Introduction to Sustainable Development PDF

 Introduction  With new developments and advancements in technology, the world has also witnessed constant exploitation of nature which has led to alarming problems like global warming, ozone depletion, climate change, pollution, deforestation...

 Introduction  With new developments and advancements in technology, the world has also witnessed constant exploitation of nature which has led to alarming problems like global warming, ozone depletion, climate change, pollution, deforestation and many other environmental threats.  It is important for us to take immediate action for preserving our planet and sustainable development is the answer to a better environment and secure Future.  In the development model that we adopted today, we are extracting natural resources like water, forests, fisheries, mineral, soil nutrients etc., at a pace faster than their capacity to regenerate The result is an Origin and background of Sustainable Development  For the first time, the doctrine of "Sustainable Development" was discussed in the Stockholm Declaration of 1972.  Thereafter, in 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development submitted its report, which is also known as Brundtland Commission Report wherein an effort was made to link economic development and environment protection.  The concept had been further discussed under agenda 21 of UN conference on environmental preservation and development at the Earth Summit held in June 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Prime Minister Brundtland(Norway) defined sustainable development as "development that Definition  Sustainable development can be defined as development that meets the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  Sustainable development aims at making use of natural resources and the environment for improving the standard of people in such a way that the ability of future generations to meet their own needs is not minimized. NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT  In the areas of economic development and environmental depletion, several issues require attention. As a result, the concept of sustainable development is critical to address the following issues :- 1. To slow the deterioration (decline) of the environment. 2. Checking exploitative technology and looking for alternatives. 3. To prevent the overuse and wastages of natural resources. 4. Renewable energy resources to be regenerated. CORE ELEMENTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Environmental Conservation  Economic Progress  Social Development Environmental Conservation  The primary focus of sustainable development is to protect the environment so that the resources provided by it do not get destroyed. Economic Progress  It encourages people to invest in sustainable efforts by persuading them through its long-term benefits and supporting both the environmental and social elements of the cause. Social Development  It aims to attain the well-being of an individual and society at large. It entails the availability of necessary resources, proper healthcare, and good quality of life for people.  Elimination of poverty across the world.  Ensure good health and well being.  Provision for clear water and sanitation.  Provision of quality education for all. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) INTRODUCTION : The 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Member States decided to launch a process to develop a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  On 25th September, 2015 193 member nations at the United Nations General Assembly set up a collection of 17 goals known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of simply Global Goals.  These came into force on 1 January 2016.  The 17 SDGs and their 169 targets form the core of "AGENDA 2030".  These goals are to be achieved by all member states by the year 2030.  While the SDGs are not legally binding governments are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 Goals.  They are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity.  The goals are broad, interdependent, and cover social economic issues and making them work is everyone's responsibility.  Sustainable development meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generation  Goal 1:- No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere  Goal 2 :- Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.  Goal 3 :- Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.  Goal 4 :- Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.  Goal 5 :- Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.  Goal 6 :- Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.  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.  Goal 9 :- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure : Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.  Goal 10 :- Reduced Inequality: Reduce inequality within and among countries.  Goal 11:- Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.  Goal 12:- Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.  Goal 13 :- Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.  Goal 14 :- Life Below water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.  Goal 15 :- Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.  Goal 16 :- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.  Goal 17:- Partnerships to Achieve the Goal: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. Features of Sustainable Development: Sustainable development has many features, including: 1. Environmental conservation : Protecting the environment and natural resources so they are not destroyed. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using renewable energy sources, and limiting consumption of natural resources. 2. Social development : Ensuring the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. This includes providing access to resources, healthcare, and a good quality of life. 3. Economic progress : Encouraging people to invest in sustainable efforts by showing the long- term benefits. This includes promoting sustainable and equitable economic growth 4. Intergenerational equity : Ensuring that the needs of the current generation are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 5. Respect for life : Teaching people to respect and care for all life forms. 6. Green architecture : Promoting green architecture for buildings. 7. Careful use of resources : Using resources carefully so that they can be renewed. For example, if trees are cut down, they should be replanted. Various principles of 'Sustainable Development’ Some of the basic principles of 'Sustainable Development' as described in 'Brundtland report' are as follows:  Inter-Generational Equity: The principle talks about the right of every generation to get benefit from the natural resources. The main object behind the principle is to ensure that the present generation should not abuse the non- renewable resources to deprive the future generation of its benefit.  Precautionary principle : Principle 15 of the Rio declaration also provides that, in order to protect the environment, precautionary approach shall be widely applied by the states according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for proposing cost effective measure to prevent such degradation.  In Research Foundation for Science vs Union of India, the Supreme Court has explained that the precautionary principle generally describes an approach to the protection of the environment or human health based on the precaution even where there is no clear evidence of harm or risk of harm from and activity or substance. It is a part of principle of sustainable development.  Polluter Pays Principle : The Polluter pays principle as interpreted by the Supreme Court of India, means that the absolute liability for harm to the environment extends not only to compensate the victims of pollution but also the cost of restoring the environmental degradation.  Once the actor is proved to be guilty, he is liable to compensate for his act irrelevant of the fact that whether he's involved in development process or not.  This principle is based on the slogan - IF YOU MAKE A MESS, IT'S YOUR DUTY TO CLEAN IT. Landmark cases of Sustainable Development  Vellore Citizen's Welfare Forum v. Union of India 1996 (Tamil Nadu Tanneries Case)  The petition was filed against the excessive pollution caused by the tanneries and other industries in the State of Tamil Nadu in the River Palar. This river is the main source of drinking and bathing water for the surrounding people.  The Supreme Court directed that all attempts should be taken to improve the situation and guided all the Tanneries to submit a Rs.10,000 as fine in the Collector's office.  The Court additionally coordinated the State of Tamil Nadu to grant M. C. Mehta with an entirety of Rs. 50,000 as gratefulness towards his endeavours for the security of the Environment.  The Hon'ble Supreme Court held that: We have no hesitation in holding that the precautionary principle and polluter pays principle are part of the environmental law of India.  M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India (Taj Trapezium Case) – Taj Mahal, was facing threat due to high toxic emissions from Mathura Refineries, Iron Foundries, Glass and other chemical industries.  The acid rain was a serious threat to the Taj Mahal an 255 other historic monuments within the Taj Trapezium. Supreme Court delivered its historic judgment in 1996 giving various directions including banning the use of coal and cake and directing the industries to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).