Kerala SSLC · Social Science · Class 10
Sustainable Development: Important Questions with Answers
These are 10 important multiple-choice questions from the Kerala SSLC Social Science chapter “Sustainable Development” (Kerala SCERT syllabus). Each one shows the correct answer and a short explanation of why it is right. Try answering before you read the answer. ExamSummary has 10 practice questions on this chapter in total.
Q1.According to the Brundtland Commission Report (1987), what is the primary definition of sustainable development?
- A)Maximizing industrial production regardless of cost
- B)Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
- C)Rapid urbanization of rural areas to boost employment
- D)Increasing the export of natural resources to earn foreign exchange
Answer: B) Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
The Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This definition balances economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.
Q2.The Earth Summit of 1992, also known as the Rio Conference, resulted in the adoption of which important document?
- A)Kyoto Protocol
- B)Agenda 21
- C)Paris Agreement
- D)Montreal Protocol
Answer: B) Agenda 21
Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which humans impact the environment. It was a direct outcome of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
Q3.Which of the following best describes the concept of 'Inter-generational Equity' in sustainable development?
- A)Equal distribution of wealth within a single generation
- B)Fair treatment of different nations regarding current trade policies
- C)Ensuring future generations have access to natural resources and opportunities
- D)Prioritizing current economic growth over environmental concerns
Answer: C) Ensuring future generations have access to natural resources and opportunities
Inter-generational equity means that we must preserve the planet's resources so that future generations can enjoy them as well. It implies a moral obligation to not deplete resources solely for current consumption.
Q4.Sustainable development aims to balance which three main pillars?
- A)Politics, Economy, and Culture
- B)Economic, Social, and Environmental
- C)Industrial, Agricultural, and Service Sectors
- D)Local, National, and International Levels
Answer: B) Economic, Social, and Environmental
The three pillars of sustainable development are economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. All three must work together to ensure long-term viability without harming the ecosystem or society.
Q5.Why is the conservation of non-renewable resources crucial for sustainable development?
- A)They can be easily replaced by modern technology immediately
- B)They take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished quickly once used up
- C)They are generally cheaper than renewable resources
- D)They do not have any negative impact on the environment
Answer: B) They take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished quickly once used up
Non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals take geological time scales to regenerate. Once depleted, they are effectively gone for human timescales, making conservation essential for future sustainability.
Q6.In the context of Kerala's development model, which initiative emphasizes community participation in resource management?
- A)Centralized Five-Year Plans
- B)People's Plan Campaign
- C)Foreign Aid Dependency Program
- D)Private Sector Monopoly Act
Answer: B) People's Plan Campaign
The People's Plan Campaign in Kerala devolved funds and planning powers to local self-governments, encouraging community participation in sustainable resource management. This aligns with the principles of decentralization and sustainable development.
Q7.Which of the following is an example of a sustainable agricultural practice?
- A)Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
- B)Monoculture farming over large areas
- C)Crop rotation and using organic manure
- D)Deforestation to create new farmland
Answer: C) Crop rotation and using organic manure
Crop rotation and organic manure help maintain soil health and fertility without degrading the land. This ensures that agriculture can continue productively for future seasons without causing long-term environmental damage.
Q8.What is the main objective of Agenda 21 adopted at the Rio Summit?
- A)To ban all industrial activities globally
- B)To achieve global sustainable development through local action plans
- C)To increase military spending for environmental security
- D)To restrict trade between developing countries
Answer: B) To achieve global sustainable development through local action plans
Agenda 21 encourages governments and organizations worldwide to develop strategies for sustainable development tailored to their local contexts. Its goal is to integrate environmental and developmental policies at all levels.
Q9.How does poverty relate to environmental degradation in the context of sustainable development?
- A)Poverty helps protect the environment by reducing consumption
- B)Lack of resources often forces people to exploit nature unsustainably
- C)Rich countries are the only ones responsible for environmental damage
- D)There is no significant relationship between poverty and the environment
Answer: B) Lack of resources often forces people to exploit nature unsustainably
When people lack basic resources, they may resort to unsustainable practices like cutting down forests for fuel or overfishing to survive. Addressing poverty is therefore a critical component of achieving sustainable development.
Q10.Which organization published the report 'Our Common Future' that popularized the term sustainable development?
- A)UNICEF
- B)World Health Organization
- C)World Commission on Environment and Development
- D)Greenpeace
Answer: C) World Commission on Environment and Development
The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, published 'Our Common Future' in 1987. This report is famously known as the Brundtland Report and established the modern definition of sustainable development.