UPSC Mains 2019 · GS III · Q17 · 15 marks · 250 words

Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region.

हिन्दी में

पर्यावरण से संबंधित पारिस्थितिक तंत्र की वहन क्षमता की संकल्पना की परिभाषा दीजिए। स्पष्ट कीजिए कि किसी प्रदेश के दीर्घोपयोगी विकास (सस्टेनेबल डेवेलपमेंट) की योजना बनाते समय इस संकल्पना को समझना किस प्रकार महत्त्वपूर्ण है।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Explain how the understanding of the concept of 'Sustainable Use' is vital for achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability. Mention the measures taken”

MadhaviAIR 446 · CSE 2024 · 194 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Sustainability is the judicious use of resources by not compromising the needs of future generations.

Body · points

Environmental sustainability:

(1) To maintain the judicious usage of non-renewable resources like coal, natural gas ex: By promoting renewable resources usage

(2) To prevent the climate change ex: by adopting Paris agreement goals

(3) Land conservation ex: UNCCD to bring 250 million hectares of land out of degradation

(4) protecting animals and plants from extinction ex: IUCN measures and CITES

Social sustainability:

(1) To preserve the tradition, culture and values inspite of globalization ex: Know your India programme

(2) preventing endangering of languages

(3) protecting indigenous tribes ex: TRIFED and their culture preservation

(4) preservation of monuments and ancient buildings ex: Rendement Entry Art 51A

Economic sustainability:

(1) In providing basic income and standards of liveing ex: Universal basic scheme

(2) To make financially inclusive: ex: PM-Jan Dhan yojana

(3) Insurance facilities ex: PM-SHRAM Dhan yojana

(4) providing economic security

Close · a summary

ex: During COVID, transfer of 500 monthly to women account.

'Sustainability' is the need of hour to limit our exploitation and preserve the remaining for future generations to enjoy their part of rights on this Earth.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper III, Q17. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.