Q.What is meant by sustainable development? State the definition given by the Brundtland Commission.

Sustainable development means pursuing economic growth in a way that meets the needs of the present without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, as defined by the Brundtland Commission (1987).

Sustainable development is a concept that links economic growth with environmental responsibility. The most widely used definition comes from the Brundtland Commission Report, Our Common Future (1987): sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This definition rests on two key ideas: first, that people today are entitled to pursue growth and improved living standards (the 'needs of the present'); and second, that this pursuit must not exhaust or permanently damage natural resources — clean air and water, fertile soil, forests, minerals, and a stable climate — that future generations will also need. In practice, this means economic decisions today (on industry, energy use, agriculture, and urbanisation) should account for their long-term environmental consequences, not just their immediate output or profit.

Sustainable development is therefore best understood as three goals pursued together rather than in conflict: economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.

Students often define sustainable development only as 'protecting the environment,' omitting the equally important idea that it is still about achieving growth and meeting present needs — sustainable development is a balance between the two, not environmental protection alone.