In the UNCED definition of sustainable development, which two are called the catch phrases?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → ‘need’ and ‘future generations’
UNCED defined sustainable development as development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs. The term ‘need’ and the phrase ‘future generations’ carry its main idea, so they are called the catch phrases.
NCERT (2026-27): “7.4 Sustainable Development … The concept of sustainable development was emphasised by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), which defined it as: ‘Development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs’. Read the definition again. You will notice that the term ‘need’ and the phrase ‘future generations’ in the definition are the catch phrases. The use of the concept ‘needs’ in the definition is linked to distribution of resources. …” |