UGC NET COMMERCE November 2017(Paper-II) Q2
- Option : B
- Explanation : The concept of sustainability is commonly believed to come from the World Conservation Strategy (IUCN, 1980) but was later more fully developed and publicised in the Brundtland Report, Our Common Future by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) wherein it is stated that the present generation should develop in such a way that meets their needs ‘without jeopardising the ability of future generations to fulfil their needs’. There is a dual emphasis on fulfilling the ‘needs’ of the present generation and the ‘ability’ of future generations to do so. Both concepts are subject to different interpretations depending on society norms over time. In particular, ‘ability’ is difficult to measure and quantify for informing government policies and inducing changes in the behaviour of the present generation.
Therefore, comprehensive sustainability is a broad concept or vision with shared principles and meanings across the globe, but the specific objectives and plans are often place-based and diverse. Comprehensive sustainability aims to balance different needs of the human race in the three major domains of the environment, society and economy. The balance between achieving economic growth and environmental preservation is best described as sustainable development. The balance between environmental preservation and social equity is best illustrated by community liveability.
The balance between economic growth and social equity is crystallised in social and economic equity. However, comprehensive sustainability only exists in the small but important overlapping areas of the three domains of environment, economy and society.
