Sustainable Development Political Science YouTube Lecture Handouts

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Sustainable Development Political Science

  • The term sustainable development refers to the form of economic development that leads to material progress but ensures that the future generations have resources left to utilise.
  • It introduces the environment parameter into the ideas of development, which until now, were only concerned with exploitation of resources and increasing income.

Background

Illustration: Background
  • The environmental impact of economic development was first raised by Rachel Carson in her 1962 book, The Silent Spring.
  • That book sparked a multitude of scholars and academicians raising the same issue.
  • Several high-profile international meetings were held which covered the same issue.

Club of Rome

Illustration: Club of Rome
  • Founded in April 1968 by Aurelio Peccei and Alexander King.
  • Famous for its report “Limits to Growth,” published in 1972.
  • The report was based on computer simulations which concluded that economic growth cannot continue indefinitely.

Our Common Future: Brundtland Commission

  • The Commission was titled World Commission on Environment and Development.
  • It was led by Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland.
  • Since then, the focus everywhere has been to include environmental impacts in developmental planning.

Sustainable Development Definition

  • According to Our Common Future, sustainable development meant meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future.
  • Concept of needs in particular, the essential needs of the world՚s poor, to which overriding priority should be given.
  • Idea of limitations posed by the state of technology and social organisation.

Features of Sustainable Development

  • An attempt to minimise greenhouse gases, reduce global warming and preserve environmental resources.
  • Emphasis on green architecture and eco-friendly building practises.
  • Use of natural, biodegradable building material.
  • Renewable resources of energy
  • Emphasis on solar and wind energy
  • Protection of natural habitats
  • Planned replacement for any resources used
  • Reducing pollution in industrial practices

Elements of Sustainable Development

Among Economic Elements

  • Production and resourcing
  • Accounting and regulation
  • Labour and Welfare
  • Wealth and Distribution

Ecological Elements

  • Water and Air
  • Flora and Fauna

Political Elements

  • Organisation and Governance
  • Law and justice
  • Security and accord

Cultural Elements

  • Engagement and identity
  • Recreation and creativity
  • Memory and Projection

Multiple Choice Questions

Which book sparked a discussion on environmental impact of development?

A. The Uninhabitable Earth

B. The Silent Spring

C. The End of Nature

D. Feral

Answer: B

Which of the following is NOT a feature of sustainable development?

A. Usage of renewable sources of energy

B. Use of conventional methods of construction

C. Reduction of pollution, both air and water

D. Replacement of used resources

Answer: B

Mayank