Read the given paragraph carefully and answer the following question.
The term development is generally used to describe the state of particular societies and the process of changes experienced by them. It is a multi-dimensional concept and signifies the positive, irreversible transformation of the economy, society and environment.
The concept of development is dynamic and has evolved during the second half of the 20th century. In the post World War II era, the concept of development was synonymous to economic growth which is measured in terms of temporal increase in gross national product and per capita income/capita consumption. Later in 1970s, redistribution of growth and equity were incorporated in the concept of development. By 1980s, it included improvement in social and material wellbeing of all in a society.
The notion of sustainable development emerged in the wake of general rise in the awareness of environmental issues in the late 1960s in the western world. The publication of 'The Population Bomb' by Ehrlich (1968), 'The Limits to Growth' by Meadows (1972) and others further raised awareness which sets the scenario for the emergence of 'Sustainable Development'. The World Commission on Environment and Development gave its report (also known as Brundtland Report) entitled ‘Our Common Future’ in 1987 which defined sustainable development that takes care of ecological, social and economic development for present population and pleads for conservation to enable the future generations to use these resources.
Which of the following is not a component of sustainable development?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Focus on increase in employment, production and consumption
The passage states: “The World Commission on Environment and Development gave its report … which defined sustainable development that takes care of ecological, social and economic development for present population and pleads for conservation to enable the future generations to use these resources.”
Sustainable development looks after the economy, society and environment together, and saves resources for the people who come after us. A plan that only pushes production and consumption higher looks at growth alone.
Option (1) Development including social, economic and ecological aspects — A component of sustainable development. Sustainable development takes care of the ecological, social and economic sides of development.
Option (2) Conservation of resources — A component of sustainable development. Sustainable development pleads for conservation, so that resources last.
Option (3) Focus on increase in employment, production and consumption — Not a component of sustainable development. This is the older idea of development as economic growth. It leaves out the environment and future generations.
Option (4) It takes into account the needs of the future generations — A component of sustainable development. Conservation is meant to let the future generations use these resources too.