Green Skills - II fer studying this chapter, students will be able to: ‘© Meaning and definition of sustainable development. '* Importance of sustainable development. Problems related to sustainable development. Solutions related to sustainable development. 5.1 DEMONSTRATE THE KNOWLEDGE OF IMPORTANCE, PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BLE DEVELO! he phrase ‘sustainable development’ is made of two words — sustainable and development, If you stain something, you can continue to use it or maintain it for a longer period of time. Here, the word Sustainable’ is used to describe the use of natural resources: when this use is kept at a steady level, that is Rot likely to damage the environment. Sustainability can be defined as the practice of maintaining processes ‘productivity indefinitely by replacing resources used, with resources of equal or greater value without degrading or endangering natural biotic systems. Sustainable development ties’ together concem for the farrying capacity of natural systems with the social, political and economic challenges faced by humanity. ere is an added focus on the present generation’s responsibility to regenerate, maintain and improve arth’s resources for use by future generations. Sustainable development is the organising principle for meeting human development goals, while at the same fime, sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystems, services upon Which the economy and society depend. The desired result is a state of society where living conditions [and usg of resources continue to mest human needs without undermining the integrity and stability of the Datural"system Broadly speaking, sustainable development is a systematic approach to growth and development and to Tanage natural, produced, and social capital for the welfare of their own and future generations. Sustainable development has its roots in ideas about sustainable forest management which were developed in Furopg during the 17th and 18th centuries. The idea of sustainable development ga sd wide acceptance ‘due to environmental’ concerns in the 20th century. ay MY aT rdi cen / The concept of sustainable development was popularised in 1987 by the “United Nations World Com ‘on Environment and Development.” In its report named ‘Our Common Future’, also called Brundt Report, it defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present, with compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs”, i.e, without stripping the Mi world of resources future generations would need, This definition of sustainable development, which 1s i widely accepted now, contains two key concepts: . YG) the concept of needs, in particular, the essential needs of the world’s poor which should be given’ ‘most priority Y Gi) the ane of limitations imposed by the il fA) “we have not inherited the earth fron ‘our forefathers; we have borrowed from our children.” — Lester Brown, KNO| state of technology and social organisation PARRA on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs, Sse We * The concept of sustainable development was popularised in 1987 by the United Nations Wot Commission on Environment and Development. ‘= In its report, it defined the idea as “Development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” + The idea of sustainable development originated in the ideas for forest management in the 17th andiime @PPFoach 48th centuries. the end pc “reconcile | preserving A. Multiple choice questions Rex 4. The concept of sustainable development’ became pn s0s MAb) 1987 ustainable development requires judicious use of * {s} natural resources Answer the following qu Popular as the Brundtiand Report in the year (c) 1988, (b) human resources _(c) man-made resources $B What do you mean by sustainable development? 2. Define sustainable development, HOW did the dea of sustainable development originate? We are going to do so, if we cont LR. Brown, in his book the rospects hae Hems which form the foundation of the global ecoreare on Out th eries, forests, grasslands and croplands, ‘These four terials for industry except mi ate our ecosystems nomic system. These fore ystems provide ue werals| In large regions of the word, hn a N claims on these systeh beyond limits. As a result, fisheries are collapsing, forests are disappearing, grasslands are being erted into barren wastelands and croplands are deteriorating. All these problems have arisen because development without caring for the nature and environment which sustain life on earth. year study using satellites and aerial photography undertaken by the United Nations long ago ‘that the environment had deteriorated so badly that it was ‘critical’ in many of eighty-eight learth’s vital signs reveal a patient in declining health. We need to realise our ethical and moral tions to the mother Earth. Human beings are caretakers of the planet and responsible trustees of Tegacy of future generations. to the realisation of importance of sustainable development, now there is a transcending concern survival of the people and planet, We need to take a holistic view of the very basis of our fence, The environmental problem does not necessarily signal our demise, rather it is our passport Hthe future. To save ourselves and our future generations from catastrophe, we require 10 take a fistic view, an ecological view, seeing the world as an integrated whole, rather than a dissociated Bllection of parts inable development has shifted to focus more an social and economic development and fronmental protection for future generations. Sustainable development focuses on the holistic proach and temporal processes that lead us to fe end point of sustainability. [t is important to MOON encile ambitious economic development and EAN Serving the natural resources and ecosystem. SUMMARY ™ It is important to adopt sustainable development. Human claims on environment are decimating our ecosystems and biomes, at an alarming rate. Earth's four principal biological systems — fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands — are being | amaged at an alarming rate. So, it is necessary and of vital importance to use natural resources judiciously, at the same time, nurture and protect the environment. “No generation has a freehold on this earth, All we have is a life tenancy with a full repairing lease."— Margaret Thatcher Malo cole questions. 2 Why sit mportant to adopt sustainable development? {@) To save ecology and environment _{b) To save mankind Uf Both of these We need to realse our mral and ethical blatons to (a) Mother Earth (bf To our future generations —(¢) Both of these 4. Describe sustainable development. 2) Why isitimportant to adopt sustainable development? Explain. 3. What will happen if we ignore the vital signs of an ailing environment? Activity ‘Organise a group discussion on the responsibilities and benefits of environmental citizenship, including the conservation and protection of environmental values,e e in a sustainable development? Any positive rate of exploitation of a non-renewable resoure eventually lead to exhaustion of earth’s final stock. (ii) Turning the concept of sustainability into policy raises q oe of present and future generations. The issue is more complicated because our Se a inherit environmental pollution and resource depletion, but also enjoy the cutee eee a forms of education, skills, and knowledge (i.e., human capital), as well as piped ona also benefit from investments in natural resources, improvement in soil fertility 1a Thus, in considering and calculating what we pass on to future generations, we mus of the full range of physical, human and natural capital. ii) Poor management of natural resources, combined with growing economic activities, oa conting to pose serious challenges to environment. The problem arises because people, Ee oa governments have failed to evolve mechanism and policies to strike a balance between developm and conservation of resources and preservation of environment. The failure to address environmel challenges will reduce the capacity for long-term development. (iv) The most pressing environmental problems are associated with resources that are renewable but af undervalued, and are therefore, in danger of exhaustion. Air and water are renewable resources, but have finite capacity to assimilate emissions and wastes. If pollution exceeds this capacity, ecosystems deteriorate rapidly. When fisheries, forests, croplands, and grasslands are excessively depleted to satis hhuman needs, they result in the loss of ecosystems and species. Shortage of water and unavailability clean air are important examples of undervalued renewable resources that have depleted fast, oil (~) Assessment of whether the regenerative capacity of a natural resource has been exceeded is difficul ail Saeeee Gate cases of sol erosion, atmospheric pollution, and loss of biodiversity, there is substan Tree uyrctinty about the extent of environmental degradation and consequences of degradation Uncertainty is an inherent part of environmental problems and this uncertainty breeds complac Si) The commonly held view that greater economic activity pased on static assumptions about technology, tastes, an fie relationships between inputs and outputs, and the on =: avironment, are continually changing =: As incomes ae the demand for improvements in environmental quality will increase, as will th : Belong sealable for investment, tn some cases, environmenel uality improves as income rises. Soll Se as incomes rise, {imission of earbon dioxide, chlorofluoro ea / I : Stress that appear to keep rising with in ! PED Dering the Working lifesine of children born today, the Populstion of the word will anna : BY 2050, almost one-third of world’s population mae 5 ‘of more than 400 per square economy triple. This growth wi (ix) The challenge for energy and ~ Sontrolling pollutions. Total man times current levels by 2030. (x) Total world consumption of cereals will have to natural habitats, almost all of thi ill live in countries Beneration will also ‘vironmental degradat meet the projected growth ind il rowth in demand, whif ‘eveloping countries will increase re about si Kilometres. The next ‘ould lead to severe e industry will be to mufacturing outputs in with a population dens see the size of the wo ion, almost double erease will have to be achieved by ta ropland rather than by extending the area under cultivation, xx present we. An aote-and-a-half per second, globally. Thus, problems and challenges cn The need of the hour is to formulate and implement concr ‘Sectors, so as {0 limit the consequential damage to nature and (ss PY 2030. To protect fragile soils ising are losing the forests idable, rele, sc environmentme: Poor management of natural resources, combined with growing economic activities, will continue ‘pose serious challenges to environment. je most serious environmental problems are associated with resources, which are renewable but re undervalued, are therefore in danger of exhaustion. | sessment of whether the regenerative capacity of a natural resource has been exceeded, is difficult _ d complex. | challenge for energy and industry is to meet the projected growth in demand, while controling pollution. | Which of the following is a major problem of sustainable development? (a) Turning the concept of sustainability into framing policies and rules. {b) Striking a balance between development and its consequent damages to the environment. A {0} Both of these joth of these The most pressing environmental problems are associated a eae B (a) Air (b) Water 9g the working lifetime of children born today, the population of the world will almost double (b) triple (0) remain same Answer the following questions. BL “The concept of sustainable development is subject to criticism! Discuss. 2. Describe any four major problems associated with sustainable development. . “Total world consumption of cereals will almost double by 2030’ Suggest measures to maintain ‘sustainable development’ in the light ofthis development. Activity Identify the problems related to sustainable development. Make a flowchart. Discuss views and ideas as to how fo tackle these problems. VELOPMENT Frsble development is the’ wa) to reach devclopeical without caosing/« harm OF damage to the ronment. Sustainable development has. three dimensions — ecological, economical and_ social hievement of sustainable development requires the integration of economic, environmental, and social 3ponents at all levels. = = principles of sustainable development are: ) Respect and care for all forms of life. Gi) Improving the quality of human life. iii) Minimising the depletion of natural resources. (iv) Conserving the earth's vitality and diversity. (Y) Enabling communities to care for their own environment. (Vi) Changing personal attitude and practices towards the environment.Short-term Solutions () Megal deforestatio (ii) People should be encouraged to regenerate forest, ; the loss of forest cover. 3 ia asl < (ii) During legal deforestation, @ proper balance ought 19 ‘be maintained between cee an (Gv) Waste and sewage discharge into water bodies is one of the chief causes ed treatment system, recycling of waste, and their proper disposal should be i a (9 Planning and building exclusive industrial zones 1 ‘manage and process all types of WAT: Frould be relocated to outskirts of cities, far away fom residential areas. tality of arable land. (vi) Polluting industries s = ee tion of toxic chemical consumption can be vital for iniprev bition of tox chemical consumption ve enment-frendly pesticides and weetlc (vii) Prot ‘and alternative sources of energy. wn and smuggling of forest resources and minerals should be stopped: quantitatively and qualitatively; 0 compeni chemical fertilizers should be used along with e (iit) Adoption of rainwater harvesting, dip/sprinkler irgation, Long-term Solutions {G Governments must take recourse to legal ffamework and policy-making (0 stop illegal activities whi Vase not environment-friendly. AGS Awareness and responsibility campaigns intended for farmers (Gy Protection of ecology through taxes and fines, making it more costly to release the waste than bbe the cost of treating the waste before discharge. and industrialists should be Iauné (Gv) More and more emphasis should be on development of sustainable agriculture. Elements of agriculture include permac fa eedeehmam Bs Pe a Jude permaculture, agroforesty, mixed farming, multiple cropping and crop rotation A ‘United Nations Sustainable Development Summit (2018) set 2 cl ; ee a (2015) set global development goals. These goals 20 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere. 7. 2, End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrit am tion, and promote sustainable agricul Prep: 3, Ene ba 3 En yd ome woe rl gs ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote . GA seer culty and enponer ll women and gies ne ies Esure access to water and sanitation for all. va Bee uo atte, ate sore mic en ie tilt intact, pase ingiy win ta as Cities inclusive, safe, resi eee sure sustainable consumption and awe Urgent action to combat climate chanes able and modem energy for all nomic growth, empl i . employment and decent sustainable industrialisation an ace nd foster innovation, land degradation, According ta/allNeigbiOue India is tosi IN its for rate of 3.7 Million acial components at all levels. rt-term solutions related to sustainable development are: (i) stopping deforestation and placing = emphasis on afforestation and regeneration of forest cover (i) proper waste management and disposal (ii) controlling all kinds of pollution. term solutions related to sustainable development are: (i) governments must make laws “i policies aimed at safeguarding the environment and ecology (ii) awareness and responsi paigns (ii) implementation of goals set by Agenda 30 (iv) a system of taxes and fines to lir | age to ecology v) adopting sustainable agriculture, ent of sustainable development requires the integration of economic, environmental and | | | ultiple choice « Ehievement of sustainable development requires the integration of which component at all levels? {2) Ecological {b) Economic and social (2 All of these WUN Sustainable Development Summit (2015) set up development goals called as {@) Agenda 2010 <8) Agenda 2030 (9) Agenda 2050 inswer the following questions. (Mention the main principles of sustainable development. Describe any four short-term solutions to sustainable development. Describe any three long-term solutions to sustainable development. tivity. fepare models of rainwater harvesting, sprinkler irigation, solar energy, solar cooker, etc ultiple choice questions. What is sustainable development? {@) Economic development at zero damage to ecology | {b) More and more development Development that meets the needs of present without endangering the ability of future generations to meet their needs. ‘What will happen, if we neglect sustainable development? {@) We shall have a safe and secure environment. F (b) Negligence of sustainable development will destroy ecology and environment endangering the survival of future generations. {c) Nothing worse will happen; mankind will continue to live and prosper. The greatest problem elated to sustainable development isto safeguard further depletion of which ofthe following? (@) Fisheries and forests (b) Croplands and grasslands _(c) Allof these eytainly lead to greater damage sy that greater economic activity will ce ; (c) Not, certainly {b) No ent is: 4, Doyouagree with the vie (a) Yes 5. The concept of sustainable developr (2) easy and practicable {p) too subjective and complex {¢) antopian idea which can never be put into practice 6, The concept of sustainable development i subject to ritiism. Why? se to the envil (a) {tis a utopian idea not possible practice. «will necessarily lead to exhaustion of reso {b) Any positive rate of exploitation of non-renewable resource {@) Sustainable development is impossible to achieve +7, Whats the most serious problem as far as sustainable development in agriculture fs co {¢) To raise yields on existing croplands without extending the area under cultivation. ncerned? {) To raise yields by extending the area under cultivation [@ None of these 1B. Short answer questions (I) 4. Define sustainable development 2, ‘When did the idea of sustainable development become popular? EGF coc annen ose the ist rant co Which significant point ranean tap sd by LA. Bonnin bod, Te bal 3 Gita Ecnomic Prospect? Short answer questions | The mos pressing environmental | & Menton anyone serous pblem '2 Whatisimporance of sustainable 'SP€EeSt wo solution elated tos Sorensen reseed wih yp cresouce io susznabe develo development? ee ustainable development.