assimilative capacity (waste absorptive capacity) of the environment. For instance the absorptive capacity of the environment for radioactive radiation is zero, so strong sustainability criteria suggests that no radioactive substance should be disseminated to the environment.
  • The extraction of nonrenewable resources should be consistent with the development of renewable substitutes. This condition is in line with the Hartwick’s sustainability assumption.
  • Conventional national account should incorporate the depreciation of Natural Resources.

Natural resources are not unlimited and with the human Population increasing at a tremendous rate due to improvement in health-care, the demand for all resources is increasing at an exponential rate. The management of natural resources requires a long-term perspective so that these will last for the generations to come and will not merely be exploited to the hilt for short term gains. This management should also ensure equitable distribution of resources so that all, and not just a handful of rich and powerful people, benefit from the development of these resources.

Another factor to be considered while we exploit these natural resources is the damage we cause to the environment while these resources are either extracted or used. For example, mining causes pollution because of the large amount of slag which is discarded for every tonne of Metal extracted. Hence, sustainable natural resource management demands that we plan for the safe disposal of these wastes too.

Forests and wildlife

Forests are ‘Biodiversity Hot Spots’. One measure of the biodiversity of an area is the number of species found there. However, the range of different life forms (bacteria, Fungi, ferns, flowering Plants, nematodes, insects, birds, reptiles and so on) is also important. One of the main aims of conservation is to try and preserve the biodiversity we have inherited. Experiments and field studies suggest that a loss of diversity may lead to a loss of ecological stability.

Industries would consider the forest as merely a source of raw material for its factories. And huge interest-groups lobby the government for access to these raw materials at artificially low rates. Since these industries have a greater reach than the local people, they are not interested in the sustainability of the forest in one particular area. For example, after cutting down all the teak trees in one area, they will get their teak from a forest farther away. They do not have any stake in ensuring that one particular area should yield on optimal amount of some produce for all generations to come.

Management of Protected Areas, by keeping the local people out, by using force cannot possibly be successful in the long run. In any case, the damage caused to forests cannot be attributed to only the local people – one cannot turn a blind eye to the deforestation caused by industrial needs or development projects like building roads or Dams. The damage caused in these reserves by tourists or the arrangements made for their convenience is also to be considered.

Water management

Watershed Management emphasises scientific Soil and water conservation in order to increase the Biomass/”>Biomass production. The aim is to develop primary resources of land and water, to produce secondary resources of plants and animals for use in a manner which will not cause ecological imbalance. Watershed management not only increases the production and income of the watershed community, but also mitigates droughts and floods and increases the life of the downstream dam and reservoirs. Various organisations have been working on rejuvenating ancient systems of water harvesting as an alternative to the ‘mega-projects’ like dams. These communities have used hundreds of indigenous water saving methods to capture every trickle of water that had fallen on their land; dug small pits and lakes, put in place simple watershed systems, built small earthen dams, constructed dykes, sand and limestone reservoirs, set up rooftop water-collecting units. This has recharged groundwater levels and even brought rivers back to life.

Water harvesting is an age-old concept in India. Khadins, tanks and nadis in Rajasthan, bandharas and tals in Maharashtra, bundhis in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, ahars and pynes in Bihar, kulhs in Himachal Pradesh, ponds in the Kandi belt of Jammu region, and eris (tanks) in Tamil Nadu, surangams in Kerala, and kattas in Karnataka are some of the ancient water harvesting, including water conveyance, structures still in use today (see Fig. 16.3 for an example). Water harvesting techniques are highly locale specific and the benefits are also localised. Giving people control over their local Water Resources ensures that mismanagement and over-exploitation of these resources is reduced/removed.

Coal and petroleum

The management of these energy sources involves slightly different perspectives than other resources. Coal and petroleum were formed from the degradation of bio-mass millions of years ago and hence these are resources that will be exhausted in the future no matter how carefully we use them. And then we would need to look for alternative sources of energy. Various estimates as to how long these resources will last us exist and one is that at present rates of usage, our known petroleum resources will last us for about forty years and the coal resources will last for another two hundred years.

But looking to other sources of energy is not the only consideration when we look at the consumption of coal and petroleum. Since coal and petroleum have been formed from bio–mass, in addition to carbon, these contain hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur. When these are burnt, the products are carbon dioxide, water, oxides of nitrogen and oxides of sulphur. When combustion takes place in insufficient air (Oxygen), then carbon monoxide is formed instead of carbon dioxide. Of these products, the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen and carbon monoxide are poisonous at high concentrations and carbon dioxide is a green-house gas. Another way of looking at coal and petroleum is that they are huge reservoirs of carbon and if all of this carbon is converted to carbon dioxide, then the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is going to increase leading to intense Global Warming. Thus, we need to use these resources judiciously.

Sustainable Management Of Natural Resources is a difficult task. In addressing this issue, we need to keep an open mind with regard to the interests of various stakeholders. We need to accept that people will act with their own best interests as the priority. But the realisation that such selfish goals will lead to misery for a large number of people and a total destruction of our environment is slowly growing. Going beyond laws, rules and regulations, we need to tailor our requirements, individually and collectively, so that the benefits of development reach everyone now and for all generations to come.,

Sustainable development is a broad concept that encompasses a wide range of issues. Some of the most important subtopics include economic development, social development, environmental protection, institutional development, technological development, and Cultural Development.

Economic development is essential for providing people with the resources they need to live a good life. It includes things like job creation, poverty reduction, and economic Growth. Economic development can also help to protect the environment by providing people with the resources they need to live sustainably.

Social development is also important for sustainable development. It includes things like education, healthcare, and Equality/”>Gender Equality. Social development can help to improve people’s lives and make them more resilient to environmental shocks.

Environmental protection is essential for ensuring that the planet can continue to support life. It includes things like reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and protecting biodiversity. Environmental protection can help to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the environment as we do today.

Institutional development is important for creating the structures and policies that support sustainable development. It includes things like building strong governments, developing effective markets, and strengthening civil Society. Institutional development can help to ensure that sustainable development is implemented in a fair and equitable way.

Technological development is important for finding new ways to meet our needs without damaging the environment. It includes things like developing RENEWABLE ENERGY sources, improving Energy Efficiency, and finding new ways to recycle and reuse materials. Technological development can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources.

Cultural development is important for creating a society that values sustainable living. It includes things like promoting environmental awareness, encouraging sustainable lifestyles, and celebrating the diversity of cultures. Cultural development can help to create a more sustainable future for all.

These are just some of the most important subtopics that can be discussed under the concept of sustainable development. There are many other subtopics that could be included, and the specific subtopics that are most relevant will vary depending on the specific context.

Sustainable development is a complex and challenging issue, but it is one that is essential for the future of our planet. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.

One of the most important things we can do to promote sustainable development is to reduce our consumption of resources. This means using less energy, water, and other resources in our daily lives. We can also reduce our consumption by buying less stuff and repairing or reusing things instead of throwing them away.

Another important way to promote sustainable development is to support businesses and organizations that are working to make the world a more sustainable place. This includes businesses that are developing renewable energy sources, investing in sustainable agriculture, and creating products that are made from recycled materials. We can also support organizations that are working to protect the environment, promote social Justice, and build a more sustainable economy.

Finally, we can all make a difference by getting involved in our communities and making our voices heard. We can contact our elected officials and let them know that we support sustainable development. We can also volunteer our time to work on sustainable projects in our communities.

By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a broad concept that encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

What are the three pillars of sustainable development?

The three pillars of sustainable development are economic development, social development, and environmental protection. These three pillars are interrelated and interdependent, and they must be balanced in order to achieve sustainable development.

What are some examples of sustainable development?

Some examples of sustainable development include renewable energy, energy efficiency, Sustainable Agriculture, and sustainable Forestry. These are all examples of activities that can help to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What are some challenges to sustainable development?

Some challenges to sustainable development include Climate change, poverty, and inequality. These are all challenges that require global cooperation in order to address.

What are some opportunities for sustainable development?

Some opportunities for sustainable development include the development of new technologies, the growth of the Green Economy, and the increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability. These are all opportunities that can be harnessed to help achieve sustainable development.

What is the role of the United Nations in sustainable development?

The United Nations plays a leading role in promoting sustainable development. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals that were adopted by all UN member states in 2015. The SDGs are a blueprint for a better future for all, and they provide a framework for action on sustainable development.

What can I do to help promote sustainable development?

There are many things that you can do to help promote sustainable development. Some examples include:

  • Reducing your energy consumption
  • Recycling and composting
  • Eating less meat
  • Supporting sustainable businesses
  • Getting involved in your community

Every little bit helps, so don’t be afraid to get involved and make a difference!

  1. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  2. The three pillars of sustainable development are economic development, social development, and environmental protection.
  3. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
  4. The SDGs were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.
  5. The SDGs are interrelated and indivisible, and they balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental.
  6. The SDGs are ambitious but achievable, and they provide a roadmap for a better future for all.
  7. The SDGs are a call to action for all countries, developed and developing alike.
  8. The SDGs are a global partnership, and they require the participation of all sectors of society.
  9. The SDGs are a blueprint for a better future, and they offer a chance to create a more just and sustainable world.
  10. The SDGs are a call to action, and they require urgent action to achieve them.

  11. Which of the following is not a pillar of sustainable development?
    (A) Economic development
    (B) Social development
    (C) Environmental protection
    (D) Political development

  12. Which of the following is not one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
    (A) Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
    (B) Goal 2: End hunger, achieve Food Security and improved Nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
    (C) Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
    (D) Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong Learning opportunities for all

  13. Which of the following is not a target of Goal 1?
    (A) By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as living on less than $1.90 a day
    (B) By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, Women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
    (C) By 2030, ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic Services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
    (D) By 2030, build resilient Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

  14. Which of the following is not a target of Goal 2?
    (A) By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and vulnerable, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round
    (B) By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fisherfolk, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and appropriate technologies, and by developing and strengthening relevant policies and institutions
    (C) By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain Ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to Climate Change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
    (D) By 2030, reduce by half per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses

  15. Which of the following is not a target of Goal 3?
    (A) By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being
    (B) By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs
    (C) By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
    (D) By 2030, achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and Vaccines for all

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