Sustainable Development and Sustainability: In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals. It is a universal call to action to eradicate poverty and protect the planet. Also, to ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Nature has supported and sustained life on earth since time immemorial and will continue to do so in the future. This capacity of the land is known as sustainability of nature or ecosystem or environment. But once there is a change in the initial state of nature, its ability to bounce back is lost.
Anthropocentric development activities such as industrialization have led to the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources. The problem has taken on global proportions. It has brought us to a position where not only life forms on this planet are affected, but the very existence of humanity.
GK Questions and answers about sustainable development and sustainability
1. What is sustainable development?
A. Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
B. To preserve natural resources and develop alternative sources of energy while reducing pollution and damage to the environment.
C. It is the practice of developing land and building projects in a way 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
Explanation: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Also, preserve natural resources and develop alternative sources of energy while reducing pollution and damage to the environment.
Sustainable development is the practice of developing land and building projects in a way that reduces their impact on the environment by allowing them to create energy-efficient models of self-sufficiency. So, all three listed options are correct.
2. Which of the following is true if we achieve only two of the three pillars of sustainable development?
A. Social + economic sustainability = fair
B. Social + environmental sustainability = tolerable
C. Economic + ecological sustainability = sustainable
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Social + economic sustainability = fair
Social + environmental sustainability = tolerable
Economic + ecological sustainability = sustainable
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3. Consider the following statements related to sustainability.
I. Relating to a process or state that can be maintained indefinitely.
II. Natural resources must be used in ways that do not create ecological debt by overexploiting the carrying capacity and productive capacity of the country.
III. The minimum necessary condition for sustainability is to maintain the total stock of natural capital at or above the current level.
Encode:
A. Just me
B. Only II
C. Only II and III
D. I, II and III
Answer: D
Explanation: Sustainability refers to a process or state that can be maintained indefinitely. Natural resources should be used in such a way that ecological debts are not created by excessive exploitation of the carrying and production capacities of the country. The minimum requirement for sustainability is to maintain the total stock of natural capital at or above current levels.
4. Which of the following is/are not the goal(s) of sustainable development?
A. Continue the implementation of the family planning program.
B. Maintaining a dynamic balance of arable land (not less than 123 million hectares) and implementing the agricultural development strategy
C. Maintain a dynamic balance of water resources by reducing water consumption for each unit of growth in gross development product and agricultural value added
D. Bring about a gradual and sometimes catastrophic transformation of the environment
Answer: D
Rationale: The goals of sustainable development are: continue to implement the family planning program, maintain a dynamic balance of arable land (not less than 123 million hectares) and implement the strategy of agricultural development, and also maintain a dynamic balance of water resources by reducing water consumption for each unit of gross product growth development and agricultural added value.
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5. What are the primary goals of sustainability?
I. The end of poverty and hunger
II. Better standards of education and health care – especially regarding water quality and better sanitary conditions
III. To achieve gender equality
IV. Sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and a stronger economy
Encode:
A. I, II and III
B. I, III and IV
C. I and III
D. I, II, III and IV
Answer: D
Explanation: The primary goals of sustainability are achieving gender equality, eradicating poverty and hunger; better standards of education and health care, mainly in terms of water quality and better sanitation, and sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and a stronger economy.
6. In what year was the term ‘sustainable development’ created?
A. 1987
B. 1980
C. 1978
D. in 1992
Answer: B
Explanation: ‘Sustainable development’ was created in 1980.
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7. The United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD) was established by the UN General Assembly in
A. 1992
B. in 1993
C. 1994
D. in 1995
Answer: A
Explanation: The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1992 to provide effective follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) also known as the Earth Summit.
8. Which of the following UN commissions is responsible for evaluating progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development?
A. United Nations Disarmament Commission
B. Statistical Commission of the United Nations
C. United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)
D. United Nations Commission on Human Rights
Answer: C
Explanation: The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) is responsible for reviewing progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.
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9. Consider the following statements related to the parameters of sustainable development and related to the guiding principles.
I. Help in understanding the concept of sustainable development
II. Point out the problems associated with it
III. Help take active policy measures
Encode:
A. II and II
B. Bot II & III
C. I and IV
D. I, II and III
Answer: D
Reasoning: The parameters of sustainable development related to the guiding principles help in understanding the concept of sustainable development, indicate the problems associated with it and help in undertaking active policy measures.
10. Which of the following is not included in the parameters of sustainable development?
A. Carrying capacity
B. Intergenerational and intragenerational capital
C. Gender inequality and diversity
D. None of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: The parameters of sustainable development include carrying capacity, intergenerational and intragenerational equity, and gender inequality and diversity.
- What is one of the key principles of sustainable development?
- Rapid depletion of natural resources
- Exploiting the ecosystem for short-term profit
- Meeting the needs of the present regardless of the future
- Interdependence of economic, social and environmental factors
Ans. Interdependence of economic, social and environmental factors
Explanation: The key principle of sustainable development is the preservation of ecosystems and the environment.
12. What does the concept of “triple bottom line” in sustainability refer to?
- Profit, product and people
- Economic, environmental and social factors
- Business, government and community collaboration
- Sustainable materials that can be reused and recycled
Ans. B
Explanation: The triple bottom line (TBL) argues that companies should devote equal focus to social and environmental issues as they do to profits.
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350+ GK questions and answers about the environment and ecology
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Source: HIS Education