Question

In which year, the 'World Commission on Environment and Development' popularised the term 'Sustainable Development'?

• A. 1977
• B. 1987
• C. 1990
• D. 1998

Hint:

The Brundtland Report (1987) made Sustainable Development a globally important concept in environmental policy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Sustainable Development refers to development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept became globally important because of increasing concerns about:
• Environmental pollution
• Resource depletion
• Population growth
• Climate change
• Industrial expansion

Step 1: Understand the role of the World Commission on Environment and Development. The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) was established by the United Nations to study environmental and developmental challenges. The commission was chaired by: \[ \text{Gro Harlem Brundtland} \] Therefore, it is also called the: \[ \text{Brundtland Commission} \]

Step 2: Identify the report that popularised Sustainable Development. The commission published a famous report titled: \[ \textit{Our Common Future} \] This report officially popularised the term: \[ \text{Sustainable Development} \] across the world.

Step 3: Know the year of publication. The Brundtland Report was published in: \[ 1987 \] Hence, the concept became internationally recognized during this year.

Step 4: Understand the definition given by the report. The report defined Sustainable Development as: "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This definition remains one of the most widely accepted definitions today.

Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options.
• 1977 -- Incorrect
• 1987 -- Correct
• 1990 -- Incorrect
• 1998 -- Incorrect

Step 6: Conclusion. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{1987} \]