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Sustainable Development and Climate Change Policies

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Sustainable Development and Climate Change Policies

What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development refers to economic growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.

Pillars of Sustainable Development

  1. Economic Sustainability – Ensuring long-term economic growth without depleting resources.
  2. Environmental Sustainability – Protecting ecosystems, reducing pollution, and promoting clean energy.
  3. Social Sustainability – Ensuring equitable access to resources, opportunities, and services.

Global Commitments and Agreements

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • 17 goals adopted under the UN Agenda 2030.
  • Covers poverty eradication, clean energy, climate action, gender equality, etc.

2. Paris Agreement (2015)

  • Global climate treaty under UNFCCC.
  • India pledged to:
    • Reduce emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030.
    • Achieve 40% electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
    • Create additional carbon sinks through afforestation.

India’s Climate Change Initiatives

1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Launched in 2008 with 8 National Missions:

  • Solar Mission – Promote solar energy.
  • Enhanced Energy Efficiency Mission – Improve energy efficiency.
  • Sustainable Habitat Mission – Urban waste management and energy-efficient buildings.
  • Water Mission – Promote water conservation.
  • Green India Mission – Increase forest cover.
  • Sustainable Agriculture Mission – Climate-resilient farming.
  • Strategic Knowledge Mission – Research on climate science.
  • Himalayan Ecosystem Mission – Protect fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

2. State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)

  • States prepare localized climate action plans aligned with NAPCC.

Other Environmental and Sustainable Initiatives

  • National Solar Mission – Target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
  • Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) – Market-based mechanism to improve energy efficiency.
  • Renewable Energy Development – Focus on solar, wind, bio-energy.
  • National Electric Mobility Mission – Promotes EV adoption.

Key Environmental Legislations in India

  • Environment Protection Act, 1986 – Umbrella legislation for environmental protection.
  • Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
  • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
  • Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Challenges to Sustainable Development

  • High dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Pollution and waste management issues.
  • Industrialisation vs ecological balance.
  • Climate vulnerability (floods, droughts).
  • Balancing poverty alleviation with environmental sustainability.

Statement-based MCQs

MCQ 1
Which of the following are pillars of sustainable development?

  1. Economic growth
  2. Environmental protection
  3. Social inclusion

Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 2 and 3 only

Tap here for Answer
Answer: c) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:

  • Sustainable development requires balancing all three pillars — economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion.

MCQ 2
India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement includes:

  1. Achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
  2. Creating additional carbon sinks through afforestation.
  3. Reducing emissions intensity of GDP.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is incorrect — India aims for net zero by 2070, not 2030.
  • Statements 2 and 3 are correct — Carbon sinks and reducing emissions intensity are India’s stated commitments.

MCQ 3
Which of the following is a part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?

  1. National Solar Mission
  2. National Electric Mobility Mission
  3. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

  • National Electric Mobility Mission is not part of NAPCC; it is a separate scheme under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
  • The Solar Mission and Sustainable Agriculture Mission are part of NAPCC.

MCQ 4
Which legislation provides the overarching framework for environmental protection in India?
a) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
b) Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
c) Environment Protection Act, 1986
d) Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Tap here for Answer
Answer: c) Environment Protection Act, 1986
Explanation:

  • The Environment Protection Act, 1986 provides a comprehensive framework for environmental governance and regulation in India.

MCQ 5
The Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) scheme in India primarily aims to:
a) Promote renewable energy.
b) Improve energy efficiency in large industries.
c) Create carbon sinks through afforestation.
d) Provide incentives for electric vehicles.

Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) Improve energy efficiency in large industries.
Explanation:

  • PAT scheme is a market-based mechanism under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries.

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