Sustainability of Development
Sustainability in development refers to the idea of meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept has gained prominence since the latter half of the twentieth century, primarily due to increased awareness of environmental degradation and resource scarcity.
Key Points:
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Definition: Sustainable development emphasizes the balance between economic growth, environmental health, and social equity. It acknowledges that while economic resources can drive development, the ecological limits must also be respected.
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Types of Resources: The section distinguishes between renewable and non-renewable resources:
- Renewable Resources: These can replenish themselves, such as water and forests. Overuse can result in depletion, as seen with groundwater in India, where excessive extraction threatens long-term availability.
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Non-Renewable Resources: Resources like crude oil take millions of years to form, and their reserves are finite. The table on crude oil reserves shows how long these resources will last given current extraction rates.
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Impact of Overuse: Overuse of both renewable and non-renewable resources can lead to serious problems like environmental degradation, economic instability, and social inequity. For instance, groundwater depletion affects agricultural productivity and can lead to water scarcity for large populations.
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Sustainability Issues: The ongoing depletion of resources raises questions about the long-term viability of current development practices. This underscores the need for sustainable methods of resource management to ensure that future generations inherit a world capable of supporting their needs.
Conclusion
The theme of sustainability is encapsulated in the adage, ‘We have not inherited the world from our forefathers — we have borrowed it from our children.’ This calls for responsible stewardship of resources to foster a sustainable future.