MEANING, ORIGIN AND SCOPE

OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Submitted to: Submitted

by:
Dr. Deepak Thakur Scheherazade Sandhu
UILS, Panjab University Masters of Law, 2
years
Roll no. 2067/20
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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I, Scheherazade Sandhu, would like to express my gratitude to my Teacher, Dr. Deepak
Thakur, who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on ‘The Meaning,
Origin and Scope of Sustainable Development’, which helped me in doing a lot of Research
and I came to know about so many new things. I am really grateful to him for this learning
curve.

I would like to extend my acknowledgement towards everyone in my family and group of

friends who assisted and supported me and for their valuable criticism and benevolent
assistance as well as consistent support throughout the phase of this project compiling.

CONTENTS
1.INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………….4

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2. MEANING OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT …………5
3.ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION …………………………………..7
4.CORE ELEMENTS ………………………………………………9
5.SCOPE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ………………10
6.GLOBAL INITIATIVES ………………………………………..11
7. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS …………………12
8.PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES ……………………………15
9. INDIA AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ……………17
10.CHALLENGES FOR INDIA …………………………………19
11. CONCLUSION ……………………………………………….20
12. BIBLIOGRAPHY ……………………………………………..21

INTRODUCTION
In the ancient agricultural economy period, in order to coordinate agricultural development

and human survival, the ancient thought of simple and sustainable development began to

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sprout . Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, the population has increased rapidly and

production has been developing. Human beings have been exploiting wealth from nature

and the volume of wastes and pollutants thrown into the environment has also gradually

increased. Preserving the global life support systems has become more difficult due to the

rapid and continuing human-caused environmental changes.

In other words, the drive for economic growth has resulted in various problems such as

environmental degradation and social disparities. ‘Sustainable development’ prescribes for a

more balanced approach to growth that progresses development across three underlying

pillars: social inclusion, environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. Quality of

life assessments, have told us that economic growth does not equate to happiness or a sense

of well-being. As the global population sadly increases, so does the pressure on our

biosystem and social equity. Therefore, Sustainable development calls for the adoption of

more responsible consumption and production patterns. Sustainable development can be

facilitated through five guiding principles, i.e. living within environmental limits, ensuring a

strong, healthy and just society, achieving a sustainable economy, promoting good

governance and utilising information communication technology as a social responsibility. 1

MEANING OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

On reading about Sustainable Development, a common definition that comes into play is

that it refers to that development which meets the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The term

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Concept of Sustainable Development - Leverage Edu

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Sustainable Development was used by the Brundtland Commission and the above-

mentioned definition was propounded by the same Commission. It contains within it two

key concepts:

– the concept of 'needs', in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which

overriding priority should be given; and

– the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the

environment's ability to meet present and future needs.2

In simpler words, it is a way of organising the society by which it can exist for a long

duration without compromising on the availability of resources for future generations.

For sustainable development, factors such as preserving the environment and natural

resources along with maintaining social and economic equality need to be followed

extremely stringently.

This concept is not new, it has been followed by many cultures over the course of history

with an aim of maintaining a balance between man, nature and economy.

According to UNESCO, there are four dimensions to sustainable development – society,

environment, culture and economy – which are intertwined, not separate. Sustainability is a

paradigm for thinking about the future in which environmental, societal and economic

considerations are balanced in the pursuit of an improved quality of life. For example, a

prosperous society relies on a healthy environment to provide food and resources, safe

drinking water and clean air for its citizens. 

 One often asks, what is the difference between sustainable development and sustainability?

Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal (i.e. a more sustainable world), while

sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it (e.g.

sustainable agriculture and forestry, good government, research and technology transfer,

education and training, etc.).

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Chapter 2, Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987

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 To date, Education for Sustainable Development has been integrated into many global

frameworks and conventions related to key areas of sustainable development. 3

ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION

What people tend to neglect and forget is the evolution of the concept of sustainability.

Although the history and evolution of a concept might seem unimportant, it could help us

predict the future trends and flaws that will appear. And it will help us ensure that the 21st

century will be “the Sustainability Century.”

A. The Embryonic Period (Before 1972)

Though the terms “sustainability” or “sustainable” first appeared in the 20th century, the

equivalent concepts have been used for centuries. The idea of Sustainable Development has

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Sustainable Development (unesco.org)
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Sustainable Development (drishtiias.com)

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a long history in China, and this concept can be traced back to the core idea of Chinese

classical philosophy—“天人合一” (Heaven and people in one). As early as the Western Zhou

Dynasty (B.C.1100~771), the emperors realized that the mountains, forests, and rivers should

be rationally used according to the laws of nature rather than overexploiting them. Since

then, various measures have been taken to protect natural resources, such as establishing

designated management departments, enforcing state monopoly, collecting taxes in regard

to mountains and gardens, and issuing bans. Afterward, different causes of environmental

degradation, including farming, logging, and mining, were discussed in the ancient

Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman civilizations.

B. The Moulding Period (1972–1987)

The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 With the recognition

that the developmental policies primarily focusing on economic growth increased the

frequency of serious environmental problems, the United Nations held a world summit in

Stockholm, Sweden in 1972. The conference was the first human environment conference

and symbolized the beginning of the SD concept. The summit urged all countries in the

world to strengthen environmental management policies while developing their economies.

Since then, institutional developments related to environmental protection and vigorous

end-of-pipe environmental governance have advanced a great deal. However, there was a

major global disagreement at the summit, i.e., the northern developed countries were more

concerned with environmental issues, while the developing countries in the south paid more

attention to poverty issues. In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and

Development (WCED) drafted a report on human development, “Our Common Future”,

which was the first ever attempt to systematically state the definition of Sustainable

Development. It was defined as “sustainable development is development that meets the

needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their

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needs”. The report focused on the global situation of the population, food, species and

genetic resources, energy, industry, human habitation, etc

C. The Developing Period (1987–Present)

The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development In 1992, the United

Nations hosted a conference, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to address environment and

development, starting the journey of Sustainable Development at a global scale. The

conference passed and signed the “Rio Declaration on Environment and Development” and

the “Agenda 21”. Moreover, one agreement was identifying the “common but differentiated

responsibilities” of developed and developing countries in addressing global environmental

issues, as well as the need for developed countries to finance and transfer technology to

developing countries. This meeting has also formulated goals and action plans to implement

sustainable development and establish the principle of building a global partnership to

jointly solve global environmental problems. This was the first time in human history that

SD strategy has been implemented from a concept into a global action, which established the

importance of SD at the international policy level. Since then SD has become the consensus

of the whole of mankind.

Core Elements of Sustainable Development

 Three core elements of sustainable development are economic growth, social inclusion

and environmental protection. It is crucial to harmonize all of them.

 Sustainable economic growth, achieving sustainable livelihood, living in harmony

with nature and appropriate technology are vital for sustainable development.

 Environmental Sustainability:

-It prevents nature from being used as an inexhaustible source of resources and ensures

its protection and rational use.

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 -Aspects such as environmental conservation, investment in renewable energy, saving

water, supporting sustainable mobility, and innovation in sustainable construction

and architecture, contribute to achieving environmental sustainability on several fronts.

 Social Sustainability:

-It can foster gender equality, development of people, communities and cultures to

help achieve a reasonable and fairly-distributed quality of life, healthcare and

education across the Globe.

 Economic Sustainability:

-Focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all, without harming the

environment.

-Investment and equal distribution of economic resources.

-Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions.5

SCOPE OF SUSTAUNABLE DEVELOPMENT

It is pertinent that development is sustainable, as it saves wastage in the national budget,

fulfils the needs of people, helps in coordination between the natural resources and people

and conserves natural resources for future generations. We all know that the e-goal of

sustainable development is to meet the needs of today, without compromising the needs of

tomorrow. This means we cannot continue using the resources at the current rate, as this

way not enough would remain for future generations.

Stabilising and reducing carbon emissions is the key to living within environmental limits.

Sustainable development believes that operating within the right economic, social and

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Sustainable Development (drishtiias.com)

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 environmental boundaries will create a truly sustainable health system, one that is fit for

the future. The scope of sustainable development is very wide, as it deals with areas like

social, economic, environmental, and institutional dimensions. They are being discussed

below6.

Social Dimension

The social dimension of sustainable development includes ensuring a strong, healthy and

just society with emphasis on ‘zero hunger’, ‘good health and well- being’, ‘quality

education’, ‘population control’ and ‘gender equality’. This way all the key facets of a

society are taken

Under the umbrella of Sustainable development and a society will not be worth living in if

these areas are not taken into proper consideration.

Economic Dimension

The economic dimension of sustainable development includes economic well- being of the

masses with emphasis on ‘no poverty’, ‘sustainable economy‘, ‘employment

opportunities’, especially for women, ‘decent work and economic growth‘, ‘managing

natural resources’, and ‘responsible consumption and production’.

Environmental Dimension

The environmental dimension of sustainable development includes promoting

environment- friendly and biodegradable products with emphasis on ‘clean water and

sanitation‘, ‘affordable and clean energy’, ‘reducing emissions from industry, transport and

energy’ (minimising the release of Greenhouse Gases, which contribute to global warming

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BPAG-174E.xps (egyankosh.ac.in)

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 and air pollution), ‘encouraging use of renewable sources‘ (such as solar, wind and water

energies), ‘climate action‘ and ‘preservation of natural resources’, while respecting and

protecting natural habitats (life below water and life on land) of life forms.

Institutional Dimension

The institutional dimension of sustainable development includes ‘industry, innovation and

infrastructure’, ‘sound financial resources’, ‘peace, justice and strong institutions’,

‘sustainable cities and communities’, ‘partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs)’, and ‘international cooperation’.

Global Initiatives on Sustainable Development

 The Stockholm Conference,1972: It was the first step towards putting environmental

concerns on the global agenda.

 It resulted in the Stockholm Declaration which contained principles and an Action

Plan containing recommendations for environmental policy.

 UNEP was set up in 1972 to serve as a catalyst in developing and coordinating an

environmental focus in the programmes of other organisations.

 The Earth Summit, 1992: This was a direct consequence of the Brundtland

Commission’s Report. It was held in Rio de Janeiro. The results of the Conference

were the following documents that came to life and are here to stay for times to come:

o The Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

o The Convention on Biological Diversity

o The Statement on Forest Principles

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o The Rio Declaration

o Agenda 21

 Kyoto Protocol,1997

 Rio +10, 2002: A 10-year assessment of the Rio outcomes (Rio +10) took the shape of

the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg.

 Paris Agreement 2015

 The Clean Development Mechanism is a way to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs )

emissions through efficient and sound technologies.

 Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)

 Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)

Also,

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted

by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet,

and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The 17 SDGs are integrated—they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in

others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental

sustainability.

Countries have committed to prioritize progress for those who're furthest behind. The SDGs

are designed to end poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women and girls.

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The creativity, knowhow, technology and financial resources from all of society is necessary

to achieve the SDGs in every context.7

The 17 goals are:

   Goal -1
 No Poverty
 By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
 Goal -2
 Zero Hunger
 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition by 2030.
 Goal -3
 Good Health and Well-being
 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages by 2030.
 Goal -4
 Quality Education
 Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary
education by 2030.
 Goal -5
 Gender Equality
 To 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 by 2030.
 Goal -7
 Affordable and Clean Energy
 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030.
 Goal -8
 Decent Work and Economic Growth
 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
 Goal -9
 Industry, Innovation and  Infrastructure
 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster
innovation by 2030.

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Sustainable Development Goals | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)

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 Goal -10
 Reduced Inequality
 Reduce inequality within and among countries by 2030.
 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, combat
desertification and halt biodiversity loss.
 Goal -16
 Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development; provide access to
justice for all.
 Goal -17
 Partnerships to achieve the Goal
 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for
sustainable development.

SDGs are not legally binding.8

Progress and Challenges Ahead9

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Sustainable Development (drishtiias.com)
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 Progress

o As per the Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2019

 Extreme poverty has declined considerably.

 The under-5 mortality rate fell by 49 % between 2000 and 2017.

 Immunizations have saved millions of lives.

 The vast majority of the world’s population now has access to electricity.

 Countries are taking concrete actions to protect our planet: marine protected

areas have doubled since 2010.

 Countries are making concerted efforts to address illegal fishing.

 186 parties have ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change, and almost all have

communicated their first nationally determined contributions.

 About 150 countries have developed national policies to respond to the challenges of

rapid urbanization, and more than 70 countries and the European Union now have

more than 300 policies and instruments supporting sustainable consumption and

production.

 A wide range of other actors—international organizations, businesses, local authorities,

the scientific community and civil society—have engaged with the SDGs in a manner

that generates great hope for the coming decade.

 Challenges

o As per the Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2019

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 Increasing inequality among and within countries requires urgent attention.

 3 out of every 4 stunted children live in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

 Young people are more likely to be unemployed than adults.

 Barriers in achieving gender equality.

 Global hunger has been on the rise after a prolonged decline.

 Extreme poverty declined from 36% in 1990 to 8.6% in 2018, but the pace of poverty

reduction is starting to decelerate as the world struggles to respond to entrenched

deprivation, violent conflicts and vulnerabilities to natural disasters.

 Extreme poverty is three times higher in rural areas than in urban areas.

 2018 was the fourth warmest year on record. Levels of CO2 concentrations continued to

increase in 2018.

 Natural environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

 Sea levels are rising.

 Ocean acidification is accelerating. Ocean acidity is 26% higher than in pre-industrial

times.

 1 million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction.

 Land degradation continues unchecked.

India and Sustainable Development Goals

Measures Taken by India To Implement Sustainable Development 10

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Sustainable Development & Environmental Issues in India | RBI Grade-B Main (careerlauncher.com)

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 NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, the newly-formed

commission that replaced the 65-year old Planning Commission in India, is

entrusted with the task of coordinating SDGs in India.

States are also advised to undertake similar mapping, including visioning,

planning, budgeting, and developing implementation & monitoring systems for

the state-sponsored schemes that are being implemented to fulfill the SDGs.

In addition to that, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation is

engaged in the process of building key indicators to monitor the implementation

of SDGs.

Since 2015 (when the United Nations, along with other countries, adopted the

SDGs) the Indian government has launched several flagship programs that are at

the heart of SDGs. Some of these include Swachh Bharat Mission, Skill India, Make

In India, Digital India, etc.

Performance of States

 Among the States, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh are the front runners with an SDG India

Index score of 69. Among the UTs, Chandigarh is a front-runner with a score of 68.

 Kerala’s top rank is attributed to its superior performance in providing good health,

reducing hunger, achieving gender equality and providing quality education.

 Himachal Pradesh ranks high in providing clean water and sanitation, in reducing

inequalities and preserving mountain ecosystem.

 Among the UTs, Chandigarh takes the lead because of its exemplary performance in

providing clean water and sanitation to its people.

 On the other hand states like Assam, Bihar and UP have featured badly in the index as

their score was below 49.

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 Challenges in Attaining SDGs For India
The four major challenges for attaining SDGs in India are discussed below:

1. Defining the Key Indicators: One of the major challenges for India is to devise

suitable indicators to effectively assess the progress of SDGs. The key definitions

for areas, such as poverty, hunger, safe drinking water, education need to be

revised in order to effectively implement the SDGs.

2. Financing Sustainable Development Goals: Despite India’s best efforts and

making poverty alleviation a priority since the Fourth 5-year Plan, India has the

highest number of people living below the poverty line. At today’s level of

investment, there is a huge funding shortfall that hinders the progress of attaining

SDGs.

3. Monitoring & Ownership of Implementation Process:  Although NITI Aayog is

expected to play an important role in taking ownership of the implementation

process, the members of the Aayog have expressed their concerns time and again

about the limited manpower they have to handle such a Herculean task.

4. Measuring the Progress: The government of India has admitted the non-

availability of data, especially from the sub-national areas. Incomplete coverage of

administrative data is yet another factor that has hampered the measurement of

progress for even the Millennial Development Goals (MDGs) that were the

precursor to SDGs. 

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we can safely say that the drive for economic growth has resulted in

problems such as environmental degradation and social disparities. Sustainable

development prescribes for a more balanced approach to growth that progresses

development across the three underlying pillars discussed above. The world is

coming together to fight the environmental crisis by trying to follow ways for

sustainable development because everyone realises the need to save our planet for

their children. Initiatives are underway in every country and they can be traced

across the globe. India is doing its bit by carrying out various programmes and

schemes. We all need to do our bit to save the planet and the very first step for that is

that we realise the dire need to save our dying planet.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Websites:

1. Sustainable Development & Environmental Issues in India | RBI Grade-B Main (careerlauncher.com)

2. Sustainable Development (drishtiias.com)

3. Sustainable Development Goals | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)

4. BPAG-174E.xps (egyankosh.ac.in)

5. Sustainable Development (drishtiias.com)

6. Sustainable Development (unesco.org)

7. Sustainable Development (drishtiias.com)

8. Concept of Sustainable Development - Leverage Edu

Reports:

1. Chapter 2, Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and

Development, 1987

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