IGNOU MED - 002 Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges Notes In English Medium

Q1 - Write the definition of sustainable development. What is meant by sustainability? Mention three special rules given by Herman Daly to maintain sustainability.

Answer -

Introduction

Today, development is moving forward rapidly, but it is important to think whether this development is considering the environment, natural resources, and the interests of future generations. In this context, the concepts of "sustainable development" and "sustainability" have emerged, which call for balanced and inclusive development for both the present and the future.

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Definition of Sustainable Development:

Sustainable development is a process that fulfills the social and economic needs of the present generation while protecting the environment. Its goal is that future generations should also get all the resources of life.

Main Goals Of Sustainable Development

• Protecting The Ecosystem: Saving soil, water, forests and biodiversity.
• Social Justice: The benefits of development should reach everyone, not just a privileged few.
• Long-Term Economic Progress: Growth that is sustainable without overusing limited resources.

Meaning of Sustainability: Sustainability means preserving natural resources and the environment in such a way that they can be used for a long time without destroying them. It focuses on maintaining balance in three main aspects - environmental, social, and economic.

Contribution of Herman Daly:

Herman Daly was a famous American environmental economist who gave a clear shape to the concept of "Sustainable Development." He supported "Sustainability"and believed that the economy should work within the limits of nature. He gave three main rules for the wise use of environmental resources, which have now become the basis for global policy-making and environmental planning.

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Three Rules of Sustainability given by Herman Daly:

1. Use of renewable resources should not exceed their regeneration rate - Renewable resources such as water, forests, fish etc, are available in limited quantities and regenerate over time. Daly says that their use should not exceed their regeneration rate so that they can regenerate naturally.

Example: If a forest growing 5% yearly, shouldn't have more trees cut down then that.

2. Non-renewable resources should be used along with the development of alternative resources - Non-renewable resources (like coal, petroleum, minerals) are limited. According to Daly, they should be used at such a rate that by the time they are finished, their renewable alternatives (like solar energy, biofuel) are ready.

Example: Gradually moving from oil to electric vehicles and solar energy.

3. Pollution should not go beyond the environment's self-cleaning capacity - Pollution and waste should be released only as much as the environment can absorb without harm. If pollution becomes too much, it can cause serious danger to the ecosystem.

Example: Carbon dioxide should be only as much as forests and oceans can easily absorb.

Conclusion

Herman Daly's three rules not only show the way to protect the environment, but also explain the basic principles of sustainable development and sustainability. These rules point towards a fair, long-term, and balanced model of development. In today's time, when resources are being overused, Daly's thoughts on sustainability have become even more relevant.

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