UNIT-5 GREEN SKILLS
SESSION 1: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1.1 WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the requirements of future generations to meet their needs as well.
The aim is to achieve sustainability such that economy in long term becomes stable and our
resources are protected. if the resources are utilized, then an optimum level should be achieved
such that growth and development continue at the same pace. Sustainable development is a
step towards building an economy which is sustainable for all time to come.
In our daily life we can contribute to create a Sustainable Society by following 4R’s and 1U of
sustainability.
1. Refuse: we must first REFUSE to use products that may harm the environment. This will
help in creating sustainable environment.
2. Reduce: REDUCE comes after REFUSE. In this step, we minimize the use of the products
that may cause harm to environment. We tr to make less use of those resources that
may create problem in future.
3. Reuse: the next is REUSE. In reusing we can use that resources in another way and keep
them out of the trash. If you cannot reuse an item, share it with someone else, this is
called re-homing. Reusing encourages you to be more creative and reduce the demand
for more resources.
4. Recycle: the next step after REFUSE is RECYCLE. After reusing the product, we must try to
recycle it, so that the leftover resources is used properly again. However, when we
recycle any product, the quality is usually affected and the new product is not of the
same quality as the original product.
5. Upcycle: in these modern times, another smart way of utilizing the resources is by
UPCYCLING. Any product that is not usable can be upcycled with creativity and
innovation.
1.2 IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The goal of Sustainable development is to meet the needs of today, without compromising the
needs of tomorrow.
1. To keep a check on the overexploitation of natural resources.
2. To regenerate the renewable energy resources
3. To ensure safety for human beings
4. To stop environmental degradation
5. To find alternative sources of energy
6. To utilize the resources to the optimum level
1.3 DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainability amounts to meeting your needs continually- consuming it at a pace at which it
regenerates. It has three main pillars: economic, environmental, and social.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development outlines a global commitment to “achieving
sustainable development in its three dimensions- economic, social and environmental- in a
balanced and integrated manner”.
1. The Environmental Pillar: - the environmental pillar is one of the most important pillars
among all three. The environmental pillar refers to the laws, regulations, and other
policy mechanisms concerning environmental issues.
2. The Social Pillar: - Social sustainability is the ability of a social system, such as a country,
family, or organization, to function at a defined level of social well-being and harmony.
3. The Economic Pillar: - Economic sustainability is the ability of an economy to support a
defined level of economic production over long term period. Since the Great Recession
of 2008 this has been the world’s biggest problem which endangers progress due to
environmental sustainability problem.
1.4 PROBLEMS RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Three major problems related to sustainable development are:
1. Food: the amount of rich, fertile land needed to grow crops, such as wheat, rice, etc., is
decreasing as we are utilizing land for other purposes like construction, industrialization,
etc. soil is also loosing its nutritional value as lots of chemicals are spoiling the soil due to
use of chemical fertilizers for higher production.
2. Water: we use fresh water from rivers and ponds for drinking and cleaning but on the
other hand we dump garbage into them. The rivers and ponds are getting more polluted
every day. If this continues, then we will have no clean water for our future use.
3. Energy: we use wood from trees as energy fuels and for construction of homes and
furniture. As more and more trees are being cut, the climate is getting affected.
1.5 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Sustainable development goals (SDGs), also known as Global Goals, were adopted by all United
Nations member states in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet
and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequality
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, Justice and strong institutions
17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal
SESSION 2: OUR ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Increasing population and development have led to the increase in consumption of the
natural resources. The more population is, the more food, energy and water is needed. When we
grow more crops, the soil’s nutrients are consumed and slowly the soil becomes unusable. Similarly ,
if we continue to use fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, very soon we will run out of these
natural resources which took millions of years to form.
Three major advantages gained by using ‘Kulhads’ are:
1. Reduced cutting of tree for making paper cups.
2. Job creation for potters contributing to economy.
3. Reduced plastic waste.
2.2 OUR ROLE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
United Nations has formed 17 Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) so that countries and
nations can work towards finding a solution to the growing problems in the world. Each country
should form its rules and guidelines to remove poverty and hunger and provide good health and
quality education.
Quality Education
Education is the most important factor for sustainable development. Children who have
gone to school will be able to do jobs so that they can take care of themselves and their families.
Education makes us responsible citizens.
1. Use the facilities available in our areas.
2. Take our friends to school.
3. Help friends study.
4. Stop friend from dropping out of school.
Clean Water and Sanitation
We must make efforts to make India free of unhygienic conditions by building toilets and
creating awareness towards sanitation. Industrial pollution and chemical waste are polluting our
water resources, which will create scarcity of clean drinking water.
Affordable and Clean Energy
We should use solar power which we get from the sun. Solar power is a renewable resource
which does not cause pollution. We are making efforts to increase the solar power generation so
that our electricity needs are met and there is no need to burn the coal for electricity.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
1. Study and find good jobs to take care of ourselves and our families.
2. Work hard and contribute to society.
3. Learn and develop skills so that we add value in our community.
Reduced Inequalities
1. Be friendly with everyone
2. Involve everyone while working or playing.
3. Help others by including everyone whether they are small or big, girl or boy, belong
to any class or caste.
2.3 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Creating Sustainable Cities
1. Save energy by switching off lights and fans when not in use.
2. Use natural light as much as possible.
3. Use energy efficient lights and appliances.
4. Use renewable sources of energy.
Responsible Consumers and Producers
1. Reusing paper, glass, plastic, water etc.
2. Taking cloth bags to market to carry fruit and vegetables.
3. Donating things we do not use such as old clothes, books, furniture, food, etc.
4. Buying and eating seasonal fruit and vegetables from local growers.
5. Repairing taking taps and pipes to avoid wasting water.
6. Sorting and treating garbage before disposing.
Protect life Below Water
A large amount of plastic waste is found in the seas, which is killing marine life. Protecting
marine life, saving our oceans from pollution is necessary to preserve the marine life.
Protect life on land
Cutting of trees leads to soil erosion and makes land unfertile and dry which is not fit for
cultivation. Planting more and more trees is an important step towards sustainable development.
2.4 OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1. Organization with proper leadership to be made responsible
2. Society to be included as a part and parcel of development
3. Scope should be defined properly
4. Indicators should be clearly stated
5. Collection of correct and huge data to be made
6. Proper funding and financing channels should be introduced
