Stockholm Conference (1972)

• Indira Gandhi said that Poverty was the greatest Polluter. 
• Rich nations – Serious Environmental problems
• This meant that environmental problems were different in different nations. 
• Poor nations- Problems related to poverty

• As a response to the world’s growing social & environmental problems, The Earth Summit also known as the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, formulated Agenda 21 which included Global Programmed for Sustainable Development for 21st century.
• Since the projections of population Growth & inequalities due to globalization are alarming, the need to transform from an unsustainable mode of development to a sustainable one was felt, so that we can ensure that our long-term needs are not compromised.
• Sustainable Development means to make the world a better place without destroying the possibilities for the next generation. It is defined in the Brundtland commission Report, “Our Common Future” as  meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This Definition was given by Norwegian Prime Minister, G.H. Brundtland who was also the Director of WHO.

Major Aspects

Inter-Generational Equity– Minimize exploitation of natural resources so that the future generation need not suffer

Intra Generational Equity– Reduce wealth inequality with the help of technology.

                                                         SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable Development means growth must be accomplished with respect to nature and humankind and thus, sustainability is achieved at the crossroads of economic goals, social responsibility & environmental protection.

What can we do?

Use appropriate Technology– The one that is eco-friendly, adaptable, efficient and suitable

Use The 3 Rs. approach– Minimize the use of resources, reuse the ones that are reusable and recycle waste.

Promote Environmental Education and Awareness– Incorporate ‘Earth Thinking’ amongst small children and adults as well.

Utilize Resources as per the Carrying Capacity– Do not cross the carrying capacity of the system. Carrying capacity includes- 

• Supporting Capacity, the capacity to regenerate and 
• Assimilative Capacity, the capacity to absorb

Improve quality of life including social, cultural and economic dimensions– Think globally, act locally. Development should not only be restricted to the affluent sections, rather it should conserve the heritage of all.

To achieve Sustainable development in Partnership and peace, the members of the UN adopted a set of 17 integrated and interrelated goals in order to protect the planet and ensure that humanity enjoys peace and prosperity by 2030.

The 17 SDGs are–

GOAL 1: No Poverty

GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

GOAL 4: Quality Education

GOAL 5: Gender Equality

GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

GOAL 13: Climate Action

GOAL 14: Life Below Water

GOAL 15: Life on Land

GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal