Question

The concept of 'sustainable development' emphasises on:

• A. utilizing maximum resources for human development.
• B. increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country.
• C. combining economic growth with ecological responsibility.
• D. maximising the efforts for environmental conservation.

Hint:

Think of sustainable development as a three-legged stool: it balances Economic growth, Social equity, and Environmental/Ecological preservation for long-term survival.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Definition of Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development is a developmental paradigm first popularized by the Brundtland Report (“Our Common Future”) published by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. It defines it as development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Step 2: Balance Between Development and Ecology:
The core of sustainable development lies in recognizing that economic growth must not occur at the expense of irreversible environmental degradation. It rejects the classical view of unchecked development (Option A) and pure GDP maximization (Option B). At the same time, it is not purely about conservation to the exclusion of human economic needs (Option D). Instead, it seeks to strike a deliberate balance by integrating economic development with environmental preservation and resource stewardship.

Step 3: Verification of the Options:
Option (C) accurately captures this dual priority of linking economic aspirations directly with ecological and environmental responsibility. Thus, Option (C) is the most precise and correct choice.