PART-A
- “Sustainable development is an ideal-a goal towards which all human societies need to be moving” Justify the statement with suitable arguments.
Ans: Sustainable development refers to a pattern of growth in which the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept gained global attention after the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report, which highlighted the urgent need to balance economic progress with environmental protection and social well-being.
The statement, “Sustainable development is an ideal—a goal towards which all human societies need to be moving”, is justified for the following reasons:
1. Balancing Present and Future Needs
- Human societies depend on natural resources such as water, soil, forests, and minerals.
- Over-exploitation of these resources may meet short-term demands but will leave future generations deprived.
- Sustainable development ensures that economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection go hand-in-hand.
2. Environmental Protection
- Industrialisation and urbanisation have led to air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
- Sustainable practices like renewable energy use, afforestation, and waste reduction help maintain ecological balance.
- Example: Shifting to solar and wind energy reduces carbon emissions.
3. Economic Stability
- Unsustainable exploitation leads to resource depletion, which can cause economic crises in the long run.
- By adopting green technologies and resource efficiency, societies can ensure continuous growth without exhausting their base of natural capital.
4. Social Well-Being and Equity
- Sustainable development promotes equal access to resources, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- It addresses poverty alleviation and reduces the gap between rich and poor.
- Example: Community-based water management ensures that rural areas get a fair share of water resources.
5. Global Responsibility
- Environmental problems like climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean pollution are global in nature.
- All nations, whether developed or developing, must work collectively to achieve sustainable goals (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs).
6. Interconnectedness of Systems
- Environmental, economic, and social systems are deeply interlinked.
- Unsustainable practices in one area (e.g., deforestation) can have ripple effects on others (e.g., soil erosion, loss of livelihood, and food insecurity).
Conclusion
Sustainable development is not just an option but a necessity. It represents an ideal vision where humanity’s progress is achieved without degrading the environment or creating social inequalities. Moving towards this goal requires:
- Adoption of renewable energy sources
- Efficient resource management
- Inclusive policies that consider the needs of all sections of society
By pursuing sustainable development, we ensure that both present and future generations can live in a healthy, prosperous, and equitable world.
