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1. What is Sustainable Development?
- Definition: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs .
- Goal: Balance economic growth, environmental protection and social well-being.
2. Problems related to sustainable development
- Food: Loss of fertile land, soil nutrient depletion and over-use of chemicals.
- Water: Pollution of rivers/ponds and over-extraction leads to future scarcity.
- Fuel: Excessive use of wood/fossil fuels causes deforestation and climate impacts.
3. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- What & who: 17 global goals forming the 2030 Agenda — launched by the United Nations in September 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity.
- Examples of SDG themes: Clean water & sanitation, affordable clean energy, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, climate action.
4. Society, Environment & Natural Resources
- Natural resources: air, water, soil, forests, minerals; renewable (solar, wind, water) vs non-renewable (coal, petroleum).
- Need for conservation: preserve resources for future generations, avoid pollution, maintain ecological balance.
5. Sustainable Processes / Conservation Methods (practical)
- Organic farming: Avoid chemical pesticides/fertilisers; use natural manures — preserves soil and biodiversity.
- Vermi-composting & composting: Convert organic waste into manure for soil health.
- Rainwater harvesting / watershed management: Store and recharge groundwater.
- Soil conservation: terracing, contour ploughing, reforestation to prevent erosion.
- Energy conservation tips : switch off unused appliances, use efficient bulbs, cover vessels while cooking, use pressure cookers, regular maintenance of equipment.
6. Green Economy & Green Growth
- Green Economy: An economy that improves well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
- Green Growth: Economic growth that is socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable — policies must consider environmental impacts.
- Green consumer: Consumers who prefer eco-friendly products (e.g., cloth bags, solar lamps).
7. Green Skills
- Definition: Technical skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed to develop/support sustainable outcomes in business, industry and community.
- Examples / what to learn: installing/maintaining solar systems, waste segregation & recycling, rainwater harvesting, water & energy conservation techniques, organic farming methods.
8. Green Jobs
- Definition: Jobs that contribute to preserving/restoring the environment and use resources efficiently.
- Sectors & sample green roles :
- Agriculture: organic farming, watershed technicians, solar pump technicians.
- Energy: solar cell technicians, wind energy professionals, biofuel experts.
- Construction: green building designers, energy auditors, green plumbers.
9. Examples of Green Projects & Initiatives
- Swachh Cooperative (Pune): waste-picker owned cooperative doing doorstep waste collection, biogas from wet waste and recycling.
- Bio-toilets (Green Solution Foundation): bio-digester converting human waste into water/biogas — hygienic sanitation and employment via training.
- Charanka (Gujarat) Solar Park: example of large-scale solar power generation reducing dependence on fossil fuels (example referenced in text).
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