SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Name: ____________________________

Class: ____________________________

School: ___________________________

Session: 2024–2025
Acknowledgment
I sincerely thank my teacher, [Teacher's Name], for their continuous support and
guidance in completing this project. I am also thankful to my family and friends who
encouraged me and provided help during my research.
Preface
This project explores the concept of Sustainable Development, which is essential for
balancing the environment, economy, and society. The project also presents real-life case
studies to explain how sustainable practices are being used globally and in India.
Index
1. Introduction
2. Definition
3. History & Evolution
4. Key Principles
5. 3 Pillars of Sustainability
6. 17 SDGs
7. Environmental Challenges
8. Social Aspects
9. Economic Aspects
10. Sustainable Agriculture
11. Sustainable Cities
12. Climate Action
13. Renewable Energy
14. Waste Management
15. Case Study: Costa Rica
16. Case Study: Sweden
17. Case Study: India (Solar Mission)
18. Role of Youth
19. Role of Education
20. Role of Government
21. Role of Technology
22. Solutions & Practices
23. Conclusion
24. Bibliography
Introduction
Sustainable Development is the way forward for a growing population and limited
resources. It ensures that human needs are met without destroying the environment or
depleting resources for future generations.
What is Sustainable Development?
Definition by Brundtland Commission (1987): "Sustainable development is development
that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs."
Includes:
- Responsible use of natural resources
- Long-term economic and social planning
- Environmental conservation
History and Evolution
- 1972: UN Stockholm Conference – First global step.
- 1987: Brundtland Report coined the term.
- 1992: Earth Summit in Rio – Agenda 21.
- 2015: UN adopted 17 SDGs for 2030 Agenda.
Key Principles of Sustainability
- Intergenerational equity
- Precautionary approach
- Inclusive growth
- Respect for biodiversity
- Community participation
The Three Pillars of Sustainability
1. Environmental – Conserving nature, reducing pollution
2. Economic – Fair growth, green jobs
3. Social – Justice, equity, quality of life
UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The 17 SDGs include:
1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-Being
...
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Environmental Challenges
- Climate change
- Deforestation
- Biodiversity loss
- Pollution (air, water, soil)
- Rising carbon emissions
Social Aspects
- Equal access to education & healthcare
- Gender equality
- Reducing poverty and hunger
- Housing and sanitation
- Cultural preservation
Economic Aspects
- Promoting green industries
- Sustainable transport
- Eco-tourism
- Reducing over-dependence on fossil fuels
- Supporting local economies
Sustainable Agriculture
- Organic farming
- Mixed cropping and crop rotation
- Using natural fertilizers
- Water conservation (drip irrigation)
- Farmer support programs
Sustainable Cities
- Green buildings
- Solar-powered lighting
- Public transport & bike lanes
- Urban gardens and parks
- Smart city technology
Climate Action
- Paris Agreement (2015)
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Afforestation and carbon sinks
- Global cooperation
- Individual actions like reducing energy use
Renewable Energy
- Solar energy – India's Solar Mission
- Wind energy – Used in Europe, Gujarat
- Hydro energy – Dams, rivers
- Biomass & geothermal – Eco-friendly sources
Waste Management
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs)
- E-waste management
- Composting
- Plastic ban initiatives
- Municipal waste segregation
Case Study: Costa Rica
- Almost 98% of electricity from renewable sources
- Ban on single-use plastics
- Focus on reforestation
- Excellent example of a small nation achieving sustainability
Case Study: Sweden
- Recycles nearly 99% of its waste
- District heating from waste
- Bans on toxic substances
- National policies on circular economy
Case Study: India’s Solar Mission
- Launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change
- Target: 100 GW solar power by 2022
- Reduced cost of solar energy
- Large solar parks in Rajasthan, Gujarat
Role of Youth
- Promoting awareness
- Volunteering for tree planting, clean-up drives
- Innovating sustainable products
- Leading climate protests
- Using social media for advocacy
Role of Education
- Environmental studies in curriculum
- School campaigns on sustainability
- Sustainability clubs
- Research and innovation in colleges
Role of Government & Technology
- Policies on climate, forest, water
- Investment in renewable energy
- Electric vehicles and smart grids
- Mobile apps to monitor air & water pollution
Solutions & Conclusion
Solutions:
- Practice 3Rs
- Switch to renewable energy
- Conserve water and electricity
- Eat local, seasonal foods
- Plant trees, avoid single-use plastic

Conclusion:
Sustainable development is the only way to protect our planet and ensure a good life for
future generations. Every individual, community, and government must act responsibly to
achieve this goal.
Bibliography
- UN Sustainable Development Goals website
- India’s Ministry of Environment
- The Hindu, Down To Earth magazine
- NCERT textbooks
- Wikipedia & Britannica