UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies
Question 62: Economy and Social Development
Sustainable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts ?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Sustainable development means using resources so that future generations can meet their own needs. That is possible only if consumption and waste stay within the capacity of ecosystems to renew themselves and absorb pollution, which is the carrying capacity of the environment. Social justice, inclusive growth and globalisation are related goals or processes but are not inherently built into the definition. Remember: sustainability = living within carrying capacity.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Social justice is related but not inherent to the definition.
- (b) Inclusive growth is a distributional goal, not part of the definition.
- (c) Globalisation is an economic process, not tied to the idea of sustainability itself.
- (d) Right: sustainability means staying within the carrying capacity of the environment.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.