Class 12 Indian Economic Development Notes · CBSE
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development — understand the Brundtland definition, aims, five rules for achieving sustainable development, and UN SDGs. CBSE Class 12 IED notes.
Last updated: 1 Sep 2026
Notes
Definition and Concept
Brundtland Commission 1987
The concept was first emphasised by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The Brundtland Commission in the 1987 Brundtland Report gave the most widely recognised definition.
Economist Perspective
For economists, a development path is sustainable if the stock of overall capital assets remains constant or rises over time.
Real-life connection
Imagine you're eating from a shared jar of cookies. Sustainable development means you don't eat so many that your younger sibling has none left. India's development must balance today's growth with tomorrow's resources.
Aims of Sustainable Development
Sustainable development has three core aims — click each to learn more.
Sustainable and equitable use of resources, to meet the needs of present and future generations, without causing damage to environment.
To prevent further damage to our life-support systems.
To conserve and nurture biodiversity and other resources for long-term food security.
Five Rules for Achieving Sustainable Development
Rule 1 — Restrict Renewable Use
⭐ Renewable resources should be extracted on a sustainable basis — the rate of extraction should not exceed the rate of regeneration.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the UN formulated 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intended to be achieved by the year 2030.
No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water
Affordable Energy
Decent Work
Industry Innovation
Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Cities
Responsible Consumption
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace Justice
Partnerships
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
- The concept was first popularized by the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report under the United Nations.
- Three core aims: sustainable resource use, preventing damage to life-support systems, and conserving biodiversity.
- The five rules emphasize restricting renewable extraction rates, substituting non-renewables, input efficiency, pollution control, and population management.
- The UN has set 17 SDGs to be achieved by 2030, covering poverty, hunger, health, education, climate, and more.