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:

Sustainable development is an integration concept: Economic Growth + Ecological Balance + Social Equity = Sustainability .

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The term "Sustainable Development" was formally defined in the 1987 Brundtland Report (*Our Common Future*) as: \[ \text{“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”} \]

Step 1: Analyzing the core pillars of sustainable development.
Sustainable development seeks to harmonize three core dimensions:
• Economic growth and industrial progress
• Social inclusion and equity
• Environmental protection and ecological preservation

Step 2: Evaluating the options.

• (A) Utilizing maximum resources: Unchecked resource exploitation causes depletion and environmental degradation, which contradicts sustainability.
• (B) Increasing GDP alone: Focusing purely on economic output neglects non-market environmental costs (externalities) and pollution.
• (C) Combining economic growth with ecological responsibility: This directly captures the balance required by sustainable development—ensuring economic advancement occurs in harmony with ecological conservation and responsible resource management.
• (D) Maximising environmental efforts exclusively: Total environmental preservation without economic development can impede poverty alleviation and social progress in developing regions. Hence, combining economic prosperity with environmental stewardship forms the core focus of sustainable development.