Definitions [2]
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.
Definitions: Sustainable Development
- In 1987, the Brundtland Commission cited the definition of sustainability.
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs." - “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: State of India's Environment
India has rich natural resources but they are under severe pressure from both poverty and rapid industrialisation.
- Main problems: land degradation, loss of biodiversity, air pollution (especially vehicles), freshwater scarcity and solid waste issues.
- Causes of land degradation: deforestation, overgrazing, wrong farming practices, overuse of fertilisers/pesticides, over‑pumping groundwater and poor irrigation.
- Pollution Control Boards monitor and regulate water and air pollution, but unplanned urbanisation and industrial growth mean that India must consciously follow sustainable development.
Key Points: Concept of Sustainable Development
Sustainable development means improving life today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
- It links needs with fairness in resource use, especially for the poor (food, jobs, health, education, water, energy, housing).
- Environment and economy must stay within nature’s carrying capacity: use renewables no faster than they regenerate and gradually replace non‑renewables with sustainable alternatives.
Key Points: Strategies for Sustainable Development
- Shift to cleaner energy: wind, solar, CNG, mini‑hydel, LPG and gobar gas to cut pollution and deforestation.
- Promote eco‑friendly farming: biocomposting and biopest control instead of excessive chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
- Revive traditional knowledge and practices (like Ayurveda, herbal products, mixed cropping) that are more environment friendly and low‑chemical.
