Sustainable Development [सतत विकास के लिए योजना।]

Planning for Sustainable Development

Disclaimer:

This document does not claim any originality and cannot be used as a substitute for prescribed textbooks. I would like to acknowledge various sources like freely available materials from internet particularly NPTEL/ SWAYAM course material from which the lecture note was prepared. The ownership of the information lies with the respective authors or institutions. Further, this document is not intended to be used for commercial purpose and the BlogSpot owner is not accountable for any issues, legal or otherwise, arising out of use of this document.

This open resource is a collection of academic course for the graduation program for B. Tech (Civil) as per the syllabus of Dr. B.A.T University, Lonere, Raigad (m.s), India prepared by Dr. Mohd. Zameeruddin, Associate Professor, of MGM's College of Engineering, Nanded for use of the out-of-class activity. There are six lessons as part of this document, and each deals with an aspect related to Planning of Sustainable Development.

Module 1: Sustainable Development-explains and critically evaluates the concept of sustainable development. Environmental degradation and poverty, Sustainable development: its main principles, the evolution of ideas about sustainability 

Module 2: Strategies for promoting sustainable development, resistances to the concept, and some alternative approaches. Examine some important current issues and areas of debate in relation to sustainable development

Module 3: Innovation for sustainable development. Environmental management and innovation strategies

Module 4: Societal transformations. Institutional theory

Module 5: Governance for sustainable development. Policy responses to environmental degradation

Module 6: Capacity development for innovation. Research methods

Introduction:

In the 20th century, as human colonies expanded, new technology were developed for industries, trade, transportation, agriculture, and shelter. The available natural resources and the climate have been significantly impacted by these development activities. The potential and survival of the planet have been called into doubt by this development race (refer fig. 1). To ensure that there is as little impact and pressure on the environment as possible, it is imperative that all of the natural resources that are accessible be managed correctly. The idea of sustainability takes into account such conscientious behavior that guarantees the long-term utilization of resources without endangering the demands of future generations.

        The concept of sustainable development is based on the concept of the development (socio-economic development in line with ecological constraints), the concept of needs (re-distribution of resources to ensure the quality of life for all) and the concept of future generations (the possibility of long-term usage of resources to ensure the necessary quality of life for future generations).

Fig 1: Urban development versus sustainable development

(Source NPTEL course, NITTTR, Chennai)

Many of the non-governmental as well as governmental organizations have embraced sustainable development as the new paradigm of development. Sustainable development in its present form has become a watchword for international aid agencies, the jargon of development planners, the theme of conferences and research papers and slogan for development and environmental activities. The modern civilization has adopted the concept of sustainability and prepared a framework of future development. Sustainability has emerged as the Rosetta stone of biodiversity conservation, development economics, environmental justice, urban planning and environmental ethics [Andrew D. Basiago, 1995].

State-of-Art of the developments in the sustainability concept. 

The concept of a sustainable paradigm developed from international environmental laws and regulations in the 1970s and 1980s. The development of the sustainability concept can be traced historically to the major works of:

Definitions of Sustainability

A wide range of definitions and interpretations are available for sustainable development, but the most frequently quoted definitions are:

        In its general sense sustainability is defined as “a capacity of a system to endure and maintain itself”.

Sustainability can be defined as “the practice of maintaining process of productivity indefinitely natural or human made by replacing resources used with resources of equal or greater value without degrading or endangering natural biotic system”.

From the ecological perspective, “sustainable development characterizes the ability of biological system to remain healthy, diverse, and productive over the time". 

(Ref: https://youtu.be/Zl2bfqq7u4Q) 
From a philosophical perspective one can identify three main characteristics that determine the core meaning of the modern concept of sustainability and the fundamental issues to which it refers.
1. The meaning of continuance

The term sustainability means the ability to keep going, to keep up, to maintain, and to cause to continue in a certain state

Examples:

          Refer to a system-An Ecosystem, an economic system
          Refer a certain entity-species, building, capital
          Refer a process- to maintain itself

2. The meaning of orientation

Sustainability is regarded as being something positive, something for which we should strive.

3. The fundamental relationship

“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the need of future generations to meet their own needs”

                                                                           (Ref: Christian Becker, 2011)

The relationship between humans and contemporaries-that is, between different individuals and groups within the present generation, and secondly, the relationship between the present generation and future generations. Fig. 1 shows the possible sustainability relations that may coexist.

ASCE defines sustainability as a set of environmental, economic, and social conditions – the “Triple Bottom Line” – in which all of society has the capacity and opportunity to maintain and improve its quality of life indefinitely, without degrading the quantity, quality or the availability of natural, economic, and social resources. 

Table 1: Definitions of sustainable development [Duran et al., 2015]

Authors	Year	Country	Definition
WCED	1987	United States of America	“Sustainable development is meeting the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”(WCED, 1987).
Pearce, D., Markandya, A.and Barbier, E.	1989	United Kingdom	“Sustainable development involves devising a social and economic system, which ensures that these goals are sustained, i.e. that real incomes rise, that educational standards increase that the health of the nation improves, and that the general quality of life is advanced.”(Pearce et al., 1989).
Harwood, R.R	1990	United States of America	“Sustainable development is a system that can evolve indefinitely toward greater human utility, greater efficiency of resource use and a balance with the environment which is favourable to humans and most other species.”(Harwood, 1990).
Meadows, D. H.	1998	United States of America	“Sustainable development is a social construct, referring to the long term evolution of a hugely complex system – the human population and economy embedded within the eco-systems and biogeochemical flow of the planet.”(Meadows, 1998)
Van der Merwe, I. and Van der Marwe, J.	1999	Sud Africa	“Sustainable development is a program for changing the process of economic development so that it ensures a basic quality of life for all people and at the same time protects the ecosystems and community systems that make life possible and worthwhile.”(Van der Merwe & Van der Marwe, 1999).
Viorel, H.J.	2002	Romania	“Sustainable development is a form of economic growth which satisfies welfare needs of society in terms of short, medium and long term, it must meet the needs of the present without, however, compromising the of future generations.”(Viorel, 2002).
Stefanescu, F.	2003	Romania	“Sustainable development must be understood as a type of economic development that ensures meeting the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own requirements and applicable measures aimed at long intervals and long-term effects.” (Stefanescu, 2003).
Beck, U.and Wilms, J.	2004	United Kingdom	“Sustainable development is currently a powerful global counter narrative to contemporary western lifestyles and forms of governing societies.” (Beck & Wilms, 2004)
Hopwood, B., Mellor, M. and O'Brien, G.	2005	United Kingdom	“Sustainable development represents a shift in understanding of humanity's place on the planet, but it is open to interpretation of being anything from almost meaningless to of extreme importance to humanity.” (Hopwood et al., 2005).
Vare, P. and Scott, W.	2007	United Kingdom	“Sustainable development is a process of change, where resources are being gathered, an investment direction is chosen, the development technologies directed and various institutions have convergent actions, increasing the potential for human needs and desires.” (Vare & Scott, 2007).
Sterling, S.	2010	United Kingdom	“Sustainable development is seen as reconciliation between economy and environment on a new path of development that would sustain the human progress not only in a few places and for a few years, but on the entire planet and for a long future.” (Sterling, 2010).
Marin, C., Dorobanțu, R., Codreanu D.and Mihaela R.	2012	Romania	“Sustainability development refers to the ability of a society, ecosystem, or any such existing system to operate continuously in an undefined future without reaching key resource depletion.” (Marin et al., 2012).
Ivascu L.	2013	Romania	“Sustainable development can be defined as maintaining system stability by developing a balance of responsibilities: economic, social, environmental and technological support technique without compromising the needs of future generations.” (Ivascu, 2013).

State-of-Art of the developments in the sustainability concept     

(Ref: M.M. Shah (2008), Sustainable Development, in Encyclopedia of Ecology)

The keywords highlighting the need of concept of sustainability appeared in the publications by Rachel Carson's “Silent Spring” (1962), Garret Hardin's “Tragedy of the Commons” (1968), “the Blueprint for Survival” by the Ecologist magazine (1972), and the Club of Rome's “Limits to Growth report” (1972).  

The concept of sustainable development received its first major international recognition in 1972 at the UN Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm. The publication highlighted the concerns for preserving and enhancing the environment and its biodiversity to ensure human rights to a healthy and productive world.

        The 1982 Nairobi Summit reviewed the progress in the decade since the Stockholm conference and called upon national governments to intensify efforts to protect the environment and stressed the need for international cooperation. 

        In 1983 the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development was created and in 1987, the Commission issued the Brundtland Report. This report highlighted that equity, growth, and environmental maintenance are simultaneously possible and that each country is capable of achieving its full economic potential while at the same time enhancing its resource base. It emphasized three fundamental components to sustainable development: environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity. It emphasized three fundamental components to sustainable development: environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity.

        In 1992, the Earth Summit brought the world’s governments to deliberate and negotiate an agenda for environment and development in the twenty-first century. At a parallel global forum, non-governmental organizations from around the world also discussed and deliberated strategies for sustainable development. While there was little formal interaction between these two meetings, the world’s civil societies succeeded in having their voices noticed. It was an important step toward future dialog and active participation of civil society in sustainable development regimes from local to global levels. 

        The Earth Summit unanimously adopted the Agenda 21, a comprehensive blue print of actions toward sustainable development, including detailed work plans, goals, responsibilities, and also estimates for funding. Other important accomplishments included the Rio Declaration, a statement of broad principles to guide national conduct on environmental protection and development, and adoption of treaties on climate change and biodiversity, and forest management principles.

         The first principle of the Rio Declaration states “human beings are at the center of concerns for sustainable development”. The declaration also highlighted the ‘polluter-pays-principle’ and the ‘precautionary principle’, as important considerations for the protection and conservation of nature. Whether addressing vulnerability to environmental change, responsibility for environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, or policy priorities, careful consideration of the particular groups of people involved, and their social, economic, and environmental conditions, is essential. 

        Agenda 21 pointed out that different populations had ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ for impacts on the environment. In Rio, the thinking was dominated by the goal of converging trends in different parts of the world. There was the clear hope that the developing countries would catch up, while the rich countries would become increasingly environmentally conscious and curb their excessive consumption and the related pollution and waste. This has not come to pass. 

         The lack of progress in turning Agenda 21 into actions for sustainable development leads to the 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on sustainable development. Johannesburg put the thrust on public–private partnerships for sustainable development through an endorsement of some 500 such partnerships but most of these agreements failed to be implemented.

       Prior to the Johannesburg Summit, in September 2000, political leaders from around the world took an unprecedented step of setting concrete 2015 targets for millennium development goals (MDGs) related to the priority challenges of sustainable development, namely, poverty, hunger, education, gender, health, environmental sustainability, and a global partnership for development. All these issues are interrelated; one cannot be solved without tackling the others. The progress up to 2007 indicates that many of these MDGs are unlikely to be realized by 2015. 

        The nations of the world at the Earth Summit failed to mobilize the financial resources for the implementation of Agenda 21, and the WSSD in Johannesburg failed to turn agenda into actions. The critical issues of education and human capital were also not on the WSSD agenda. The scientific and technological capacity is essential and educational and research institutions around the world have a fundamental responsibility to contribute to this.

        In 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development met to discuss and develop a set of goals to work toward; they grew out of the Millennium Development Goals that claimed success in reducing global poverty while acknowledging there was still much more to do. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) eventually came up with a list of 17 items that included among other things are:

• The end of poverty and hunger
• Better standards of education and healthcare, particularly as it pertains to water quality and better sanitation
• To achieve gender equality
• Sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and stronger economies
• Sustainability to include health of the land, air, and sea

Global Sustainable Development Report 2019, “The Future is Now: Science for Achieving Sustainable Development”, forwarded the findings that the current development model is not sustainable, and the progress made in the last two decades is in danger of being reversed through worsening social inequalities and potentially irreversible declines in the natural environment that sustains us. The report argues that understanding the interconnections between the individual SDGs and the concrete systems that define society today will be essential to devise policies that manage difficult trade-offs. Table 2 provides schematic development in the sustainable development.

Table 2: Overview of the various activities related to the concept of sustainable development [Tomislav Klarin, 2018]

Year	Activities	Brief description
1969	UN published the report Man and His Environment or U Thant Report.	Activities focused to avoid global environmental degradation. More than 2,000 scientists were involved in creation of this report.
1972	First UN and UNEP world Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, Sweden.	Under the slogan Only One Earth, a declaration and action plan for environmental conservation was published.
1975	UNESCO conference on education about the environment, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.	Setting up a global environment educational framework, a statement known as the Belgrade Charter.
1975	International Congress of the Human Environment (HESC), Kyoto, Japan.	Emphasized the same problems as in Stockholm in 1972.
1979	The First World Climate Conference, Geneva, Switzerland.	Focused on the creation of the climate change research and programme monitoring.
1981	The first UN Conference on Least Developed Countries, Paris, France.	A report with guidelines and measures for helping the underdeveloped countries.
1984	Establishment of United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED).	The task of the Commission is the cooperation between developed and developing countries and the adoption of global development plans on environmental conservation.
1987	WCED report Our Common Future or Brundtland report was published.	A report with the fundamental principles of the concept of sustainable development.
1987	Montreal Protocol was published.	Contains results of the researches on harmful effects on the ozone layer.
1990	The Second World Climate Conference, Geneva, Switzerland.	Further development of the climate change research and monitoring programme and the creation of global Climate Change Monitoring System.
1992	United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit or Rio Conference), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.	In the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21 Action Plan principles of sustainable development were established and the framework for the future tasks as well.
1997	Kyoto Climate Change Conference, Kyoto, Japan.	The Kyoto Protocol was signed between countries to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, with commencement in 2005.
2000	UN published Millennium declaration.	Declaration containing eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by 2015.
2002	The World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa.	Report with the results achieved during the time from the Rio Conference, which reaffirmed the previous obligations and set the guidelines for implementation of the concept in the future.
2009	The Third World Climate Conference, Geneva, Switzerland.	Further development of the global Climate Change Monitoring System with the aim of timely anticipation of possible disasters.
2009	World Congress Summit G20, Pittsburgh, USA.	G20 member states made an agreement on a moderate and sustainable economy.
2012	UN conference Rio +20, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.	Twenty years from the Rio conference, report The future we want renewed the commitment to the goals of sustainable development and encouraged issues of the global green economy.
2015	UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015, New York, SAD.	The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was published, setting up 17 Millennium Development Goals which should be achieved by 2030.
2015	UN conference on climate change COP21Paris Climate change Conference, Paris, France.	Agreement on the reduction of greenhouse gases in order to reduce and limit global warming

Assignment No. 1:

Define the term sustainability? Brief the state-of-art of development of the concept.

The Real Challenges of Sustainable Development

The sustainable development is a very simple process. It does not require any concentrated efforts like other types of developments. It's just making the people aware about their environment and natural resources. For a developed or under developed countries it’s needed to overcome the difficulties listed below to achieve sustainable development. 

•     Poverty and social exclusion
•         Lack of financial resources to carry out and plan sustainable development
•         Unemployment
•         Climate change
•         Conflict and humanitarian aid
•         Building peaceful and inclusive societies
•        Building strong institutions of governance
•        Supporting the rule of law.

The concept of development [Mensah, 2019]

Development is a process that creates growth, progress, positive change or the addition of physical, economic, environmental, social and demographic components.

        The purpose of development is a rise in the level and quality of life of the population, and the creation or expansion of local regional income and employment opportunities, without damaging the resources of the environment.  Development is visible and useful, not necessarily immediately, and includes an aspect of quality change and the creation of conditions for a continuation of that change.

     Development, as a concept, has been associated with diverse meanings, interpretations and theories from various scholars.

            Development is defined as “an evolutionary process in which the human capacity increases in terms of initiating new structures, coping with problems, adapting to continuous change, and striving purposefully and creatively to attain new goals”.

        Development is understood as, “a social condition within a nation, in which the needs of its population are satisfied by the rational and sustainable use of natural resources and systems”.

Development is understood as, “a multidimensional process that involves major changes in social structures, attitudes, and institutions, as well as economic growth, reduction of inequality, and eradication of absolute poverty” . 

Several theories have been put forward to explain the concept of development. They include the Modernization, Dependency, World Systems and Globalization Theories.

The Modernization Theory of development distinguishes between two main categories of societies in the world, namely the traditional and modern societies. The theory, argues that the traditional societies are entangled by norms, beliefs and values, which are hampering their development. Therefore, in order to progress, the traditional societies must emulate the culture of modern societies, which is characterized by accumulation of capital and industrialization which are compatible with development. In essence, this theory seeks to improve the standard of living of traditional societies through economic growth by introducing modern technology. This theory is criticized for not taking into account view of development regarding freedoms and self-esteem.

The Dependency Theory, based on Marxist ideology, debunks the tenets of the modernization theory and asserts that industrialization in the developed countries rather subjects poor countries to under development as a result of the economic surplus of the poor countries being exploited by developed countries. The theory, however, fails to clarify the dependency of the least developed countries on the metropolis in terms of how the developed countries secure access to the economic surplus of the poor countries.

The World Systems Theory posits that international trade specialization and transfer of resources from the periphery (less developed countries) to the core (developed countries) stifle development in the periphery by making them rely on core countries. The World Systems Theory perceives the world economy as an international hierarchy of unequal relations  and that the unequal relations in the exchange between the Third World and First World countries are the source of First World surplus. This contrasts with the classical Marxist Theory, which posits that the surplus results from the capital-labor relation that exists in “production” itself. The World System Theory has been criticized for overemphasizing the world market while neglecting forces and relations of production. 

The Globalization Theory originates from the global mechanisms of deeper integration of economic transactions among the countries. However, apart from the economic ties, other key elements for development interpretation as far as globalization is concerned are the cultural links among nations, In this cultural orientation, one of the cardinal factors is the increasing flexibility of technology to connect people around the world .

The Concept of Sustainability Development

Having understood the disturbance caused to the environment by human development and the depletion of natural resources raise the need to keep it protected for the next generation to do so the concept of sustainable development has been put forward.

Structurally, the concept can be seen as a phrase consisting of two words, “sustainable” and “development” Just as each of the two words that combine to form the concept of SD, that is, “sustainable” and “development”, has been defined variously from various perspectives, the concept of sustainable development has also been looked at from various angles, leading to a plethora of definitions of the concept.

        Sustainability and Sustainable Development are analogues and synonyms but the two concepts are distinguishable. Sustainability is the goal or endpoint of a process called sustainable development. While “sustainability” refers to a state, sustainable development refers to the process for achieving this state. Figure l is a "'semantic map" that might help in understanding the concept.

The sustainable development in its present state can be understood from different definitions, meanings and interpretations.

In a simple mean sustainable development is a “development that can be continued either indefinitely or for the given time period.

Sustainable development is a core concept within global development policy and agenda. It provides a mechanism through which society can interact with the environment while not risking or damaging the resource for the future.

It is a development paradigm as well as a concept that calls for improving living standards without jeopardizing the earth’s ecosystems or causing environmental challenges such as deforestation and water and air pollution that can result in problems such as climate change and extinction of species.

Sustainable development is an approach to development which uses resources in a way that allows them (the resources) to continue to exist for others.

Sustainable development is a concept to the organizing principle for meeting human development goals while at the same time sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem services upon which the economy and society depend.

Sustainable development aims at achieving social progress, environmental equilibrium and economic growth.

 Sustainable development emphasized the need to move away from harmful socio-economic activities and rather engage in activities with positive environmental, economic and social impacts.

The sustainable development approach is based on;

• The concept of the development (socio-economic development in line with ecological constraints),
• The concept of needs (re-distribution of resources to ensure the quality of life for all) and
• The concept of future generations (the possibility of long-term usage of resources to ensure the necessary quality of life for future generations).

Assignment No 2:

1. What do you mean by the development? Explain any reference examples.
2. Enlist major challenges towards sustainable development

Key Components of Sustainable Development

The key components of sustainability are; human sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability.

Human Sustainability:

Human sustainability aims to maintain and improve the human capital in society. Human capital is a private good of individual, rather than between individuals or societies. It concerns with;

• Promoting of education, training and public support for the environment.
• Protecting and promoting public health (Viz., medical facilities, risk population and ecological risk)
• Fight against poverty (Ex. Sustainable livelihoods)
• Demographic threatening sustainable development (Ex. Population growth)

Social Sustainability:

Social sustainability is "a process for creating sustainable successful places that promote well-being, by understanding what people need from the places they live and work. Social sustainability combines design of the physical realm with design of the social world - infrastructure to support social and cultural life, social amenities, systems for citizen engagement, and space for people and places to evolve".

Economy:

The economical component is essential, in the sense that the aim of social and economical activity is to satisfy human needs or desires resulting from the three dimensions of human existence: biological (present in the interactions with the physical, natural environment), Social/collective (as a member of some social groups), rational/psychological/ spiritual (induced by internal traits, particular to one human being)

Environmental Sustainability:

Environmental Sustainability aims to improve human welfare through the protection of natural capital (Ex. Land, Air, Water, Minerals, Etc.). Initiatives and programs are defined environmentally sustainable when they ensure that the needs of the population are met without risk of compromising the needs of future generations.

The sustainable development of society refers to three major components of human existence: economical, ecological and human, which are also known as "Pillars of sustainability".

Matrix of Sustainability

The fourth Pillar of sustainability

“….cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature.” Sustainable development cannot be understood “simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence”.

                                                                                                                                  -Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (UNECO, 2001) 

Objectives of Sustainable Development 

It is an organizing principle for meeting human development goals while at the same time sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem services upon which the economy and society depends.

1. Balance between economic growths, quality of life and environmental preservation, medium and long term without increasing consumption of natural resources beyond the capacity of the Earth.

2.     Basic needs of all, viz., the rights to live, food, shelter, clothing, education, health, etc., should be kept in mind.

3.     Prevention of ozone layer

4.     Prevention of global warning

5.     Prevention of acid rain

6.     Reduction in toxic discharge

7.     Protection of natural environment and living creatures

8.     Food production and utilization 

The Three Dimensions of Sustainable Development:

Sustainable development calls for a long-term structural strategy for the world's economic and social systems, which aims to reduce the burden on the environment and on natural resources to a permanently viable level, while still maintaining economic growth and social cohesion. Only development that manages to balance these three dimensions can be sustained in the long term. Conversely, ignoring one of the three aspects could potentially endanger the success of the entire development process.

Sustainable development consists of three dimensions: 

• Social solidarity,
• Environmental responsibility and
• Economic efficiency.

Social solidarity: equality of opportunities for people, involving welfare, quality of life and sustainable human development –development should liberate individual capacities and fulfill human needs, thus ending poverty and improving individuals' quality of life offering a secure life with full rights and liberties in the long term - and social cohesion.

Environmental responsibility: the ability to use natural resources without undermining the equilibrium and integrity of ecosystems, reduce burden on the environment.

Economic efficiency: efficiency of economic and technological activities, foster investment and productivity, economic growth, economic output potential.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

[Ref: https://www.undp.org ]

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The 17 SDGs are integrated—that is, they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Through the pledge to Leave No One Behind, countries have committed to fast-track progress for those furthest behind first. That is why the SDGs are designed to bring the world to several life-changing ‘zeros’, including zero poverty, hunger, AIDS and discrimination against women and girls.

Goal 1: Poverty

Eradicating poverty in all its forms is a primary goal of the sustainable development approach. In its present state, is one of the greatest challenges faced by the humanity. During the period 1990 to 2015 the percentage of poverty has been dropped down by 50% and more, but still needed some efforts for the complete removal.

        Rapid growth in countries such as China and India has lifted millions out of poverty, but progress has been uneven. Women are more likely to be poor than men because they have less paid work, education, and own less property.Progress has also been limited in other regions, such as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which account for 80 percent of those living in extreme poverty. New threats brought on by climate change, conflict and food insecurity, mean even more work is needed to bring people out of poverty.

        The SDGs are a bold commitment to finish what we started, and end poverty in all forms and dimensions by 2030. This involves targeting the most vulnerable, increasing basic resources and services, and supporting communities affected by conflict and climate-related disasters.

Goal 2: Zero hunger

The number of undernourished people has dropped by almost half in the past two decades because of rapid economic growth and increased agricultural productivity. Many developing countries that used to suffer from famine and hunger can now meet their nutritional needs. Central and East Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean have all made huge progress in eradicating extreme hunger.

Unfortunately, extreme hunger and malnutrition remains a huge barrier to development in many countries. There are 821 million people estimated to be chronically undernourished as of 2017, often as a direct consequence of environmental degradation, drought and biodiversity loss. Over 90 million children under five are dangerously underweight. Undernourishment and severe food insecurity appear to be increasing in almost all regions of Africa, as well as in South America.

The SDGs aim to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, making sure all people–especially children–have sufficient and nutritious food all year. This involves promoting sustainable agricultural, supporting small-scale farmers and equal access to land, technology and markets. It also requires international cooperation to ensure investment in infrastructure and technology to improve agricultural productivity.

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

We have made great progress against several leading causes of death and disease. Life expectancy has increased dramatically; infant and maternal mortality rates have declined, we’ve turned the tide on HIV and malaria deaths have halved.

Good health is essential to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of the two. It takes into account widening economic and social inequalities, rapid urbanization, threats to the climate and the environment, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases, and emerging challenges such as non-communicable diseases.

Universal health coverage will be integral to achieving SDG 3, ending poverty and reducing inequalities. Emerging global health priorities not explicitly included in the SDGs, including antimicrobial resistance, also demand action.

But the world is off-track to achieve the health-related SDGs. Progress has been uneven, both between and within countries. There’s a 31-year gap between the countries with the shortest and longest life expectancies. And while some countries have made impressive gains, national averages hide that many are being left behind. Multisectoral, rights-based and gender-sensitive approaches are essential to address inequalities and to build good health for all.

Goal 4: Quality education

Since 2000, there has been enormous progress in achieving the target of universal primary education. The total enrolment rate in developing regions reached 91 percent in 2015, and the worldwide number of children out of school has dropped by almost half. There has also been a dramatic increase in literacy rates, and many more girls are in school than ever before. These are all remarkable successes. Progress has also been tough in some developing regions due to high levels of poverty, armed conflicts and other emergencies.

In Western Asia and North Africa, ongoing armed conflict has seen an increase in the number of children out of school. This is a worrying trend. While Sub-Saharan Africa made the greatest progress in primary school enrollment among all developing regions – from 52 percent in 1990, up to 78 percent in 2012 – large disparities still remain. Children from the poorest households are up to four times more likely to be out of school than those of the richest households. Disparities between rural and urban areas also remain high.

Achieving inclusive and quality education for all reaffirms the belief that education is one of the most powerful and proven vehicles for sustainable development. This goal ensures that all girls and boys complete free primary and secondary schooling by 2030. It also aims to provide equal access to affordable vocational training, to eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and achieve universal access to a quality higher education.

Ending all discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, it’s crucial for sustainable future; it’s proven that empowering women and girls helps economic growth and development.

UNDP has made gender equality central to its work and we’ve seen remarkable progress in the past 20 years. There are more girls in school now compared to 15 years ago, and most regions have reached gender parity in primary education.

But although there are more women than ever in the labour market, there are still large inequalities in some regions, with women systematically denied the same work rights as men. Sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office all remain huge barriers. Climate change and disasters continue to have a disproportionate effect on women and children, as do conflict and migration.

It is vital to give women equal rights land and property, sexual and reproductive health, and to technology and the internet. Today there are more women in public office than ever before, but encouraging more women leaders will help achieve greater gender equality.

Societal Transformation

The concept of neighbourhood or colonial development emerged after the First World War. From there, the idea of society was born. A society is a group of individuals engaged in ongoing social interaction or a large social group occupying the same social or physical territory, typically subject to the same governmental authority and dominant cultural norms. The context of society has changed as a result of technological and commercial advancement. A society goes through a social change when all facets of life are rebuilt, including politics, the economics, our way of thinking, and how we live. These little societies become interconnected throughout time by factors such as necessity and fear, circumstance, kinship, tradition, beliefs, history, politics, idealogy, culture, and laws. In all facets of life, social transformation entails qualitative and quantitative change [Mohamed Rabie, 2013].

प्रथम विश्व युद्ध के बाद पड़ोस या औपनिवेशिक विकास की अवधारणा उभरी। वहीं से समाज के विचार का जन्म हुआ। एक समाज चल रहे सामाजिक संपर्क में लगे व्यक्तियों का एक समूह है या एक ही सामाजिक या भौतिक क्षेत्र पर कब्जा करने वाला एक बड़ा सामाजिक समूह है, जो आमतौर पर एक ही सरकारी प्राधिकरण और प्रमुख सांस्कृतिक मानदंडों के अधीन होता है। तकनीकी और व्यावसायिक प्रगति के परिणामस्वरूप समाज का संदर्भ बदल गया है। एक समाज एक सामाजिक परिवर्तन से गुजरता है जब जीवन के सभी पहलुओं का पुनर्निर्माण किया जाता है, जिसमें राजनीति, अर्थशास्त्र, हमारे सोचने का तरीका और हम कैसे रहते हैं। ये छोटे समाज समय-समय पर आवश्यकता और भय, परिस्थिति, रिश्तेदारी, परंपरा, विश्वास, इतिहास, राजनीति, विचारधारा, संस्कृति और कानूनों जैसे कारकों से एक-दूसरे से जुड़े रहते हैं। जीवन के सभी पहलुओं में, सामाजिक परिवर्तन में गुणात्मक और मात्रात्मक परिवर्तन शामिल होता है [मोहम्मद रबी, 2013]।

 

Multiple Choices Question and Answers: 

1. What is sustainable development?

A. The development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

B. To conserve natural resources and to develop alternate sources of power while reducing pollution and harm to the environment

C. It is the practice of developing land and construction projects in a manner that reduces their impact on the environment by allowing them to create energy efficient models of self-sufficiency.

D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

2. UNCED stands for……….

A. United Nations Confederation on Environment and Development

B. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

C. United Nations Conference on Economical Development

D. United Nations Confederation on Economy and Development

Answer: (B)

3. Consider the following statement (s) related to the Sustainability.

I. It refers to a process or state that can be maintained indefinitely.

II. Natural resources must use in ways that do not create ecological debts by over exploiting the carrying and productive capacity of the earth.      

III. A minimum necessary condition for sustainability is the maintenance of the total natural capital stock at or above the current level.

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Only II & III

D. I, II & III

Answer: (D)

4. Consider the following statement (s) related to the parameters of sustainable development refer to the guiding principles.

I. Help in understanding the concept of sustainable development

II. Point the problems associated with it                                       

III. Help to take active policy measures

A. Both I & II

B. Both II & III

C. Both I & IV

D. I, II & III

Answer: (D)

5. How many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been agreed to, by all the world’s nations, as part of the 2030 Agenda?

A. 17

B. 10

C. 8

D. 16

Answer: (A)

6. When was the term ‘Sustainable Development’ came into existence?

A. 1987

B. 1980

C. 1978

D. 1992

Answer: (B)

7. Which of the following is not part of Goal 15, on ecosystems?

A. Halt and reverse land degradation

B. Halt biodiversity loss

C. Halt the use of biotechnology and genetic engineering

D. Use ecosystems sustainably while protecting and restoring them

Answer: (D)

8. The Sustainable Development Goals are focused on

A. The past

B. The present

C. The past and the present

D. The future

E. The present and the future

Answer: (E)

9. Which of the following increases demand that pushes the environment to its limit?

A. Population

B. Pollution

C. Global warming

D. Burning of fossil fuels

Answer: (A)

10. Ecotourism should lead

A. Environmental Tourism

B. Sustainable Tourism

C. Sustainability

D. Sustainable use of resources

Answer: (B)

11. This is not the effect of transportation:

A. Air emission

B. Material consumption

C. Solid waste generation

D. Acid mine drainage

Answer: (D)

12. The chart discuss about the process name as

A. Organization Chart

B. Capacity Development

C. Design Process

D. Sustainable Design

Answer: (B)

13. Among these two are resistance to sustainable development concept

A. Motivation

B. Literacy and basic education

C. Industry

D. Population

Answer: A and B

14. A promising direction towards sustainable development is to design systems that are

A. Flexible and irreversible

B. Flexible and reversible

C. Inflexible and reversible

D. Inflexible and irreversible

Answer: (A)

15. Innovation is defined as:

A. the commercialization of a new product or process.

B. the invention of a new product or process.

C. a new product or process idea.

D. the implementation of a new production method.

Answer: (A)

16. An objects initial's appearance in society is called

A. Invention

B. Creation

C. Innovation

D. Revolution

Answer: (C)

17. Innovation is a major factor in competition because it can

A. be patented to protect the investment of the developers

B. enable firms to make competitors' products obsolete

C. guarantee the monopoly position of innovative firms

D. reduce research and development costs for firms

Answer: (A)

18. The development of the computer is an example of which of the following innovations?

A. Autonomous

B. Market

C. Political

D. Environmental

Answer: (A)

19. Which of the following helped in the saving of trees?

A. Pouring of water

B. Developing of chemical manuals

C. Use of modern agriculture

D. Development of iron and steel

Answer: (D)

20. The environmental management plan covers the

A. Design

B. Construction

C. Management

D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

21. Which of the following UN commission is responsible for reviewing progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development?

A. United Nation Disaster management Commission

B. United Nations Statistical Commission

C. United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development

D. United Nations Commission on Human Rights

Answer: (C)

22. Social, economical and ecological equity is the necessary condition for achieving

A. Social development

B. Economical development

C. Sustainable development

D. Ecological development

Answer: (C)

23. Which of the following is/are not an objective (s) of sustainable development?

A. Continue to implement the family planning program.

B. Maintain a dynamic balance of arable land (not less than 123 million hectares) and implement an agricultural development strategy

C. Maintain a dynamic balance of water resources by reducing water consumption for every unit of gross development product growth and agricultural value added

D. To bring about a gradual and sometime catastrophic transformation of environment

Answer: (D)

24. Which of the following is not included in the parameters of sustainable development?

A. Carrying capacity

B. Inter and Intra-generation equity

C. Gender disparity and diversity

D. None of the above

Answer: (D)

25. Goal 1 is about poverty. What is the aim of this Goal?

A. Cut poverty in half by 2030

B. Reduce poverty by 75% by 2030

C. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

D. Help each nation make progress on reducing poverty

Answer: (C)

26. Which of the following is not part of the Sustainable Development Goals?

A. Access to sustainable energy for all

B. Availability of water and sanitation for all

C. Provision of internet services for all

D. Promotion of decent jobs for all

Answer: (C)

27. Which of the following is not true about the SDGs?

A. They encourage the promotion of health, well-being, and education for all, at all ages

B. They explicitly promote innovation

C. They include the development of sustainable cities, infrastructure, and industry

D. They are a legally binding international treaty that all nations are required to follow

Answer: (D)

28. Which type of farming is sustainable?

A. Plantations

B. Shifting cultivation

C. Nomadic Grazing

D. Cattle ranching

Answer: (B)

29. What is the most environmental friendly action for the mining company after extraction of mineral?

A. Fill in the soil and replace the top soil

B. No refilling the hole

C. Fill water in the hole

D. Fill waste in the hole

Answer: (A)

30. A chemical industry is not a cause of:

A. Air pollution

B. Noise pollution

C. Water pollution

D. Nuclear pollution

Answer: (D)

31. A sustainable city is

A. a city that use clean energy

B. a city that reduce the pollution that they generate

C. a city that recycle, reuse and reduce

D. all are correct

Answer: (D)

32. Is a suitable method of promoting sustainable development?

A. grow your own garden

B. minimize waste

C. watch your utility bills

D. all of the above

Answer: (D)

33. Among these two are alternative approaches towards sustainable development

A. Precaution

B. Renewal resources

C. Green buildings

D. Prevention

Answer: A and D

34. Process innovation refers to:

A. the development of a new service.

B. the development of a new product.

C. the implementation of a new or improved production method.

D. the development of new products or services.

Answer: (C)

35. From existing object or concept something new is formed is called

A. Innovation

B. Creation

C. Invention

D. Renovation

Answer: (C)

36. One major advantage of being the first to develop a product is the

A. use of the fast-second strategy

B. increase in retained earnings

C. lower interest-rate costs of funds

D. potential for profitable buyouts

Answer: (D)

37. Which answer best describes the creative thinking?

A. Looking for new ways to solve a problem

B. Using analysis to solve a problem

C. Using objective thoughts

D. None of the answers are correct

Answer: (D)

38. A variety of principles are used in environmental management includes

A. Polluter Pay Principle

B. User pays principle

C. Cradle to the grave principles

D. all of above

Answer: (D)

39. If a company pollutes a river which is a source of domestic, agriculture or recreational water for a given community then that company should either pay for cleaning of river or provide alternative source of water such as borewells, etc.

A. Polluter Pay Principle

B. User pays principle

C. Precautionary Principle

D. Subsidiary Principle

Answer: (A)

40. Which of the following is/are the main factor(s) responsible for the rapid rate deforestation?

A. Rapid growth of population in the developing countries

B. Extension of agriculture and grazing lands

C. Rising demand for lumber, timber, paper, fuel-wood and charcoal, and other forest products.

D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

41. What does mean “Agenda 21”?

A. It’s an agreement between 20 developing countries of the world on climate change.

B. It’s a free trade agreement between 7 developed countries of the world.

C. Agenda 21 is a non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development.

D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

42. Which of the following is correct, if we only achieve two out of three pillars of Sustainable Development?

A. Social + Economic Sustainability = Equitable

B. Social + Environmental Sustainability = Bearable

C. Economic + Environmental Sustainability = Viable

D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

43. What are the Primary Goals of Sustainability?                   

I. The end of poverty and hunger                                         

II. Better standards of education and healthcare - particularly as it pertains to water quality and better sanitation

III. To achieve gender equality                                                        

IV. Sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and stronger economies

A. I, II & III

B. I, III & IV

C. I & III

D. I, II, III & IV

Answer: (D)

44. Four domains of circles of sustainability, used by the United Nations.

A. economic, ecological, political and cultural

B. economic, social, political and cultural

C. economic, ecological, social and cultural

D. economic, ecological, political and social

Answer: (D)

45. Goal 17 is about strengthening the “means of implementation” and revitalizing the “Global Partnership” for realizing all the other Goals. Which of the following is not part of Goal 17?

A. Mobilizing the financial resources necessary to achieve the Goals

B. Creating international sports tournaments and festivals to promote the Goals

C. Helping developing countries build the capacities they need in areas such as technology, public policy, and data for reporting on progress

D. Enhancing trade, especially to help developing countries increase their exports and grow their economies

Answer: (B)

46. Equality issues are specifically mentioned in how many of the Sustainable Development Goals (not including the targets)?

A. In two of them: Goal 6 on water, and Goal 12 on sustainable production and consumption

B. In four of them: Goal 2 on hunger, Goal 7 on energy, Goal 8 on economic growth and jobs, and Goal 14 on preserving the oceans and seas

C. In three of them: Goal 4 on education, Goal 5 on gender, and Goal 10 on reducing inequality within and among countries

D. In one of them: Goal 16 on promoting peaceful and just societies for all

Answer: (C)

47. What can individuals do to help realize the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals?

A. Hold their governments and the private sector accountable and support reputable civil society organizations

B. Create projects and partnerships of their own and participate in existing initiatives to help achieve one or more of the goals

C. Use their positions in society — as teachers, decision-makers, consumers, role-models, and ordinary citizens — to voice support for the Goals, to make decisions that advance the Goals, and to take actions help to implement the Goals

D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

48. Which of the following is not a potential source of sustainable energy?

A. Wind

B. Oil

C. The sun

D. Energy crops

Answer: (B)

49. The land as been reclaimed for farming is known as

A. Reclamation

B. Restoration

C. Revitalization

D. Reduction

Answer: (A)

50. Electronic waste is the adverse effect of:

A. Industry

B. Agriculture

C. Housing

D. Mining

Answer: (A)

51. The picture resembles the concept of 3R which states

Recycle, Reproduce, Reuse

Reject, Reproduce, Reuse

Reject, Reconstruct, Refuse

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

Answer: (D)

52. Why new approaches to strategic planning are is needed?

A. To mitigate the challenges such as economic, social and environmental affairs of society

B. To prepare legislation and standards

C. To generate learning and ownership

D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

53. Modern concept of sustainable development focuses more on

A. economic development

B. social development

C. environmental protection

D. all of the above

Answer: (D)

54. The technology which meets the sustainable development needs is often referred to as

A. advanced technology

B. appropriate technology

C. sustainable technology

D. adaptive technology

Answer: (B)

55. Innovation can help to provide a temporary competitive advantage when:

A. Barriers to entry are high.

B. Barriers to limitation are low and intellectual property rights are difficult to enforce.

C. There are few other competitors.

D. Barriers to entry are low.

Answer: (B)

56. The first discovery of a product or process through the use of imagination, ingenious thinking, and experimentation and the first proof that it will work is

A. process innovation

B. product innovation

C. creative destruction

D. invention

Answer: (D)

57. What idea is best illustrated by the example of McDonald's successfully introducing the fast-food hamburger and then that idea being adopted by other firms such as Burger King and Wendy's?

A. start-ups

B. diffusion

C. invention

D. fast-second strategy

Answer: (B)

58. Which one of the following is a wrong statement?

A. Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon

B. Eutrophication is a natural phenomenon in freshwater bodies

C. Most of the forests have been lost in tropical areas

D. Ozone in upper part of atmosphere is harmful to animals

Answer: (A)

59. The objective of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is to formulate measures which will:

A. Mitigate adverse impacts on various environmental components, which have been identified during the rapid environmental impact assessment study.

B. Protect environmental resources where possible.

C. Enhance the value of environmental components where possible.

D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

60. Driver who purchases gasoline may believe that they pay for the full cost of using gasoline except for the greenhouse gases produced.

A. User pays principle

B. Precautionary Principle

C. Subsidiary Principle

D. Inter-generational Equity Principle

Answer: (A)

Question Bank Long Answer

1.  Define the term sustainability? Discuss the state-of-art of development of the concept.
2. What do you mean by the development? Explain any reference examples.
3. Enlist major challenges towards sustainable development. 
4. Enlist the key concept involve in sustainable development matrix. 
5. State and explain various objectives of sustainable development. 
6. Write about three pillars of sustainability. 
7. State and explain various principles of sustainability. 
8. Describe the dimensions of sustainable development. 
9. Enlist the primary goals of sustainable development? Explain any two in detail. 
10. What is environmental degradation?    How environmental degradation occurs?
11. Write about effects of the major environmental degradation problems. 
12. Discuss about the suggested solution over environmental degradation issues. 
13. What is poverty? How it can be associated with sustainable development concept. 
14. Define the terms: (a) absolute poverty, (b) Secondary poverty, (c) Relative poverty, (d) Asset poverty, and (e) basic needs. 
15. Explain the role of civil engineer in environmental degradation and poverty sustainable development? With suitable examples. 
16. How would you define innovation? Describe different approaches to innovation.
17. Discuss various styles of innovations. 
18. What is environmental management? Why it is needed?
19.  Discuss in detail environmental management principles. 
20. What do you understand about environmental management plan? State its objectives. 
21. What is social transformation? Discuss steps involve in societal transformation. 
22. How does societal transformation happen? Define achieved status and ascribed status gain by an individual. 
23. What is Governance? What qualities are possessed by good Governance? 
24. Discuss the role of good governance in sustainable development. 
25. What is a research? State its objectives? Discuss various types of research. 

References

1. Sharachchandra M LELE (1991). Sustainable Development: A Critical Review. World Development, Vol. 19(6):607-621. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(91)90197-P

2. Mensah (2019). Sustainable development: Meaning, history, principles, pillars, and implications for human action: Literature review. Cogent Social Sciences (2019), 5: 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2019.1653531