Sustainable development is a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors and seeks to find a balance that ensures long-term prosperity and well-being for both people and the planet.
Important MCQs on sustainable development 2023 practice now
Key principles of sustainable development include:
- Environmental Conservation: Sustainable development emphasizes the protection and responsible management of natural resources, aiming to minimize environmental degradation and the depletion of finite resources.
- Social Equity: It promotes inclusivity and social justice, ensuring that economic and social benefits are shared equitably among all members of society, including marginalized and vulnerable populations.
- Economic Viability: Sustainable development seeks to create economic systems that are stable, resilient, and capable of providing livelihoods for present and future generations. It encourages innovation and the adoption of sustainable business practices.
- Inter-generational Responsibility: This principle emphasizes our duty to pass on a planet and resources to future generations in a condition no worse than we received it. It underscores the importance of responsible stewardship.
- Global Cooperation: Sustainable development recognizes that many environmental and social challenges are global in nature, requiring international collaboration and cooperation to address issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
In summary, sustainable development is a framework for responsible and balanced growth that takes into account the needs of today’s society while safeguarding the needs and opportunities of future generations. It is a path towards a more harmonious and prosperous world where economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental protection go hand in hand.
Important MCQs on sustainable development 2023
Q1. Sustainable development is a matter of intergenerational sensibility in respect of the use of?
(a) Natural resources
(b) Material resources
(c) Industrial resources
(d) Social resources
Q2. ‘Saving energy and other resources for the future without sacrificing people’s comfort in the present’ is the definition of which of the following concepts?
(a) Economic growth
(b) Economic development
(c) Sustainable development
(d) Human development
Q3. Which of the following Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) will target the water availability for all and its permanent management upto 2030 in India?
(a) SDG – 6
(b) SDG – 7
(c) SDG – 8
(d) SDG – 9
Q4. The Decade of Sustainable Energy for all is the initiative of:
(a) United Nations
(b) India
(c) Germany
(d) World Bank
Q5. Which of the following is a Nodal Institution for implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in India?
(a) Planning Commission
(b) Disinvestment Commission
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Finance Commission
Q6. What is important for Sustainable Development?
(a) Conservation of biological diversity
(b) Prevention and Control of Pollution
(c) Decreasing poverty
(d) All of these
Q7. Which one of the following is not the objective of smart city development?
(a) Good governance
(b) Clean green city
(c) Stabilizing quality of life
(d) Smart mobility
Q8. Sustainable agriculture means:
(a) Self-sufficiency
(b) To be able to export and import under WTO norms
(c) To utilize land so that its quality remains intact
(d) To utilize Wasteland for
Q9. What is sustainable development?
a) A short-term economic growth strategy
b) Meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations
c) Exploiting natural resources for maximum profit
d) Ignoring environmental concerns
Q10. Which of the following is a primary pillar of sustainable development?
a) Economic growth
b) Social equity
c) Technological advancement
d) Political stability
Q11. Which UN document defined the concept of sustainable development?
a) Universal Declaration of Human Rights
b) Kyoto Protocol
c) Brundtland Report
d) Paris Agreement
Q12. What is the main focus of environmental sustainability?
a) Maximizing resource extraction
b) Reducing carbon emissions
c) Enhancing social equality
d) Promoting economic growth
Q13. Which renewable energy source is considered sustainable and environmentally friendly?
a) Coal
b) Natural gas
c) Solar power
d) Nuclear power
Q14. What is the concept of “reduce, reuse, recycle” associated with in sustainable development?
a) Reducing poverty
b) Managing water resources
c) Waste management and conservation
d) Increasing energy consumption
Q15. Which international agreement aims to combat climate change and promote sustainable development?
a) Kyoto Protocol
b) Montreal Protocol
c) Geneva Convention
d) Rome Statute
Q16. What is the goal of sustainable agriculture?
a) Maximizing short-term crop yields
b) Reducing biodiversity
c) Ensuring long-term food security and environmental health
d) Ignoring ecological impacts
Q17. Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable urban planning?
a) Sprawling, car-dependent cities
b) High-density, walkable communities
c) Excessive use of fossil fuels
d) Urban decay and neglect
Q18. What is the term for economic activities that promote environmental and social well-being?
a) Sustainable business
b) Conventional business
c) Extractive industries
d) Non-profit organizations
Q19. Which international organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty worldwide?
a) United Nations (UN)
b) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
c) World Trade Organization (WTO)
d) Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
Q20. What is the main objective of the “green building” concept in sustainable development?
a) Maximizing energy consumption
b) Minimizing waste generation
c) Promoting deforestation
d) Reducing water efficiency
Q21. Which of these transportation options is most sustainable?
a) Personal gas-guzzling SUVs
b) High-speed trains powered by renewable energy
c) Diesel-powered buses
d) Single-passenger cars
Q22. What does the term “biodiversity” refer to in sustainable development?
a) The variety of life on Earth, including species diversity and genetic diversity
b) The number of people living in urban areas
c) The rate of economic growth
d) The amount of water available for consumption
Q23. What is the principle of intergenerational equity in sustainable development?
a) Prioritizing the needs of the elderly
b) Balancing the interests of different generations, including future ones
c) Focusing on the present generation’s interests only
d) Ignoring generational concerns
Q24. Which of the following is an example of a sustainable consumption practice?
a) Wasting food regularly
b) Disposable plastic products
c) Buying locally-produced goods
d) Excessive use of single-use packaging
Q25. What is the term for the process of restoring degraded ecosystems to their original state?
a) Ecosystem depletion
b) Deforestation
c) Reforestation
d) Ecological restoration
Q26. Which global issue is closely linked to the concept of sustainable development?
a) Space exploration
b) Cybersecurity
c) Poverty alleviation
d) Celebrity culture
Q27. What is the term for the process of using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs?
a) Sustainable consumption
b) Greenwashing
c) Resource depletion
d) Conservation
Q28. Which of the following is a key challenge in achieving sustainable development goals?
a) Overpopulation
b) Rapid technological advancement
c) Lack of international cooperation
d) Climate change
Q29. Which UN agency focuses on environmental sustainability and the conservation of natural resources?
a) UNICEF
b) UNHCR
c) UNEP
d) UNESCO
Q30. What is the primary aim of the Paris Agreement?
a) Promoting international tourism
b) Addressing income inequality
c) Combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
d) Promoting fossil fuel use
Q31. Answer: c) Reforestation efforts
What is the term for the practice of using natural resources at a rate that allows them to regenerate naturally?
a) Sustainable resource management
b) Resource depletion
c) Over-exploitation
d) Environmental degradation
Q32. Which of the following best describes the “triple bottom line” concept in sustainable business?
a) Focusing solely on profit
b) Balancing economic, social, and environmental performance
c) Ignoring social and environmental impacts
d) Maximizing shareholder value
Q33. Which international organization sets standards for fair trade practices and promotes sustainable development in agriculture?
a) Greenpeace
b) World Bank
c) Fair Trade International
d) Oxfam
Q34. What is the primary goal of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
a) Promoting genetic modification of organisms
b) Conserving biodiversity and ensuring its sustainable use
c) Exploiting natural resources for economic gain
d) Regulating air pollution
Q35.What is the term for the responsible management of water resources to ensure long-term availability?
a) Water depletion
b) Water conservation
c) Water pollution
d) Water privatization
Q36. What is the primary goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
a) Promoting economic growth at any cost
b) Achieving social equity through redistribution of wealth
c) Addressing global challenges and improving living conditions for all while preserving the planet
d) Fostering political stability in conflict-prone regions
Q37. What is the term for the process of removing pollutants from the air, water, and soil?
a) Pollution expansion
b) Pollution mitigation
c) Pollution intensification
d) Pollution proliferation
Q38. Which of the following is NOT a key principle of sustainable development?
a) Environmental stewardship
b) Economic growth at all costs
c) Social inclusivity
d) Inter-generational equity
Q39. What is the concept of “social responsibility” in sustainable business?
a) Maximizing profits for shareholders
b) Ignoring employee well-being
c) Making ethical and socially conscious business decisions
d) Focusing solely on short-term financial gains
Q40. Which of the following is an example of a sustainable packaging material?
a) Single-use plastic
b) Styrofoam
c) Cardboard
d) Non-recyclable glass
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is an approach that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations to ensure long-term well-being.
Why is sustainable development important?
Sustainable development is essential because it addresses the challenges of resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social inequality. It promotes responsible resource management and equitable distribution of benefits to create a more stable and equitable future.
What are some examples of sustainable development practices?
Sustainable development practices include renewable energy adoption, eco-friendly agriculture, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable urban planning, and the promotion of social equity through education and healthcare.
How does sustainable development relate to climate change?
Sustainable development is closely linked to climate change mitigation and adaptation. It involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to clean energy sources, and implementing strategies to cope with the impacts of climate change while ensuring a sustainable future.
What role can individuals and businesses play in sustainable development?
Individuals can contribute by conserving resources, reducing waste, and making sustainable choices in their daily lives. Businesses can adopt eco-friendly practices, invest in green technologies, and incorporate social responsibility into their operations to support sustainable development goals.