Sustainable development : concept and indicators 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.

,

Sustainable development is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of issues, from poverty and inequality to Climate change and Environmental Degradation. At its core, sustainable development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The Concept of Sustainable Development was first introduced in the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, also known as the Stockholm Conference. The conference called for a new approach to development that would take into account the environmental and social impacts of economic Growth.

In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) published the Brundtland Report, which defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The Brundtland Report also identified four key pillars of sustainable development: economic development, social development, environmental protection, and institutional development.

The concept of sustainable development has been further developed and refined in the years since the Brundtland Report. In 2000, the United Nations adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were a set of eight goals aimed at reducing poverty, hunger, disease, and other social and environmental problems. The MDGs were achieved in 2015, and they were replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 goals that aim to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.

The SDGs are ambitious, but they are achievable. They require a concerted effort from all sectors of Society, but they offer the potential to create a better future for all.

There are many challenges to sustainable development. One of the biggest challenges is poverty. Over 700 million people live in extreme poverty, and they lack access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. Poverty is a major cause of environmental degradation, as people who are struggling to survive are often forced to exploit natural resources in unsustainable ways.

Another major challenge to sustainable development is inequality. The gap between the rich and the poor is growing wider, and this is leading to social unrest and instability. Inequality also makes it more difficult to achieve sustainable development, as it prevents people from having the resources they need to live healthy and productive lives.

Climate Change is another major challenge to sustainable development. Climate change is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, which is causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. Climate change is already having a significant impact on the planet, and it is only going to get worse if we do not take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation is another major challenge to sustainable development. Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture, logging, and development. Deforestation is a major cause of climate change, as it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Deforestation also destroys habitats for wildlife and contributes to Soil erosion.

Despite the challenges, there are many things that can be done to promote sustainable development. One of the most important things is to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and they are also non-renewable resources. We need to transition to RENEWABLE ENERGY sources, such as solar and wind power.

We also need to reduce our consumption of resources. We need to use less energy, water, and food. We also need to produce less waste. We can do this by making more sustainable choices in our everyday lives, such as choosing to buy products that are made from recycled materials or that are produced in an environmentally friendly way.

We also need to protect our environment. We need to conserve our forests, oceans, and other natural resources. We also need to protect endangered species. We can do this by supporting conservation efforts and by making changes to our own lifestyles.

Sustainable development is a complex issue, but it is one that we must address if we want to create a better future for all. We need to work together to find solutions to the challenges that we face. We need to be innovative and creative. We need to be willing to make changes. And we need to be patient. Sustainable development is a long-term goal, but it is one that is worth pursuing.

Sustainable development is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of issues, including environmental protection, economic growth, and social Equity. There is no one-size-fits-all definition of sustainable development, but it generally refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Some key indicators of sustainable development include:

  • Environmental protection: This includes measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, and conserving natural resources.
  • Economic growth: This includes measures such as increasing GDP, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.
  • Social equity: This includes measures such as reducing inequality, improving access to education and healthcare, and promoting Equality/”>Gender Equality.

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

Here are some frequently asked questions about sustainable development:

  • 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.

  • What are the three pillars of sustainable development?
    The three pillars of sustainable development are environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity.

  • What are some examples of sustainable development practices?
    Some examples of sustainable development practices include:

  • Recycling: Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and incinerators.

  • Using renewable energy: Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, do not produce greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
  • Conserving water: Water is a precious resource that should be used wisely. We can conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, and planting drought-tolerant Plants.
  • Eating less meat: Meat production is a major contributor to climate change. Eating less meat can help to reduce your environmental impact.
  • Buying local food: Buying local food supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of food transportation.

  • What are some challenges to sustainable development?
    Some challenges to sustainable development include:

  • Climate change: Climate change is a major threat to sustainable development. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and warm the planet.

  • Poverty: Poverty is a major obstacle to sustainable development. People living in poverty often lack access to basic necessities, such as food, water, and education.
  • Inequality: Inequality is a major problem in many parts of the world. It can lead to social unrest and conflict.
  • Deforestation: Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. It can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.

  • What can I do to help promote sustainable development?
    There are many things you can do to help promote sustainable development. Some examples include:

  • Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying less stuff, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling what you can.

  • Conserve energy: Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when you’re not using them, and weatherize your home to make it more energy-efficient.
  • Drive less: Walk, bike, or take public transportation whenever possible. If you must drive, choose a fuel-efficient vehicle.
  • Eat less meat: Meat production is a major contributor to climate change. Eating less meat can help to reduce your environmental impact.
  • Buy local food: Buying local food supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of food transportation.
  • Get involved in your community: There are many ways to get involved in your community and promote sustainable development. You can volunteer for an environmental organization, start a community garden, or attend city council meetings.

Every little bit helps! By making small changes in your own life, you can make a big difference for the planet.

Question 1

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Which of the following is not an example of a sustainable development goal?

(A) Eradicating poverty and hunger
(B) Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages
(C) Achieving gender equality and empowering all Women and girls
(D) Reducing inequality within and among countries
(E) Protecting the planet from degradation, including through sustainable management of its natural resources, in order to ensure that it meets the needs of the present and future generations

Answer

(E) is the correct answer. The other Options are all examples of sustainable development goals.

Question 2

The following are some of the indicators of sustainable development:

(1) Human Development index (HDI)
(2) Genuine progress indicator (GPI)
(3) Ecological Footprint
(4) Happy planet index (HPI)

Which of the following is not an indicator of sustainable development?

(A) HDI
(B) GPI
(C) Ecological footprint
(D) HPI

Answer

(C) is the correct answer. The other options are all indicators of sustainable development.

Question 3

The following are some of the challenges to sustainable development:

(1) Climate change
(2) Poverty
(3) Inequality
(4) Deforestation

Which of the following is not a challenge to sustainable development?

(A) Climate change
(B) Poverty
(C) Inequality
(D) Overpopulation

Answer

(D) is the correct answer. The other options are all challenges to sustainable development.

Question 4

The following are some of the solutions to sustainable development:

(1) Investing in renewable energy
(2) Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
(3) Reducing deforestation
(4) Investing in education and healthcare

Which of the following is not a solution to sustainable development?

(A) Investing in renewable energy
(B) Promoting sustainable agriculture
(C) Reducing deforestation
(D) Investing in Nuclear Energy

Answer

(D) is the correct answer. The other options are all solutions to sustainable development.

Question 5

The following are some of the benefits of sustainable development:

(1) Improved air quality
(2) Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
(3) Increased biodiversity
(4) Improved health and well-being

Which of the following is not a benefit of sustainable development?

(A) Improved air quality
(B) Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
(C) Increased biodiversity
(D) Increased economic growth

Answer

(D) is the correct answer. The other options are all benefits of sustainable development.