Definitions [5]
Definition: Pollution
Pollution is the addition of any such constituent to air, water or land which deteriorates the natural quality of the environment.
Definition: Pollutant
Pollutant is any such constituent which causes pollution.
Define:
sustainable development
Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Answer the following question in about 30 words.
Define the concept of sustainable development.
Sustainable development means a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Definitions: 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” - World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987
- “The alternative approach (to sustainable development) is to focus on natural capital assets and suggest that they should not decline through time.” - Pearce, Markandya and Barbier, 1989-
Key Points
Key Points: Climate Change
- Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, wind and other climatic patterns due to natural and human causes.
- Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation increase greenhouse gases, strengthening the greenhouse effect.
- Natural factors such as volcanic activity, ocean circulation and changes in Earth’s orbit also influence climate change.
- Major signs include rising global temperatures, melting glaciers and polar ice, sea-level rise and changing rainfall patterns.
- Future impacts may include frequent heat waves, stronger storms, flooding, ecosystem disruption and socio-economic damage.
Key Points: Concept of Sustainable Development
- Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- It balances economic growth, social well-being and environmental protection.
- It is based on inter-generational equity and meeting the basic needs of all, especially the poor.
- The Brundtland Commission (1987) gave the most widely accepted definition.
- Lester Brown, Edward Barbier and Herman Daly made important contributions to the concept.
- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 provide a global framework for achieving sustainable development by 2030.
Key Points: Organic farming
- Organic farming is an eco-friendly agricultural system that avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides and maintains natural balance in farming.
- It uses organic wastes, biofertilizers, animal manure, and microbes to supply nutrients and maintain soil fertility.
- Crop rotation, biological pest control, and resistant local varieties are used to manage weeds and diseases naturally.
- Organic farming promotes sustainable agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, and long-term productivity, ensuring safe food for humans and environment.
