Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Sustainable development, a concept popularized by the 1987 Brundtland Report, aims to balance present needs with the well-being of future generations. While conceptually simple, its practical application is fraught with complexities arising from competing economic, environmental, and social priorities. This précis summarizes the core arguments of the passage, outlining the challenges inherent in achieving sustainable development and highlighting potential pathways towards its realization, particularly in the context of global inequalities and the need for integrated strategies.
The passage begins by establishing sustainable development as a central tenet of global policy, defining it as meeting present needs without jeopardizing future generations’ ability to do the same. However, it immediately acknowledges the difficulties in implementing this principle due to perceived conflicts between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.
Challenges to Implementation
The passage details several challenges hindering the effective implementation of sustainable development. Rapid industrialization, while economically beneficial, often leads to environmental degradation. Conversely, environmental conservation measures can impede economic progress, especially in resource-dependent developing nations. These trade-offs are further complicated by the long-term and transboundary nature of ecological problems like climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Global Inequalities
A significant challenge highlighted is the unequal distribution of costs and benefits. Developed nations, historically responsible for the majority of environmental damage, often place a disproportionate burden on developing countries to mitigate its effects. This exacerbates existing inequalities and necessitates international cooperation.
Strategies for Sustainable Development
The passage proposes a holistic and integrated approach to overcome these challenges. This includes promoting resource efficiency, investing in renewable energy, fostering sustainable consumption, and strengthening environmental governance. Addressing underlying socio-economic factors – poverty, inequality, and lack of education – is also deemed crucial.
The Role of SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, are presented as a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainable development across interconnected dimensions. However, the passage emphasizes that realizing these goals requires sustained political commitment, financial investment, and technological innovation.
Conclusion
In essence, the passage argues that while the concept of sustainable development is well-defined, its implementation is hampered by inherent complexities and global inequalities. A successful transition towards sustainability necessitates a holistic approach that integrates economic, environmental, and social considerations, alongside international cooperation and a commitment to addressing underlying socio-economic disparities. The SDGs provide a valuable framework, but their achievement demands sustained effort and resources.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.