NFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
SESSION 1:
is Considered a gradual
civilisation. Development
have strived for development ever since the beginning of
nudns
However, impact of this
the
cultural systems.
progress for improvement the economic, social, political, and
in
years. inis approach has
r e s o u r c e s was not
considered in the initial
v e o p m e n t on the environment and the natural
generations.
continues to threaten
the survival of ourfuture
n t h e rapid depletionof these r e s o u r c e s and

EVOLUTION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

recognition in 1972 at the
he concept of sustainable development received its first major international
UN Conterence on the Human Environment (UNCHE) held in Stockholm, Sweden. The term was not used explicitly, but
the international community agreed that both development and environment could be managed in a mutually

beneficial manner.

Nations created the World Commission on Environment and Development, which was later known as
In1983, the United
the Brundtland Commission. The Prime Minister of Norway at the time, Gro Harlem Brundtland, was appointed the
chairperson of the commission. The organisation aimed at identifying the sustainability problems worldwide, raising
awareness about them, and suggesting the implementation ofsolutions at a global level.

DEFINITION OF SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT
In 1987, the Brundtland Commission released the report Our Common Future, commonly called the 'Brundtland
Report. The report included one ofthe most widely recognised definitions of sustainable development:

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability offuture generations to meet their own needs." It contains two key concepts:

The concept of 'needs', in particular the essential needs of the world's

poor, to which overriding priority
should be given.

The idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social

organisation
ability to meet the present and future needs.
on the environment's
-

World Commission on Environment and

Development, Our Common Future (198/)
Simply put, sustainable development is a long-term,
integrated approach to development; addressing economic, Sustainable Development
environmental, and social issues while avoiding excess
Improvement
consumption of vital natural resources. Sustainability of
Preserving8
lifestyles and Sustainable n a t u r a l resources
seeks to protect our natural environment, human well-being well-being Development and

and ecological health while driving innovation and not ecosystems

compromising our way of life.

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 CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Brundtland Commission's definition and approach to environmental conservation was completely different from
the conventional one. Let us lok at some of the major differences

Conventional approach Sustainable development

The environment was considered a separate entity, The environment is where we live and development is what we all
detached from human emotion or action; whereas doto improve our lives. The two are inseparable.
development was a term used to describe political goals
and economic progress.

Environmental protection agencies were added to the
eNisting government structures to address environmental
issues.
Government agencies and major departments (in charge of
investment, employment, food, energy, and othereconomicand
social development) play key roles in national decision making,
and consequently in determining whether environmental
resources are maintained, protected, or degraded.

The focus was on countering the ill-effects of the policies The focus is on correcting the policies that are the source or root

which caused environmental degradation (cure) cause of adverse environmental effects (prevention).

PRINCIPLES OFSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

based on the integration of environmental, social, and economic
The principles of sustainable development are

concerns into all aspects of decision making.

Living within Achlaving Promoting Using Ensuring a

science strong.
environmental ustainabl good
limits oconom governance responsibly healthy,and
justsoclety

The Principles of Sustainable Development

is a carefully planned strategy that promotes growth and

As against development, sustainable development
unchecked
aim of sustainable
immediate and long-term benefits for our planet. The
efficient usage of resources while considering
for the present and
environmental, and social needs, allowing prosperity
development is to balance our economic,
future generations.

0BJECTIVES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

of
affiliated organisations, the main objectives
According to United Nations and the
Sustainable development are:
ECONOMY ENVIRONMENT

ECONOMIC GROWTH: Building a robust and competitive economy; ensuring that sUSTAINABLE
growth and innovation; identifying and DEVELOPMENT
Sufficient land is available to support
needs.
COordinating other developmental SOCIAL
and enhancing our natural COMMUNIY
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Protecting
natural wisely,
resources

environment, helping to improve biodiversity, using

helping to decrease climate change, spearheading
a
minimising waste and pollution,
global shift to a low-carbon economy.

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SOCIAL INCLUSION:Creating high-quality development with accessible local services for the community to support its

health, social, and cultural well-being.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY:Buildingsensitivity towards all cultures and celebrating diversity.
The objectives to achieve effective and sustainable development must be applied simultaneously, interacting with one
another in a consistent and committed effort

IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The growth of an economy is considered to be of utmost chenges in Animal
Changing Rain Migration and Life Cydes Less
importance. However, the negative impact that unrestrained and Snow Snow and lce
Patterns
growth has on the environment is rarely brought to the
forefront. Higher Temperatures
and More Heat Waves
WMoreDroughts
CONSEQUENCES OFUNBALANCED DEVELOPMENT Strenger
and Wildfires
Thawing
Stonns
Permafrost
Over the past two decades, economic growth has come at the
expense of the environment. The following points describe
the consequences of unbalanced development: Damaged Rising Warmer
Corels caLevel
Changes in
Earth's natural resources have been used in an inefficient Plant Life Cyeles
and wasteful manner, that has resulted in poor air quality
and overall climate change.

Greenhouse gas emissions are rising alarmingly, and the world is on a path to raise the average global temperature
by more than three degrees Celsius in this century itself.

The world is already experiencing the repercussions of climate change, from sea-level rise and melting glaciers to
more extreme weather patterns and destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity.
We are ruthlessly using the earth's resources and the impact is evident to all. We have to reduce our consumption of
natural resources without compromising our quality of life. We need to consume and sustain at the same time. For
instance, if we are cutting a tree to use its wood, we should plant a sapling at the same time- this way we use the
resource. Here, we are using the resource while ensuring that the future generation can also do the same. Thus,

development can never be achieved if the adverse effects are ignored completely.
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Some necessary steps needed for sustainable development are:

Proper use of means and resources

Sustainable development emphasises on the wise use of resources like

minerals, coal, petroleum, water, insecticides, chemical fertilisers, forest
products, ett. This will lead to minimum use of resources for maximum benefit
without vwastage. It helps to conserve and protect the environment.

Development of positive attitude and holistic approach towards conservation

Sustainable development brings about changes in people's knowledge, attitude, and skill towards the environment. It
makes people aware of their responsibility to use and preserve natural resources like oceans, forests, land, ecosystems,
etc. It creates a sense that natural resources are commonly shared by all; everyone has a shared
responsibility
towards these, and hence, these cannot be used according to one's willI. It
helps to conserve natural and social
environment.

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Integrated socio-economic development

Sustainable development stresses on the fact that the progress of health, education, agriculture, tourism, and social
reform is of prime importance for the development of human beings. However, while doing so, environment
conservation and promotion should also be kept in mind.
Development based on people's participation
The aim of sustainable development can be achieved only when the maximum number of people participate and
promote it. This participation creates a feeling of ownership towards development work and environment conservation
among the local population.

Limited development
Sometimes, development is done more than it is needed. It happens due to the greed of individuals. This undesirable
development resulits in the depletion of the already limited non-renewable resources globally, Sustainable development
promotes the concept of limited development that is not driven by greed.

Long-lasting development
Sustainable development aims at long-lasting development. It emphasises on continuing the present development
without destroying the earth's means and resources.
Applying these strategies for development means that cities must adopt low-carbon growth and public transportation,
climate-smart agriculture and manufacturing, preservation of natural resources, greater efficiency in energy, minimising
is an
the use chemicals, change consumption patterns, and reduce the generation of waste. Sustainability
of toxic
and keeping the delicate ecosystems of our
integral part of counteracting climate change, protecting the environment,
planet in balance.
that economies should
Thus, sustainabledevelopment is essential because it helps us to look at our world differently-
and new innovative technologies should be created,
grow, companies should thrive, people should have decent work,
but not at the cost of the environment.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO PROMOTEAND IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The United Nations (UN) is supporting efforts to assess climate science, facilitating negotiations under the UNFCCC

(United Nations Framework Convention Change) for a climate agreement, and providing assistance to
on Climate

countries and communities to reduce emissions

in order to mitigate climate change. To address climate change, the then
number of initiatives, including 'Sustainable Energy for All, that is
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon launched a
clean energy, improve energy efficiency, and increase the use of renewable sources of
working to help people access

energy.
1992
UN Conference on
Environment and
Development in Rio de
Janeiro. Action plans for a
more sustainable pattern of
2019
Special Climate Summit will
2016 convene-government,
UN Sustainable Development private sector, and civil
2015 Summit. World leaders
society will find solutions to
The UN Framework adopted the new 2030
Agenda of Sustainable accelerate action to combat
Convention on Climate
Development Goals (SDGs) in climate change.
Change (UNFCCC).
1997 A new universal climate 2015 which were brought into
The Kyoto protocol signed. force on 1st January 2016.
change agreement in Paris to
Legally binds developed
limit temperature rise below
countries to reduce
2 degrees Celsius,
emissions till 2020.

development

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the colection of1 QUALUTY

3 AND WEL-BENS4 4EDUCATIO 5 EAUTY
1 PonRTY 2
17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly
2015 for the year 2030. These were implemented from 1st i
January 2016. The SDGs have been adopted by 193 member DECENT WORK AND
A CLEANWAIER
AND SANTAON O ECONOMIC GROWTH FUSTZ 10
U MEOUALS
countries of the United Nations.

Aim of SDGs

Achieve a more sustainable future for all. 12 CONSIN PEION

Address the global challenges-poverty, inequality,
THE GLOBAL GOALS MBPRODUCTE

climate change,
environmental degradation, prosperity,
For Sustainable Development
CO
CLIMATE
peace, and justice. MCTION 14M 15 MACE AMGASTICE

Action by all countries, poor, rich, and

middle-income to
promote welfare while protecting the planet.
Foster economic growth;
address social needs like education, health, social protection, and job opportunities while
tackling climate change and environmental protection.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTTHE FUTURE

Over the next fifteen years, countries will mobilise efforts to end all forms of
fight inequalities and tackle climate
poverty,
change, while ensuring that no one is left behind. All countries have to put in significant efforts to attain sustainable
development goals in order to save our planet. Individuals can also contribute to
achieving these goals by making small
changes in their lifestyle.

SUSTAINABLEDEVELO PMENT-THE CHALLENGES

Sustainabledevelopment requires a lot of concentrated efforts, and its
Both developed and
implementation still faces various challenges.
developing countries are facing numerous problems while
attempting to achieve sustainable
development:
Lack of financial resources to plan and carry out sustainable development.
Sustainable development is often difficult in countries
that are facing extreme
countries that are unable to challenges. An
example can be war-torm
prioritise sustainable development due to their political conditions.
such as earthquakes and Natural occurrences,
tsunamis, may also pose a threat to
infrastructure.
sustainability as their adverse effects can destroy
For
example, in the village of Ramche in Nepal, the only source of water
was shaken off course by the
earthquake of 2015. Since then, the village has been going a water
crisis, and the expenditure on a bottled waster has
gone up.

At times, there is conflict between immediate

a
profit and investment towards sustainable
example, in certain countries, the government has increased technologies. For
financing towards the non-sustainable
to keep the economy
growing and win people's votes, which is a short energy sources
term view.
sustainable energy sources which make better economic They are refusing to adopr
sense in the
long-term.
Corruption is another challenge. Funding to developing countries
misdirected due to bureaucracy and corruption. usually provided through foreign grants may eE

Lack of effort at the local

government level may also prevent the
implementation of the goals.
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 utainable deeloprment. This
Another key challenge is ensuring responsibility and accountability in athieviny
requires linking regional, national, and international scales to asess if countrie, are rmeeting the yoals

production, and marnaging the planet s natural

Eradicating extreme poverty, promoting sustainable consumption and

the overarching challenges of sustainable developrnent. Sustainahle deyeloprmert is a

historic
resource base- are

deliver inclusive growth, eliminate poverty, and reduce the risk of clirnate
opportunity for the world communities to
development.
change by changing approaches to economic

Sustainable developnent is developrnent that meets the needs of the presert

Recap without compromising the ability of future generations to rmeet their own needs.

Conventionally, the environment was considered a separate entity, detached frorn hurman emotion
or action
whereas development was a term used to describe political goals and economic progres.

is what we
The concept of sustainable development is that the environment is where we live and development

all do to improve our lives.

economic growth, environnental protection, social inclusion,

The objectives of sustainable development are

and cultural diversity.

sustainable development must be applied simultaneously, interacting
The objectives to achieve effective and

with o n e another ina consistent committed effort.

and
economic
are based on the integration of environmental, social, and
The principles of sustainable development
concernsinto all aspects of decision making.
goals set by the United Nations General
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the collection of 17 global
from 1st January, 2016.
Assembly in 2015 for the year 2030. These were implemented
extreme poverty, promoting
sustainable
The major challenges of sustainable growth are eradicating
natural resource base.
consumption and production, and managing the planet's

ASSESSMENT TIME

A. Multiple Choice Questions:

1. The United Nations created the World Commission on Environment and Development, which was later known

as the. . . Commission.
************************

d. None of these
a. Stockland b. Switzerland Brundtland
Sustainable development isa long-term,... . . approach to development.
2.
b. Submissive tegrated d. All of these
a. Excessive
and development are
3. According to the concept of sustainable development, the environment

. . . SSues.
'*********'******'*****'****

b. Separate C. Independent d. None of these

hseparable
of
The focus of sustainable development is correcting the policies that are the ***********************"**********°'***

4. . . . .

adverse environmental effects.

a. Results Root cause C. Solutions d. None of these

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5 Building sensitivity towards all cultures and celebrating diversity is called...

a. Economic growth Cultural diversity

b. Environmental protection d. Social inclusion
6. Rising greenhouse gas emissions are expected to raise the average global temperature by more than
****...degrees Celsius in this century itself.
aThree b. Five C. Ten d. Minus three
The initiative launched by UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moonis
va Sustainable energy for all b. Sustainable development for all
c.Universal development for all d. Prosperity for all
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the collection of ..
United Nations General Assembly.
**** *
*** *** *************** .

global goals set by the

a. 12 b. 15
d.118
The objectives of sustainable development are economic growth, environmental protection,
****************** .and cultural diversity..
a. Social Security b Social Inclusion C. Social Exclusion d. None of these
10. Development is a term used to describe
political goals and.. ... progress.

Economic b. Social C. Environmental d. All of these

B Fill in the Blanks:
The concept of sustainable development
on the Human
recgived its first major international recognition at the UN Conference
Environment held in. UKhOl.. **********

e HoslembukAewas the chairperson of the Brundtland Commission.

B. In 1987, the Brundtland Commission released the
Brundtland Report. report, w..O V ull., commonly called the
Conventionally, the
environment was considered .ALAA a
emotion or action. ***************** ....

entity, detached from human

5 In sustainable development, the objective
development with accessible local services of.ACAAA.. uuMCr. is attained by creating high-quality
for the community.
6
Funding
Lal toadeYsepjng countries usuat
e n g countries
usually provided through foreign grants may get misdirected due
. and.SKAAAIDA to
7. The key to using resources in
benefit without.. sustainable
2AKMA development is the minimum use of resources
for the maximum
8. The SDGs have been
adopted by.. ...
member countries of the
9 People's Aicupaki0. United Nations.
. . Creates a feeling of
environment conservation among the local ownership towards development work and
population.
10. The undesirable development results in the depletion of the
globally already limited.2.LOra.
nAabl resources

ANSWERS
1.
A. Multiple Choice Questions
. a 4. b 5.c 6. a
B. Fill in the Blanks
7.a 8.c 9.b 10. a
1. Stockholm 2. Gro Harlem Brundtland
3.Our Common Future
6.Bureaucracy, Corruption 7.Wastage . 193
4. Separate
5. Social inclusion
9. Participation
10. Non-renewablee
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C. Answer the Following Questions-(SOLVED)
1 Definite sustainable development?
Ans.Sustainable the development is development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the
ability offuture generations to meet their own needs.
What are the two key concepts of sustainable development?
Ans. Sustainable Development contains two key concepts:
The concept of 'needs'; in particular the essential needs
of the world's poor, to which overriding priority
should be given.
The idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organisation on the environment's
ability to meet present and future needs.

Name the four objectives of sustainable development.

Ans.The four objectives of sustainable development are economic growth, environmental protection, social
inclusion, and cultural diversity.
How does
development ensure economic growth?
sustainable
Sustainable development ensures
economic growth by buildinga robust and competitive economy; ensuring
Ans

that sufficient land

is available to support growth and innovation; identifying and coordinating other
developmental needs
What does sustainable resource teach us
about the use of resources?
Ans Sustainable development teaches the minimum use of resources for the maximum benefit without wastage. It
helps to conserve and protect the environment.
What measures
will cities
adopt to protect the environment, while ensuring development?
have to
Ans Cities must adopt low-carbon growth and public transportation, climate-smart agriculture and
manufacturing, preservation of natural resources, greater efficiency in energy, minimising the use of toxic
chemicals,change consumption patterns, and reduce the generation of waste.
Naturaloccurrences can pose a threat to sustainability. Explain.
ns. Natural occurrences, such as earthquakes and tsunamis may pose a threat to sustainability as their adverse
effects can destroy infrastructure.
iOw can
it be ensured that countries are achieving the sustainable development goals?
Ans.Ensuring responsibility and accountability of countries requires linking regional, national, and international
Scales to assess if countries are
meeting the goals.
What are the major
challenges
of sustainable growth?
AT'S. Ihe major challenges of sustainable growth are eradicating extreme poverty, promoting sustainabie

Consumption and production, and managing the planet's natural resource base.
D. Answer the Following Questions-(UNSOLVED)
Write the difference between the
conventional approach to address environmental issues and sustainable
development.
What are the principles of sustainable development?
Write in detail about the four objectives of sustainable developmen.
How has unrestrained
development in the last two decades affected the environment?
Describe some of the social and economic
challenges facing the world today.
6. Write two lines each about the
important features of sustainable development.
What of the member countries of the United
is the aim
Nations in implementing sustainable goals
8 Name any three sustainable goals which you think are
relevant to your country. What should the country do in
order to implement these?
9 How is sustainable development a historic opportunity for the world communities to come
Common cause? together for a

10. What are the problems faced by developing countries with regard to sustainable
development?

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