Sustainable development classic definition – UGC NET Question

The definition given in the question is the classic Brundtland Commission definition of sustainable development. It explicitly links present needs with the rights of future generations. The idea stresses intergenerational equity and long term resource security. Therefore the only concept that fully captures this definition is sustainable development.

Option A:
Sustainable development integrates economic efficiency,social equity and environmental protection. It ensures that development does not degrade the resource base needed by future generations. Because it balances present benefits with future needs,it correctly matches the definition in the stem.

Option B:
Economic growth refers mainly to an increase in the value of goods and services produced in an economy. It does not necessarily take environmental limits or equity into account. Rapid economic growth can actually undermine sustainability if it depletes resources and increases pollution.

Option C:
Human development focuses on expanding people’s capabilities in areas such as health,education and income. Although it is concerned with improving quality of life,it does not inherently include the intergenerational environmental focus mentioned in the definition. Hence it is related but not an exact fit for the idea in the stem.

Option D:
Industrialisation describes the shift to factory based and mechanised production. Historically it has often led to increased pollution and resource extraction. By itself,it does not guarantee protection of future generations’ needs,so it does not match the given definition.