What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Sustainable development is a vital topic in Commerce and Economics, focusing on meeting current needs without harming future generations’ ability to meet theirs. It connects economic growth with environmental protection and social welfare. Understanding sustainable development is crucial for school board exams, competitive tests, and real-world business practices.
| Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) | Focus Area | Example |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | End poverty in all forms | Poverty alleviation programs |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Safe water and sanitation | Rural water supply schemes |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Combat climate change | Renewable energy adoption |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Protect terrestrial ecosystems | Afforestation drives |
Sustainable Development: Meaning and Importance
Sustainable development balances economic growth, environmental care, and social equity. It aims for development that lasts over time, ensuring resources are not depleted. This idea is especially important for students preparing for Commerce and Business Studies exams since it forms the basis for many policies and laws.
Main Features of Sustainable Development
- It includes economic, environmental, and social aspects.
- Development should not harm the environment or deplete resources.
- Promotes fairness between current and future generations.
- Linked closely with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The United Nations developed 17 SDGs in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda to address global challenges. These goals guide countries—like India—towards ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Being aware of SDG numbers and their focus areas is essential for exams and interviews.
| SDG Number | Goal Name | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1 | No Poverty | End poverty everywhere |
| SDG 2 | Zero Hunger | End hunger and promote nutrition |
| SDG 3 | Good Health and Well-being | Ensure healthy lives |
| SDG 4 | Quality Education | Inclusive and quality education |
| SDG 5 | Gender Equality | Empower women and girls |
| SDG 6 | Clean Water and Sanitation | Water & sanitation for all |
| SDG 7 | Affordable and Clean Energy | Sustainable energy access |
| SDG 8 | Decent Work and Economic Growth | Productive employment |
| SDG 9 | Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Resilient infrastructure |
| SDG 10 | Reduced Inequalities | Equality within and among countries |
| SDG 11 | Sustainable Cities and Communities | Inclusive urban development |
| SDG 12 | Responsible Consumption and Production | Sustainable resource use |
| SDG 13 | Climate Action | Address climate change |
| SDG 14 | Life Below Water | Protect marine ecosystems |
| SDG 15 | Life on Land | Protect land-based ecosystems |
| SDG 16 | Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Justice for all, effective institutions |
| SDG 17 | Partnerships for the Goals | Global cooperation |
Key Concepts in Sustainable Development
Several concepts are linked to sustainable development, including the green economy, climate change, and resource management. These are important for commerce students to understand long-term business viability and legal frameworks. For example, knowing about green accounting or environmental laws is useful for case-based exam questions and interviews.
Objective MCQs on Sustainable Development
MCQs are common in board and competitive exams. Regular practice helps students master concepts, memorize SDGs, and reduce exam errors. Here are sample questions:
- Q1. Which document first defined “sustainable development”?
a) Paris Agreement
b) Brundtland Report
c) Kyoto Protocol
d) Rio+20
Answer: b) Brundtland Report - Q2. What does SDG 6 focus on?
a) Quality Education
b) Clean Water and Sanitation
c) Decent Work
d) Affordable Energy
Answer: b) Clean Water and Sanitation - Q3. Which is NOT a Sustainable Development Goal?
a) No Poverty
b) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
c) Space Research
d) Life on Land
Answer: c) Space Research - Q4. SDG 13 relates to:
a) Life Below Water
b) Climate Action
c) Peace and Justice
d) Gender Equality
Answer: b) Climate Action - Q5. India’s main body for SDG progress tracking is:
a) NCERT
b) Ministry of Commerce
c) NITI Aayog
d) Reserve Bank
Answer: c) NITI Aayog
Applications in Real Life and Business
Sustainable development concepts apply in business for resource efficiency, legal compliance, and ethical practices. For instance, using renewable energy or managing waste responsibly supports SDGs. Students can link this knowledge to essays, project work, or case study questions. This approach is central in current business policy and planning.
Related Commerce Topics for Deeper Learning
- Importance of Sustainable Development
- Environment and Sustainable Development in India
- Poverty Alleviation Policies and Programs
- Factors of Production: Capital
- Industrialization in India
- Human Capital Formation
- Consumer Protection Act
- Functions of Financial Management
- Development of Public Enterprises in India
- Sustainable Development and Organic Farming
At Vedantu, we simplify sustainable development by covering its types, SDGs, and business relevance. This helps students prepare for exams, deepen their economic understanding, and see how sustainability shapes today’s business and policy world. Mastering these ideas supports exam success and responsible business practices.
FAQs on Multiple Choice Questions on Sustainable Development (with Answers)
1. What is sustainable development in MCQ format?
Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. Key aspects include responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and equitable distribution of benefits. Understanding this definition is crucial for acing MCQs on sustainable development in Commerce, Economics, and Business Studies exams.
2. What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. They were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030. These goals address a wide range of social and environmental challenges, including:
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life On Land
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals
Understanding the SDGs is vital for answering MCQs on sustainable development.
3. How many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are there?
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. These goals aim to be achieved by 2030 and address global challenges like poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, and more. Knowing this number is fundamental for MCQs on sustainable development.
4. Who is considered the father of sustainable development?
While the concept evolved over time, Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, is widely recognized for popularizing the term through the Brundtland Report (Our Common Future, 1987). This report provided a widely accepted definition of sustainable development and significantly shaped global policy. This is important context for MCQs in sustainable development.
5. What is the main aim of SDG 6?
SDG 6 focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This includes improving water quality, expanding access to sanitation, and promoting water efficiency. This is a frequently tested area in MCQs on sustainable development.
6. What is the difference between 'environment' and 'sustainable development'?
While the environment is a key component, sustainable development is a broader concept. It encompasses environmental protection but also includes economic growth and social equity. Sustainable development aims for a balance between these three pillars, ensuring that progress in one area doesn't come at the expense of others. This is a common source of confusion in MCQs.
7. Where can I get MCQs on sustainable development with answers in PDF?
Many educational websites and platforms offer MCQs on sustainable development with answer keys in PDF format. Look for resources aligned with your specific syllabus and exam requirements. This page will soon feature a downloadable resource as well.
8. What real-world examples are often used in sustainable development MCQs?
MCQs frequently use real-world examples to test understanding. These might include: renewable energy projects (solar, wind), afforestation drives, water management schemes, initiatives promoting responsible consumption and production, and international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord.
9. How are MCQs on sustainable development tailored for Class 10 vs. Class 12?
Class 10 MCQs focus on foundational understanding of sustainable development, emphasizing basic concepts and the SDGs. Class 12 MCQs delve deeper, incorporating case studies, international initiatives, and more complex applications of principles. Exam difficulty and depth of knowledge are key differentiators.
10. What are common distractors in SDG-related MCQs?
Common distractors in SDGs MCQs include: similar-sounding goals, incorrect attributions, confusion between SDGs and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and misinterpretations of specific goal targets. Carefully analyzing question wording and options is crucial for success.
11. What is the importance of the Brundtland Commission Report in sustainable development?
The Brundtland Report (Our Common Future, 1987) provided a widely accepted definition of sustainable development and emphasized the interconnectedness of economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. It significantly influenced global policy and remains a cornerstone of the discourse on sustainable development. Understanding its impact is key for MCQs.
