Summary
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic growth with social progress and environmental protection.
- Sustainable Development — development that meets present needs without compromising future generations. Example: Balancing economic growth with social and environmental needs.
- Social Sustainability — ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities for all people. Example: Quality education and healthcare.
- Economic Sustainability — creating stable economies that provide livelihoods without depleting resources. Example: Fair employment and responsible industry practices.
- Environmental Sustainability — protecting natural systems and biodiversity for future generations. Example: Renewable energy adoption and pollution reduction.
- Microfinance — small loans for entrepreneurs to start businesses without collateral. Example: Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.
- Fair Trade — ensures producers receive fair prices for goods, promoting ethical labor and environmental standards. Example: Connecting producers in low-income countries to global markets.
- International Aid — financial or technical assistance to support development projects. Example: Emergency aid for disaster relief and development aid for long-term projects.
- Debt Relief — cancelling or reducing debts to free up funds for development. Example: HIPC Initiative.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Sustainable Development
- Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability
- Microfinance
- Fair Trade
- International Aid
- Debt Relief
Common Confusions
- Confusing sustainable development with only environmental protection
- Assuming all aid leads to positive outcomes without considering dependency
Typical Exam Questions
- What is sustainable development? Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
- How can education contribute to sustainable development? Improves literacy and skills, leading to better employment and informed decisions.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of international aid. Provides essential services but can create dependency and be misused.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the three pillars of sustainability
- Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of development strategies
- Knowledge of case studies, such as Bangladesh, and their outcomes