Brundtland sustainable development – UGC NET Question

The Brundtland definition links development with both present and future needs. It accepts that development should improve people’s lives today, but insists this must not damage the resource base and environment needed by future generations. The phrase clearly combines human well-being with intergenerational justice. Therefore, the option that explicitly mentions present needs and future generations’ ability to meet their needs captures the core idea.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it reproduces the essential balance between present needs and future possibilities that defines sustainable development in the Brundtland Report. It recognises development as a process that must be both people oriented and resource conscious.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it focuses only on GDP growth and allows environmental degradation, which would undermine long-term sustainability and harm future generations.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as sustainable development does not demand stopping all development; it calls for changing the quality and pattern of growth.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because sustainable development includes social, economic and environmental dimensions; concentrating only on wildlife ignores broader human development needs.