SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- MEANING AND SCOPE
INTRODUCTION:
In the conversation about development, sustainable development plays a significant role. The topic of sustainable development is at the forefront of conversations and debates among national leaders of both developed and developing nations, as well as development professionals and environmentalists. The importance of sustainable development is acknowledged by the United Nations and its agencies, as well as by other international organisations, commissions, and world leaders.
The goal of sustainable development is to resolve the tension that exists between the right to a healthy environment and development, which might be industrial, economic, or social in nature. In other words, only by strictly following the idea of sustainable development the balance between environmental protection and developmental activity can be maintained. According to environmental studies, the environmental issues in developed countries are mostly caused by industrial and technological growth, while in the case of underdeveloped countries, the environmental issues are mostly caused due to poverty, overpopulation, and illiteracy. Undoubtedly, it is in a country’s socioeconomic best interest to support and promote development, but this should not come at the expense of environmental deterioration, since this would not only negatively affect the current generation but also future generations. So, in today’s world, the principle of Sustainable Development is important as it tries to maintain the balance between development and environmental protection.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?
The phrase “Sustainable Development” was first used in the early 1970s by Barbara Ward (also known as Lady Jackson), the founder of the International Institute for Environment and Development, which is much earlier than the Brundtland Report’s concept. For her, sustainable development was primarily about people, their economic and social well-being, and their aspirations for equity in their relationships with one another in a situation where environment-society imbalances could threaten economic and social stability.
However, the Brundtland Report is credited for the concept of sustainable development as in 1987 a report i.e., ‘Our Common Future’, which is also known as the Brundtland Report, was released by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, and the report provided a proper definition of “sustainable development” which is commonly used by us till today, according to the definition a development which is sustainable is one that satisfies current requirements without endangering the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own needs.
SCOPE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
The scope of sustainable development is both vast and multidimensional it encompasses various aspects that together contribute to a more equitable, resilient, and environmentally responsible future. It includes aspects related to the economy, social, technology and environmental dimensions. In terms of the economy, sustainable development involves promoting economic stability, lowering poverty, and encouraging inclusive growth. In terms of society, it seeks to improve people’s quality of life by guaranteeing that everyone has access to social services, healthcare, and education, in addition, it also addresses concerns of inclusivity and social justice. In terms of innovation and technology, it plays a crucial role in sustainable development by driving conservation, efficiency, and improved quality of life. It also enables the development of sustainable solutions, such as renewable energy, eco-friendly transportation, and efficient resource management. In terms of the environment, sustainable development emphasises environmental conservation, responsible resource management and climate action to reduce and adapt to environmental challenges. The scope also includes international cooperation, ethical concerns, good governance, and others. In order to balance the requirements of the present with those of the future and the health of the environment, it places a strong emphasis on a holistic approach to development that takes into account the interactions of all these dimensions. The concept of sustainable development acknowledges that progress should not be made at the price of future generations and that our actions now should respect the limited resources of our world.
PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
The major five principles of Sustainable Development are
- Conservation of Biodiversity:
In order to achieve long-term human well-being and environmental stability, conserving the vast diversity of life on Earth is essential. This is why the principle of biodiversity conservation in sustainable development is so important. Numerous tangible and intangible advantages are provided by biodiversity, which includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and environmental diversity. It provides crucial ecosystem services that are necessary for human survival, such as pollination, clean air and water, and climate regulation. It also provides genetic resources for food and agriculture. It plays an important role in pharmaceutical industries as both manufactured pharmaceutical and medicinal plants rely on Biodiversity. Due to all these benefits, biodiversity helps in contributing to the economic prosperity of a country. The biodiversity holds some cultural, aesthetic and ethical values which contribute to people’s cultural identities, traditions, and ways of life, so many people believe that protecting and conserving biodiversity is an ethical and moral responsibility.
The Conservation of Biodiversity is a fundamental principle in sustainable development because it recognizes that the health and well-being of human societies are intricately linked to the health and diversity of the natural world. So now by including the conservation of biodiversity in the planning and implementing the practices of sustainable development, we can ensure that our activities are in harmony with nature and that we leave a habitable and prosperous planet for the future.
- Conservation of Ecosystem and Environment:
One of the fundamental principles of sustainable development is the idea of Conservation of ecosystems and the environment. It emphasises how important it is to protect our environment for the sake of current and future generations. The maintenance of biodiversity, which supports the complex web of life and increases the environment’s adaptability, is a necessary component of ecosystem conservation. Ecosystem conservation is essential for human success because it supplies essential services like clean air, water, and climate regulation. At the environmental level, sustainability plays an important role as it encourages the protection of nature from being used in an inexhaustible manner and it also ensures its rational use.
This principle emphasises a long-term perspective to balance the requirements of the present while guaranteeing the sustainability of our world for future generations. It recognises the interconnection of ecosystems and the global duty to address environmental concerns. The fundamental principle of sustainable development is the conservation of ecosystems and the environment, which recognises the close relationship between human welfare and the health of the natural world.
- Population Control and Management:
The principle of population control and management in sustainable development is a fundamental concept, which emphasises the necessity of striking a balance between the expansion of the human population and the environment’s ability to support it. In the pursuit of sustainable development, it is important to recognize that excessive population expansion can put a strain on natural resources (like water, energy, and food), cause environmental damage, and make it more difficult to meet the demands of both present and future generations. This principle involves the promotion of access to family planning and reproductive health services, women empowerment, and responsible demographic stewardship. By controlling the growth in population, we can decrease resource demand, reduce environmental impacts, and improve the quality of life while preserving human rights and promoting cultural diversity. By addressing growing populations within the framework of sustainable development, we may move towards a more equal and balanced world where both human well-being and the health of the planet are safeguarded for both the present and future generations.
- Sustainable Development of the Society:
The goal of the sustainable development of society principle is social well-being and equity. It involves ensuring that every person has access to necessities including food, water, shelter, and healthcare. This principle acknowledges that economic growth by itself cannot guarantee human development and well-being. It highlights how crucial social justice, human rights, and equality are to the advancement of society. The sustainable development of society is concerned with raising every person’s standard of living, especially those who are marginalised and underprivileged. It also encourages healthcare, education and social services in order to ensure that every person has access to the resources which they will need in order to be successful in their life. According to this principle, social development is a crucial element of sustainable development. So, in short, we can say that this principle wanted to establish a society in which everyone has access to the resources they require to have happy and healthy lives. It also promotes social well-being and equity so that every person can work towards a more sustainable future for our children and other generations.
- Conservation of the Human Resources:
In many ways, the principle of conservation of human resources is very beneficial for sustainable development. Societies can lay the groundwork for long-term, balanced development by making investments in the welfare and growth of their citizens. Investments in the health and education systems, access to services, nutrition, knowledge and skills are all programs under the umbrella of Conservation of human resources. First of all, it promotes stability and economic progress. A workforce that is educated and in good physical and mental health is more productive and adaptable, which is essential for long-term economic growth. Education and skills development not only give benefits to the individuals, but also help in creating a skilled labour force which can promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic diversification. Secondly, it encourages inclusivity and social equity. Access to social services, healthcare, and education for all members of society fosters social cohesiveness by reducing social tensions and inequalities. This, in turn, promotes political stability and an atmosphere that is favourable for sustainable development.
Furthermore, the conservation of human resources helps in environmental stewardship. Populations that have received education and information are more likely to adopt eco-friendly behaviours and manage resources responsibly. When people understand the value of protecting the environment then at that time, they will develop sustainable lifestyles and proper consumption habits.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA:
In India, sustainable development is a multidimensional and continuous process that aims at harmonising social advancement, environmental protection, and economic growth. The country faces a unique set of opportunities and challenges due to its large and diversified population, rapid urbanisation, and environmental problems. India’s sustainable development efforts to achieve a wide range of initiatives which include energy efficiency programmes, investments in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, conservation of the environment to prevent pollution of the air and water, and rural development projects to enhance infrastructure and agricultural practices. The country also places a high priority on access to affordable healthcare, skill development, education, and clean water and sanitation.
India has also passed several laws like The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1980, and The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, in order to protect and conserve the environment. The country has also made some missions like the Green India Mission (for protecting, enhancing and restoring the diminishing forest) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (for making agriculture more sustainable, productive, climate resilient and remunerative) in order to protect the forest and for making productive agriculture. The Indian courts also played an important role in ensuring the proper implementation of sustainable development goals. In the case of the Indian Council for Enviro Legal Action v. Union of India, it was held that economic development should not be done at the cost of ecological destruction, the same should not be hampering economic development. It was stated that economic and ecological developments should be well balanced with the effectiveness of both intact.
Globally also India played a significant role in achieving sustainable development goals as it was the only nation to advocate for the initiation and adoption of nationally specified contributions to measure and map the advancement of the goals of sustainable development. India has also made commitments to give funds to the UN trust for the institution of SDG (i.e., Sustainable Development Goal). India has also collaborated with the G77 countries in diplomacy to improve their ability to work together in accordance with established norms and has sought to bring the countries to consensus agreements that will benefit everyone. From an institutional perspective, India has consistently worked to expand the scope and objectives of the UN in relation to political, economic, and environmental issues. All these above reasons are sufficient to show that India’s contributions to sustainable development are significant which indicates the country’s commitment to a more equitable, environmentally friendly, and prosperous future for its citizens and the world.
CONCLUSION:
Sustainable Development is an essential idea that represents the peaceful coexistence of social equity, environmental conservation, and economic growth. Its vast and multidimensional scope encompasses social inclusion, responsible economic growth, and environmental stewardship. By encouraging innovation, resilience, and international cooperation, sustainable development aims to strike a balance between the requirements of the present and future generations. It is not only a choice but a requirement to comprehend the meaning and scope of sustainable development as we have to deal with the complex challenges present in this era. Sustainable Development is considered as a guiding principle which lays out a course for a future in which human well-being is intricately intertwined with the health of our planet, and where we work to leave a legacy of development, environmental integrity, and equity for future generations. Adopting sustainable development is not only a global imperative but also a moral obligation that calls for us to reconsider our decisions, policies, and actions in order to guarantee a world that thrives in harmony and balance, both in the present and future.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
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Author: Subham Kumar Panda, BBALLB, 4th year, Birla Global University
