Maharashtra Board Class 12 Environmental Education Chapter 3 Sustainable Development PDF Download

3. Sustainable Development

We enjoy nature! We visit forests, mountains, rivers, oceans, wildlife for our recreation. But what about our future generation? We should think that they also should be able to enjoy the nature. "Sustainable development is the development that fulfils the needs of the present; without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The aim of sustainable development is to balance our economic, environmental and social needs for now and future generations.

3.1 Need For Sustainable Development

Sustainability is improving quality of human life; while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems. If natural resources on the earth are conserved, maintained and enhanced, the ecological processes would work smoothly. The raw materials for the industry, food, water, fuel, fodder come from the environment. The environment also absorbs the waste created by our developmental activities. Thus it acts as a source and also a sink for us.

Sustainable development will lead to true economic growth. This will be reflected in equitable distribution of economic benefits; which in turn will help to bridge the gap between poor and rich people in the society.

If we look at the scenario around us, we can see an increase in population followed by excessive use of natural resources. This is because of the increased demands and needs of growing population. As the economic conditions of the people in urban area started improving, their purchasing power increased. People started purchasing electronic goods, metal and plastic articles. This led to consumerism.

Advancement in technologies, globalization, rapid changes in lifestyle, access and desire to luxury goods and consumerism are the main causes of rapid depletion of natural resources and deterioration of the environment.

Teacher's Note

In India, many villages have lost their water sources because of overconsumption. We must use water wisely, just like our grandparents did.

Exam Trick

Remember: Sustainable = Sustain + Able. It means we can continue doing it forever. If we cut all trees, we cannot do it forever, so it is not sustainable.

Points to Remember

Sustainable development meets today's needs without harming the future.
Natural resources are limited and precious.
Development must balance economy, environment and society.
Poor and rich people need equal opportunities.
Consumerism causes more pollution and resource depletion.

3.2 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Sustainable development goals are a collection of seventeen global goals designed to be a "blue print to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all." The SDGs set in 2015 by United Nations (UN) general assembly and intended to be achieved by 2030.

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Goal 2: End hungers, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all, at all ages.

Teacher's Note

The 17 SDG goals are like a homework that all countries of the world agreed to do by 2030. India is also trying hard to complete this homework.

Exam Trick

Remember the SDGs by their numbers: 1-poverty, 2-hunger, 3-health, 4-education, 5-gender. Just think of 1,2,3,4,5 and you will remember the first five goals.

Points to Remember

SDG stands for Sustainable Development Goals.
There are 17 SDG goals in total.
All countries agreed to achieve these goals by 2030.
These goals help to make the world better for everyone.
India is working to achieve these goals.

This is a preview of the first 3 pages. To get the complete book, click below.