Sustainable

Development
Green Skills
Definition
"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
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 the present and future needs.
-World Commission on Environment and Development, Our Common
Future (1987)

 It is a carefully planned strategy that promotes growth and efficient usage of

resources while considering immediate and long-term benefits for our planet.
 The aim is to balance our economic, environmental and social needs, allowing
prosperity for the present and future generations
Principles of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is essential because it helps us to look at our world differently-that

economies should grow, companies should thrive, people should have decent work, and new
innovative technologies should be created but not at the cost of the environment.
Objectives of Sustainable Development

 Economic Growth : Building a robust and competitive economy; ensuring that

sufficient land is available to support growth and innovation; identifying and
coordinating other developmental needs.
 Environmental Protection : Protecting and enhancing our natural
environment, helping to improve biodiversity, using natural resources wisely,
minimising waste and pollution, helping to decrease climate change,
spearheading a global shift to a low-carbon economy.
 Social Inclusion : Creating high-quality development with accessible local
services for the community to support its health, social, and cultural well-
being.
 Cultural Diversity : Building sensitivity 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.
Consequences of Unbalanced Development
 Changing Rain and Snow patterns
 Less Snow and Ice on Mountains and Polar regions
 Stronger storms
 Higher Temperatures and more Heat Waves
 Thawing Permafrost
 More droughts and wildfires
 Rising Sea Level
 Warmer Oceans
 Damages Corals
 Changes in Animal Migration and Life Cycles
 Changes in Plant Life cycles
Measures to be taken for Sustainable
Development
 Proper use of Means and Resources
Wise use of resources like minerals, coal, petroleum, water, insecticides, chemical
fertilisers, forest products, etc. will lead to minimum use of resources for maximum
benefit without wastage. It helps to conserve and protect the environment.
 Development of Positive Attitude and Holistic Approach Towards Conservation
Changes in people's knowledge, attitude and skill towards the environment makes
them aware of their responsibility to use and preserve natural resources like oceans,
forests, land, ecosvstems.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 will. It helps to conserve natural and social
environment.
 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 results 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.
What should cities do?

 Adopt low-carbon growth and public transportation

 Climate-smart agriculture and manufacturing,
 Preservation of natural resources
 Greater efficiency in energy production
 Minimize the use of toxic chemicals
 Change consumption patterns
 Reduce the generation of waste.
Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs)
 The collection of17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in
2015 for the year 2030.
 These were implemented from 1stJanuary 2016.
 The SDGs have been adopted by 193 member countries of the United Nations.
Aim of SDGs
 Achieve a more sustainable future for all. Address the global challenges-
poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, prosperity,
peace and justice.
 Action by all countries, poor, rich, and middle-income to promote welfare
while protecting the planet. Foster economic growth; address social needs
like tackling climate change and environmental protection.
Challenges in Sustainable Development
 Lack of financial resources to plan and carry out sustainable development.
 Sustainable development is often difficult in countries that are facing extreme challenges.
 Like war-torn countries that are unable to prioritise sustainable development due to their political
conditions.
 Natural occurrences, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, may also pose a threat to sustainability as
their adverse effects can destroy infrastructure.
 At times, there is a conflict between immediate profit and investment towards sustainable
technologies.
 In certain countries, the government has increased financing towards the non-sustainable energy
sources to keep the economy growing and win people's votes, which is a short term view. They are
refusing to adopt sustainable energy sources which make better economic sense in the long-term.
 Corruption is another challenge. Funding to developing countries usually provided through foreign
grants may get misdirected due to bureaucracy and corruption.
 Lack of effort at the local government level may also prevent the implementation of the goals.
 Another key challenge is ensuring responsibility and accountability in achieving sustainable
development. This requires linking regional, national, and international scales to assess if countries
are meeting the goals.