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What do you Understand by Sustainable Development?

Sustainable Development is one of the most important concepts in Class 10 Economics and Environment Studies. It is the idea of growing today without damaging the ability of tomorrow's generation to grow.

Question (Click to Flip)

What do you understand by sustainable development?

Answer

Sustainable development means developing the economy and improving living standards in ways that protect the environment and natural resources, so that future generations can also meet their needs. The Brundtland Commission (1987) defined it as 'meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations'.

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Key Facts

Brundtland Definition (1987): Meeting present needs without harming future generations.

Three Pillars: Economic Growth + Environmental Protection + Social Equity.

Goal: SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) by the UN โ€” 17 goals to achieve by 2030.

Definition of Sustainable Development

The most widely accepted definition, given by the Brundtland Commission (1987), is:

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

In simple terms: Use resources wisely today so that enough is left for your children and grandchildren.

Key Principles

  1. Economic Growth: Development must continue to improve living standards.
  2. Environmental Protection: Natural resources (forests, water, air) must be conserved.
  3. Social Equity: Benefits of development must reach all sections of society, not just the rich.

These three are called the 'Three Pillars of Sustainable Development'.

Examples of Sustainable Development

  • Using solar/wind energy instead of fossil fuels (which deplete).
  • Planting trees for every one cut down (afforestation).
  • Rainwater harvesting instead of over-extracting groundwater.
  • Organic farming instead of using excessive pesticides that degrade soil.

Questions and Answers

What do you understand by sustainable development?+

Sustainable development means developing the economy and improving living standards in ways that protect the environment and natural resources, so that future generations can also meet their needs. The Brundtland Commission (1987) defined it as 'meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations'.

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