Sustainable Development Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary focus of sustainable resource management?

Maximizing industrial productivity at all costs

Elimination of all human impact on the environment

Balancing productivity with conservation practices (correct)

Encouraging unrestricted exploitation of resources

What does the principle of intra-generation equity aim to achieve?

Reducing the wealth gap within and between nations (correct)

Improving availability of resources for future generations

Enhancing wealth for a small elite minority

Maximizing resource extraction without concern for equity

Which of the following is an objective of sustainable development?

Disregard for ecological impact

Protection of the environment (correct)

Promotion of unsustainable practices

Absolute prioritization of economic growth

Which action is considered sustainable in efforts to combat environmental issues?

Utilizing renewable energy sources Signup and view all the answers

What do the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) primarily aim for?

To address global issues through collective actions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is recommended for mitigating unsustainability?

Stop pollution and enhance environmental regulations Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sustainable development emphasizes future generations?

Minimize adverse impacts on future generations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a listed goal for sustainable development?

Encouraging deforestation Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for individuals and societies to acquire in order to promote sustainable development?

A set of values and feelings of concern for sustainability Signup and view all the answers

What does the evaluation ability in sustainable development focus on?

Social, economic, ecological, and aesthetic factors Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT directly addressed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

Achieving world peace Signup and view all the answers

According to the World Commission, what is sustainable development primarily about?

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations Signup and view all the answers

What does participation in sustainable development involve?

Active involvement in environmental citizenship Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by natural resource management in the context of sustainable development?

Economic viability in the short run and environmental sustainability in the long run Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

To provide a global partnership for peace and prosperity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about sustainable development is false?

It relies solely on governmental policies. Signup and view all the answers

What significant amendment to the Montreal Protocol was adopted in October 2016?

The Kigali amendment Signup and view all the answers

What year was the Montreal Protocol finalized?

1987 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gases is NOT included in the Kyoto Protocol's Annex A?

Ozone (O3) Signup and view all the answers

Which agreement replaced the Kyoto Protocol?

Paris Agreement Signup and view all the answers

When did the Kigali amendment come into force for the countries that confirmed it?

1 January 2019 Signup and view all the answers

How many UN member countries have ratified the Montreal Protocol as of now?

197 Signup and view all the answers

What is India's position in terms of greenhouse gas contributions globally?

Third major contributor Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer?

Protect the ozone layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary economic growth target for least developed countries?

7 percent annual GDP growth Signup and view all the answers

Which goal focuses on ensuring access to safe and affordable housing by 2030?

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities Signup and view all the answers

What does Goal 12 emphasize for sustainable development?

Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns Signup and view all the answers

Which goal aims to reduce income inequality both within and among countries?

Goal 10: Reducing inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of products from least developed countries received duty-free treatment as of 2015?

65 percent Signup and view all the answers

Which goal addresses the need for urgent action to combat climate change?

Goal 13: Climate action Signup and view all the answers

What is a target of Goal 9 relating to industrial growth?

Foster innovation and resilient infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

71 percent Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol from other environmental treaties?

They have obtained universal acceptance with 197 member countries. Signup and view all the answers

What year did the Basel Convention come into force?

1992 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the goal of the Minamata Convention?

To protect humans and the environment from the dangers of mercury. Signup and view all the answers

Which convention provides a legally binding framework focused on biodiversity conservation?

Convention on Biological Diversity Signup and view all the answers

How many parties had ratified the Minamata Convention by March 2019?

105 parties Signup and view all the answers

What did India do in response to the Basel Convention?

Ratified the convention and enacted legislation based on it. Signup and view all the answers

Which entity operates as the governing body of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

The Conference of the Parties (COP) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence faced by the local communities in Japan due to mercury contamination, leading to the naming of the Minamata Convention?

Untreatable health effects and disabilities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sustainable Development Definition

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) provided this definition in 1987.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Adopted in 2015 by all United Nations Member States.
Provides a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
Includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Aims to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, spur economic growth, and tackle climate change.

Concept of Sustainable Development

Emphasizes natural resource management that is economically viable in the short term and environmentally sustainable in the long term.
Focuses on optimizing land and water resource management to balance productivity and conservation practices.

Principles of Sustainability

Intra-generational Equity: Use of natural resources should reduce the wealth gap within and between nations.
Intergenerational Equity: Minimize the adverse impact of natural resource utilization on future generations.

Objectives of Sustainable Development

Concern for future generations.
Environmental protection.
Maintaining high and stable levels of economic growth.
Rational utilization of natural resources.
Social progress that recognizes the needs of everyone.

Ideas for Solving Unsustainability

Replace fossil fuels with renewable energy and fuels.
Stop deforestation and plant trees.
Reduce, recycle, reuse.
Protect wildlife and habitats.
Remove poverty and hunger.
Conserve water.
Stop corruption and crime.
Enforce pollution control.
Change the government.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

17 global goals set by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
Part of the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Targets include achieving at least a 7 percent annual growth in GDP for least developed countries.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities

Reduce income inequality within and among countries.
Targets include reducing the cost of exporting goods from least developed countries.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Targets include ensuring access to safe and affordable housing.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Targets include using eco-friendly production methods and reducing waste.

Goal 13: Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting renewable energy.

Goal 14: Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

International Environmental Treaties

Montreal Protocol for Protection of Ozone Layer (1987)

Regulates the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.
Ratified by all 197 UN member countries.

Kyoto Protocol for Controlling Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2005-2012 and 2013-2020)

Legally binding agreement within the UNFCCC.
Commits Annex B-Parties to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Applies to six greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.

Paris Agreement (2016)

Focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Signed by 197 countries and ratified by 187 countries (as of November 2019).
Replaced the Kyoto Protocol.

Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985)

Globally monitors and reports on ozone depletion.
No legally binding goals for countries.

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal (1989)

Addresses the adverse effects of hazardous wastes.
187 parties (as of October 2018).

Minamata Convention on Mercury (2017)

Protects humans and the environment from the effects of mercury.
105 parties (as of March 2019).

Convention on Biological Diversity (1992)

Provides a framework to conserve biodiversity and use it sustainably.
Objective is to encourage actions leading to a viable future.
India enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002 to address biodiversity issues.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of sustainable development, including its definition, principles, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Understand the sustainable development goals and their importance for future generations and the planet.